Cherry MX Black vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Black, renowned for its low-pitched and textured feel, has been further refined with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, providing a satisfyingly smooth experience with a significant level of resistance. This makes the MX Black ideal for users who prefer a firmer touch and a classic typing sound, perfect for those who value tactile feedback and durability. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience, accompanied by a resonant sound profile that appeals to users seeking a quieter yet satisfying keypress without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them appealing to various types of users; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
80g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches present a fascinating study in contrasts, particularly when analyzing the top housing components. The Cherry MX Black utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic can be attributed to nylon’s softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound, offering a more resonant response that contrasts distinctly with the muted qualities of nylon. This divergence in material properties is likely to lead users to experience different auditory textures when typing or gaming.
On the other hand, when comparing the bottom housings of both switches, there is an intriguing similarity. Both the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) feature nylon for their bottom housing. This shared use of nylon ensures that users will encounter a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out during key presses. As the bottom housing significantly influences the tactile feedback and sound during key presses, the sense of depth in sound will resonate uniformly across both switches. Such mutual use of nylon creates a consistent experience when engaging with the lower portion of the switch, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in affecting the overall sound experience.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) create unique auditory experiences, even as they converge at the bottom. The deeper, rounder sound produced by the MX Black’s nylon top will differ markedly from the sharper, clearer resonance of the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top, showcasing how housing materials can sculpt sound in distinct ways. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches assures that regardless of differences in the top components, users will enjoy a similar tactile and auditory robustness during key presses. This duality of sound profiles emphasizes how the interplay of different materials contributes to a nuanced keyboard experience, underscoring the significance of each switch's design.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Black linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a lower bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that the MX Black requires a slightly greater effort to register a keystroke and offers a more substantial resistance at the bottom of the keypress, catering to users who prefer a heavier feel in their typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a bit less resistance, making it potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions due to its lighter actuation force. Ultimately, users seeking a more tactile and robust interaction should consider the heavier Cherry MX Black, whereas those desiring a softer keypress might lean towards the lighter Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The MX Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional choice that is often preferred for users who enjoy a deeper keystroke feel. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who may favor quicker, more responsive key presses. For users who prioritize speed, the Tomcat (Heavy) could be the more appealing option, as the shorter distance can lead to faster response times, especially in gaming scenarios. However, for those who appreciate a sturdier and more substantial keystroke, the Cherry MX Black offers that satisfying depth. Thus, while both switches provide unique advantages depending on user preferences, the Cherry MX Black is the longer option, and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switches deliver a low-pitched and bass-heavy tone that creates a satisfying, mellow auditory experience while typing. This deep sound profile is often enjoyed by users who prefer a more subdued and rich acoustic environment. In contrast, the exact sound characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches remain unspecified, but they are noted to produce a resonant sound profile. Regardless, it's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced significantly by the keyboard’s construction, keycap material, and design, which can lead to similar results across different switches.
Regarding the feel, the Cherry MX Black switches are notably textured and stiff, requiring a higher actuation force for key presses. This textured experience can be somewhat polarizing; while some users appreciate the tangible feedback and slight friction of the switch, others might find it less desirable than a smoother touch. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are designed with Ly stems that promise a super smooth typing experience, thus differing from the textured nature of the MX Black switches. As a result, users who favor a smoother feel may lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy) for a more effortless keypress, while those who enjoy the tactile feedback of the MX Black may prefer its textured design.
In summary, both the Cherry MX Black and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to different user preferences in sound and feel. The MX Black offers a low-pitched and textured experience for those who appreciate a rich auditory backdrop infused with a touch of stiffness. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) aims for a smooth typing experience with an unspecified but resonant sound profile, making it a strong contender for users seeking a more fluid keypress. Depending on individual preferences for sound and physical typing feedback, both switches can provide satisfactory yet distinctly different typing experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between Cherry MX Black linear switches and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a firmer key feel and enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with a higher actuation force, then the Cherry MX Blacks—with their 80 grams of bottom-out force—may be the better choice for you. They are especially well-suited for people who value accuracy over speed and are often found in setups for gaming or professional typing environments where you want to avoid accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you desire a smoother typing experience with a slightly lighter touch, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are worth considering. With a bottom-out force of 64 grams, they provide a more comfortable pressing experience without sacrificing too much resistance. Additionally, if you value sound quality, the deeper profile of the Cherry MX Black may appeal to you, while the resonant sound of the Tomcat may be preferable for those who enjoy a more balanced auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prioritize a more durable and textured feel or a smoother typing experience, so take the time to try both switches when possible to determine which one aligns with your personal typing style.
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