Cherry MX Orange vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are two notable options worth exploring, both of which belong to the linear switch category, allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. The Cherry MX Orange switches, a revival of the original MX Orange design enhanced with modern MX2A enhancements, are celebrated for their dependable build quality and uniform actuation feel, making them an excellent choice for typists and gamers alike who seek consistent performance with a satisfying punch. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches boast an impressive level of smoothness thanks to their Ly stems, which provide a remarkably fluid typing experience and come with a unique resonant sound profile that appeals to users looking for tactile feedback. While the MX Orange emphasizes reliability and traditional performance, the Tomcat (Heavy) aims for refinement and auditory satisfaction. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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 housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange switches and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), notable differences emerge, particularly with the top housings. The Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, which is widely recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate not only results in a clearer acoustic performance but also enhances the visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, given polycarbonate's translucency. Thus, while both switches utilize differing materials in the top housing, they offer distinct auditory experiences shaped by their respective compositions.
However, when examining the bottom housings, both the Cherry MX Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share common ground, as each features a nylon bottom housing. As with the top housing, the nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches promotes a fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder tone. Since the bottom housing plays a more significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and tactile feel of the switches, users can expect a consistent experience when typing on either switch. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that despite the disparity in top housing, the overall feel of key presses will be more aligned than initially expected.
In essence, the differences between the Cherry MX Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are primarily found in their top housing materials, which impact sound and feel upon releasing a key. The nylon top housing of the MX Orange produces a softer sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Tomcat provides a sharper tone. Conversely, both switches' nylon bottom housings complement this by generating a consistent and deeper sound profile when bottoming out. Thus, while users may experience varying auditory results depending on which switch they opt for, they can anticipate a complimentary feel and sound experience due to the shared nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 55 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience a consistent typing experience when it comes to initial key activation. However, the two switches diverge significantly in their bottom out force; while the MX Orange's bottom out force is unknown, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a measurable bottom out force of 64 grams, giving it a stronger and more substantial feel when pressed all the way down. Consequently, the Tomcat switch is considered heavier overall due to this bottom out force, which might appeal to those who prefer a firmer tactile experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Orange can be perceived as lighter, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing and gaming sessions where less finger fatigue is desired.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Orange linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing a key, the MX Orange offers a deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying and substantial, especially those who prefer a heartier key press. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 3.6 mm travel distance caters more to those who favor a quicker response time, often preferred by gamers. The shorter travel may provide a more immediate feedback, which can enhance performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Therefore, if you're looking to maximize responsiveness, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better choice, whereas the MX Orange would be ideal for those who enjoy a deeper, more deliberate key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch is known for a balanced audio profile that provides a pleasant typing experience without being overly loud. Its sound tends to be more muted, prioritizing a smooth actuation rather than auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile, adding a richer tone to each keystroke. This resonant quality can contribute to a more engaging typing experience. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard construction and keycap material, so similar setups may yield similar acoustic results.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch offers a tactile responsiveness with a smooth glide, making it comfortable for both typing and gaming. The design improvements in the MX2A generation enhance its consistency across the keypress. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features Ly stems, which are engineered to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This ultra-smooth action may appeal to users who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes during extended use. Overall, while both switches offer linear functionality, the Tomcat's specialized design may give it a slight edge in terms of the overall fluidity of the keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Orange and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches have unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The MX Orange offers a balanced sound and reliable tactile feedback, while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a resonant auditory experience and an ultra-smooth actuation. If you’re in search of a switch that combines a satisfying audio profile with comfortable typing, consider your specific needs and how each switch's qualities align with your typing style. Ultimately, both choices can yield effective results in a mechanical keyboard setup, making either option a solid choice depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the feel you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard. If you value a smoother typing experience and appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force, the Tomcat (Heavy) might be your best bet, particularly if you enjoy that resonant sound profile that accompanies it. This switch excels in providing tactile feedback that many users find satisfying, making it suitable for gaming and typing sessions where precision is paramount. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch that requires less effort to actuate—ideal for rapid key presses or prolonged typing sessions—you might favor the Cherry MX Orange, which is known for its silky smooth feel and is a great option for users who seek a quieter yet responsive experience. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your priorities in terms of sound, actuation force, and tactile feedback—whether you lean towards the heavier, more resonant nature of the Tomcat or the refined smoothness of the MX Orange.
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