Cherry MX Brown vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Cherry MX Brown switches are celebrated for their subtlety; they provide a light typing experience characterized by gentle tactile feedback and low-pitched audio cues, making them a popular choice for typists who value a balanced feel without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience with their linear design, allowing for seamless key presses. These switches excel in environments where minimal sound is preferred, thanks to their resonant sound profile. While both switches cater to different preferences—Brown switches being ideal for those seeking tactile feedback and a more nuanced experience, and Tomcat switches perfect for users who prioritize smoothness and quiet operations—understanding the nuances beyond these general traits can help you determine which switch truly suits your needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), significant differences unfold in their top housing materials. The Cherry MX Brown utilizes nylon for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer properties. This softer plastic not only absorbs sound more effectively, creating a more muted acoustical experience, but also adds to a tactile feel that many users find appealing during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's rigidity allows for a more resonant and clear auditory experience, making it particularly beneficial for users who appreciate the crispness of their keystrokes, especially when using RGB lighting capabilities that benefit from the material's translucency.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, as both the Cherry MX Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing in both switches results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs vibrations more efficiently than harder plastics, enhancing the overall acoustic experience. This emission of sound is further augmented by the tactile feedback users experience upon bottoming out, reminiscent in both switches due to their shared nylon material. Thus, while their top housings diverge significantly in character, the similarity in bottom housing brings about some commonalities in keystroke feel and feedback.
Ultimately, the differences in sound profiles between the Cherry MX Brown and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) arise primarily from their contrasting top housing materials. The MX Brown’s nylon top housing produces a muffled and rounded auditory experience, while the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top invigorates the sound with clarity and sharpness. However, both switches’ nylon bottom housings contribute a similar tactile experience and depth to the sound profile that can appeal to enthusiasts of either design. Users seeking a well-rounded, muted auditory feedback may prefer the Cherry MX Brown, while those who enjoy a crisper and more resonant keypress might favor the Tomcat (Heavy). Ultimately, the choice will depend on the desired auditory profile and how each user interacts with the varying qualities offered by these materials.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 55 grams to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, significant differences in weight and feel emerge. The MX Brown is lighter, making it more suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long hours of use in the workplace or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a heavier actuation and bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and a stronger push during typing. While both switches require varying amounts of force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, their respective weights cater to different preferences, with the MX Brown being easier to actuate and the Tomcat providing a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Cherry MX Brown may be the better choice for those who desire a lighter touch, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) will satisfy users looking for a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in distance may affect the typing experience; the MX Brown, with its longer 4.0 mm travel, provides a more substantial feedback feel, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile response. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, offers a quicker actuation, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor a faster response time. In summary, the Cherry MX Brown is the longer switch, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the shorter option, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback and speed in usage.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Cherry MX Brown 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 Brown switches are characterized by their low-pitched audio profile, which provides a mellow and bass-heavy tone during typing. This subdued sound can be a pleasant and unobtrusive aspect of the typing experience, making them an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch remains unmentioned in this context. However, it is essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material, suggesting that users may still achieve a similar auditory experience through careful selection of their keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Brown switches are described as having a textured experience; they offer a gentle tactile feedback that adds some friction during typing. This texture appeals to users who appreciate a slight resistance with each keystroke while retaining the overall smoothness needed for fast typing. On the other hand, the feel of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches has not been described, leaving us without a direct comparison. Nonetheless, being a linear switch, it can be anticipated that the Tomcat may provide a smoother typing experience devoid of the tactile bump found in the MX Brown.
In conclusion, the Cherry MX Brown switch is well-regarded for its subtlety in sound and its textured feel, making it an appealing option for those seeking a versatile and unobtrusive typing experience. While the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a different switch type with smooth characteristics, specifics regarding its sound and feel are not detailed here. For newcomers looking to choose between these switches, understanding the balance between sound and tactile feedback is essential; selecting the appropriate keyboard setup can lead to similar auditory and tactile experiences, depending on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between Cherry MX Brown tactile switches and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a typing experience that is subtle, medium-light, and offers a gentle tactile bump with low-pitched sound, the MX Brown is an excellent choice for both casual typing and office environments, where quietness and a reassuring feel are essential. These switches also suit those who appreciate a bit of tactile feedback without the noise, making them ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, more pronounced typing experience with a medium-heavy key press, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches may be your go-to. Their higher bottom-out force and super smooth action make them perfect for gamers or those who prefer a more robust feel without tactile distractions. Additionally, the resonant sound profile of the Tomcat can be appealing if you enjoy a more audible typing experience. In the end, your choice should reflect your specific needs for typing feel, sound preferences, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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