Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat presents unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is celebrated for its rapid response and full-height design, making it an excellent option for gamers who demand swift and precise keystrokes during intense gameplay. With its linear action and minimal spring resistance, this switch allows for instant triggering, earning a reputation for its textured and thocky feel, which helps enhance the typing experience as well. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat offers a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, complemented by a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While gamers might gravitate towards the Speed Silver for its unmatched speed, users seeking a satisfying and smooth tactile experience might find the Tomcat more to their liking. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat, a clear distinction emerges between their top housings. The Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer plastic composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively compared to the harder plastics used in other switch designs. On the other hand, the Tomcat employs a polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, crisper sound signature. The rigidity of polycarbonate not only fosters clarity and resonance in sound but also enhances lighting effects, particularly when RGB illumination is desired. Consequently, users seeking a warmer auditory experience will prefer the Speed Silver, while those looking for precision and brightness in sound and aesthetics may gravitate toward the Tomcat.
In contrast, both switches share the same housing material in their bottoms, employing nylon for this component. This consistency means that users will experience a similarly deep and rounded sound profile from both switches when bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound and contributes to a softer bottom-out feel, enhancing overall typing comfort across both models. Even though the top housings differ significantly in sound characteristics, the commonality in their bottom housings ensures that the foundational acoustic experience remains consistent, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback no matter which switch they opt for.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat showcase a notable contrast in material properties and sound profiles, their nylon bottom housings balance the overall typing experience. The interplay between the different materials results in a fascinating sound and tactile dichotomy; the nylon bottom maintains a unified soft feel, while the varying top materials lend distinct auditory characteristics. Thus, although one switch offers a fuller sound and the other a crisper tone, the presence of nylon in both bottom housings promises a shared experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, appealing to a broad spectrum of user preferences.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch have comparable actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of force to register a keystroke. This similarity in actuation force suggests that users of either switch will achieve similar typing experiences in terms of ease of keypress, making both options suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. However, the Tomcat switch features a bottom out force of 54 grams, which indicates a slightly heavier feel when the key is pressed all the way down, offering a more substantial typing feedback compared to the MX Speed Silver, whose bottom out force is unknown. As a result, users who appreciate a more responsive and weighted feel might prefer the Tomcat, while those who favor a lighter touch without the certainty of bottom out resistance may lean toward the Cherry MX Speed Silver. Overall, while their actuation forces are equivalent, the Tomcat's higher bottom out force provides a richer tactile experience, distinguishing the two switches based on user preference for typing weight and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users of the MX Speed Silver may experience a quicker response time, making it a favorable choice for gamers who prefer a more responsive feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who enjoy a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference—if you lean towards faster reaction times and a snappier feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would be ideal; however, if you prefer the satisfaction of a longer travel distance, the Bsun Tomcat would be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
The Bsun Tomcat 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver presents a distinctive thocky and low-pitched tonal quality, offering a deep, rich sound akin to a soft thud or knock when keys are pressed and released. This auditory experience can be satisfying, especially for those who appreciate the acoustic feedback of their mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch does not provide any specific sound profile information, leaving its resonance and tonal characteristics unknown. However, it's essential to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the type of keyboard, the material of the case, and the design of the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is characterized by a textured experience, where users may notice a certain level of friction when pressing the keys. This texture can be polarizing; while some users enjoy the tactile feedback, others may prefer a smoother, more friction-free typing experience. Conversely, the feel of the Bsun Tomcat switch is not detailed, so we lack information on its smoothness or any unique textural elements that it may possess. If the Tomcat switch has a smoother action like many linear switches, it would generally provide an effortless typing experience similar to that of other linear switches.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Bsun Tomcat switches share the linear design characteristic, they differ significantly in sound and feel based on the available information. The Speed Silver offers a satisfying thocky sound and a textured feel that may cater to gamers seeking rapid response without losing acoustic feedback. Meanwhile, the Tomcat's sound profile remains an unknown variable, and its feeling goes unreported. Therefore, if you're deciding between the two, your choice may come down to preference in sound, as the responsive nature of both types can yield a similar typing experience, particularly for gaming and general use.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, your choice should be guided by your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily a gamer who values speed and responsiveness, the MX Speed Silver is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation and full-height design enable rapid key presses, which can significantly enhance your performance in fast-paced gaming environments. Additionally, its thocky and low-pitched sound profile may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper audio feedback during their gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and satisfying typing experience for work or casual use, the Bsun Tomcat might be the better fit. With its medium-light bottom-out force, it provides a balanced tactile response that makes typing comfortable over long periods. The Tomcat's Ly stems contribute to a silky-smooth keypress, and the overall sound profile may offer a more muted auditory feedback that could be more suitable for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize gaming speed or a smooth, pleasant typing experience.
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