Cherry MX Red vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the revered Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both of which are linear switches tailored for a distinct typing experience. The Cherry MX Red is a classic choice, characterized by its slightly heftier feel and a deeper, more resonant sound profile that offers a robust and satisfying auditory depth. This makes it ideal for users who desire responsiveness coupled with a tactile experience, perfect for both gaming and typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. While both switches boast linear designs, their unique attributes cater to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Red Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housings. The Cherry MX Red employs a nylon top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics. This material absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics, yielding a certain warmth and roundedness. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The inherent rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clarity that enhances resonance, making it particularly appealing for users looking for a more precise sound. Thus, while both switches are designed to deliver unique auditory feedback during typing, the materials used in their top housings lead to distinctly contrasting sound profiles that influence the overall typing experience.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches present a shared similarity, as both the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) feature nylon materials. This commonality means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile from their bottom housings, which are crucial for the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb sound effectively, ensuring a duller and rounder auditory experience regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. Consequently, when pressed into action, both switches will resonate similarly, setting a common benchmark for sound quality during key press events, despite the differences noted in their top housings.

In summary, the variation in top housing materials between the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) creates a distinct contrast in sound profiles, while the bottom housing similarities contribute to a unified auditory experience at the point of key actuation. The nylon bottom housing of both switches ensures that users can expect a rich sound when bottoming out the keys, while the divergent top materials – nylon for the MX Red and polycarbonate for the Tomcat – affect the aural characteristics during release. The interplay of these materials encapsulates the complexities of switch design, demonstrating how each component contributes uniquely to the overall performance and sound of mechanical keyboards.

Weight

When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are noteworthy. The Cherry MX Red boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, which can facilitate longer typing sessions and enhance comfort during extensive gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may find satisfying and stable. While the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Red is currently unknown, the Tomcat (Heavy) presents a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that users who opt for the Tomcat will experience not only a more pronounced keystroke resistance but also a firmer bottoming out sensation. Thus, for those who appreciate a lighter switch, the Cherry MX Red is ideal, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) caters to preferences for a heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a notable difference is evident. The Cherry MX Red has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, making it one of the more traditional choices favored by users who appreciate a substantial keypress feel. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning it with the recent trend among gamers who prefer quicker response times from their switches. As a result, if responsiveness is a priority for you, the Tomcat (Heavy) could be the better option; however, if you prefer the comforting depth and more pronounced tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Red would be more suitable due to its longer travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch produces a thocky and low-pitched auditory profile that many users find satisfying. This rich, deep sound creates an immersive experience, akin to a soft thud or gentle knock, when a key is pressed and released. This characteristic can be attributed to its construction and the materials used, contributing to its robust acoustics. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, though specific descriptors like thocky or low-pitched are not available for this switch. Since sound is influenced by various elements, including the keyboard plate and keycap choice, both switches can be tailored for distinct auditory experiences depending on the user's preferences.

In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Red offers a textured sensation, characterized by a noticeable friction during key presses. This texture can enhance the tactile feedback for some users, providing a sense of interaction with the switch. Meanwhile, specific information regarding the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) is not available, which leaves a gap in understanding how it contrasts with the MX Red. Nevertheless, the smoothness and friction-free experience that the Tomcat's Ly stems might provide could cater to users seeking a different typing sensation.

In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The MX Red excels in providing a deeper thocky sound and a textured feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more robust auditory and tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its resonant sound profile, may attract users looking for smoothness in typing. Each user's experience will ultimately depend on their specific preferences and the combinations of keyboards and keycaps used, as these factors play a significant role in shaping the overall performance of mechanical switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Red and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a linear switch that offers a lighter feel with a thocky, low-pitched auditory profile, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent option for you. Its deeper sound and responsive nature make it perfect for both gaming and typing, especially if you enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with a slightly heftier experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial bottom-out force and a super smooth typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is the way to go. Its 64-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying resistance that may enhance your typing accuracy and comfort over longer sessions. Ultimately, if sound profile and a lighter touch are your priorities, stick with the MX Red; however, if you relish a more solid feel that reduces finger fatigue, the Tomcat (Heavy) will serve you well. As you navigate your keyboard journey, consider trying both to see which aligns best with your style.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more