Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique benefits that cater to different user preferences and needs. The Cherry MX Speed Silver is designed for rapid response, making it an optimal choice for gamers who require instant triggering and minimal spring resistance to achieve peak performance during fast-paced gameplay. Its textured and low-pitched profile enhances tactile feedback, allowing users to enjoy both speed and control. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering a smooth typing experience, characterized by its Ly stems and resonant sound profile. This switch is ideal for those who value a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback while typing, leaning more towards comfort during extended use. While both switches serve linear action preferences, the choice between them ultimately boils down to whether you prioritize gaming speed or a pleasurable typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
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 (Heavy), significant differences arise from the specific materials used. The MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller when typing. This is largely due to nylon's softer characteristics, which absorb sound rather than reflecting it. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing that offers a distinctly sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, enhances clarity and resonance in sound output, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback, particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is in use due to its translucency.
While the top housings of the two switches differ with respect to both material and sound characteristics, their bottom housings share a commonality: both are made from nylon. This similarity means that when users engage with either switch, they will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile stemming from the nylon composition of the bottom housing. The intrinsic properties of nylon ensure that the bottom-out sound is consistently muted and rounded, providing a comforting and plush tactile response that is valued by many keyboard enthusiasts. Although the top housing informs the audible characteristics during release, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing will yield similar tactile and sound results when the keys are pressed down.
Overall, the mixed use of nylon and polycarbonate in these switches creates a hybrid auditory experience. With the MX Speed Silver, the nylon top housing maintains a coherent sound profile that aligns with its bottom housing for a consistent acoustic signature, while the polycarbonate in the Tomcat (Heavy) introduces brightness to the overall typing experience. Consequently, users can expect a clear distinction in sound quality during key release depending on the switch, but enjoy a reliable, deeper sound during key presses across both switches. This means that while the two switches cater to different auditory preferences, the nylon bottom housing ensures some level of consistency in tactile feedback and sound quality, making both options appealing to keyboard users.
Weight
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The MX Speed Silver has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons, as users can experience less fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push. Furthermore, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference signifies that users of the Tomcat will feel a more pronounced resistance when pressing down fully on the key, contributing to a more tactile typing experience. In summary, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the lighter switch suited for endurance, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is heavier, offering a firmer key feel, making them suitable for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the MX Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Tomcat switch provides a more pronounced keystroke feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a greater depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver, with its shorter travel distance, is designed for quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers seeking immediate actuation. Therefore, if rapid input is a priority, the MX Speed Silver would be the better option, whereas those who enjoy a more robust typing experience might find the Tomcat (Heavy) more satisfying due to its longer travel distance.
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 (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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch presents a low-pitched auditory profile, characterized by a deeper, bass-heavy resonance around each keystroke. This mellow tone contributes to a more subdued typing environment, which can be appealing in shared spaces where noise levels matter. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted to have a resonant sound profile, although specifics about its pitch or tonal characteristics are not provided. Since the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and the material of the keycaps used, it is feasible that users may find a variety of auditory experiences with the Tomcat, depending on their specific setup.
Regarding feel, the MX Speed Silver is identified as having a textured quality, which means that users will experience some tactile friction as they press down on the keys. This texture can offer feedback during rapid typing or gaming sessions, though it may not appeal to those seeking an ultra-smooth experience. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, designed to provide a super smooth typing experience with its Ly stems, could potentially offer a stark contrast to the textured feel of the Speed Silver. The smoothness of the Tomcat may make it a more precise choice for users who prioritize fluidity over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they both promise impactful experiences suited for gaming and typing. The Speed Silver’s low-pitched sound and textured feel make it ideal for those who prefer quick response times with a little auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Tomcat's resonant sound and smooth feel may appeal to those who enjoy a quieter and more fluid typing motion. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual priorities, such as the importance of sound damping versus tactile feedback or smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you're an avid gamer seeking the fastest response time possible, the MX Speed Silver's low spring resistance and quick actuation make it the perfect choice, ensuring that you can react instantly in fast-paced situations where precision is key. Its textured feel may not suit everyone, but if you appreciate a tactile sensation during your gameplay, you'll find it beneficial. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and resonant typing experience, particularly for prolonged typing sessions, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its heavier bottom-out force offers a more substantial feel that many users prefer for its tactile feedback. Additionally, the sound profile of the Tomcat, while not specified, might lend itself to a more satisfying auditory experience compared to the low-pitched tones of the Speed Silver. Consider your own typing style, the environments you’ll be using your keyboard in, and whether you prioritize speed or comfort as you make your decision.
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