Haimu Neo White vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Neo White and the Bsun Tomcat offers enthusiasts two enticing options, both of which are linear switches designed for a smooth typing experience. The Haimu Neo White is recognized for its medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, which contributes to a distinctive typing feel that many users appreciate. Its unique Ly stem design enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, allowing for a satisfying and pleasant typing rhythm marked by a mild and neutral feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat also showcases the Ly stem, emphasizing a super smooth actuation while delivering a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback when typing. While the Neo White excels in providing a moderate typing weight suitable for prolonged use, the Tomcat brings forth an engaging acoustic experience that adds character to every keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Haimu Neo White Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.70 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Haimu Neo White and Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to their distinctive sound profiles. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. This material's translucent nature not only enhances the acoustic qualities but also allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, making it a favored choice for keys that benefit from illuminated designs. Since both switches share this same top housing material, users can expect a similar clarity and resonance in their auditory feedback during typing, creating a consistent experience across both models.

In contrast, both the Neo White and the Tomcat feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which brings a different sonic quality to the mix. Nylon is characterized by its softer composition, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during key presses, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. The familiar use of nylon as a switch housing material ensures that each switch not only feels smooth but also contributes uniquely to the overall sound signature when bottoming out. As both the Neo White and Tomcat use nylon here, users will experience comparable tactile feedback and audio depth.

Therefore, while the top and bottom housings of the Haimu Neo White and Bsun Tomcat are made of the same materials, they yield distinctive auditory experiences when pressed. The combined effect of the polycarbonate top, which enhances higher frequencies, and the nylon bottom, which enriches lower frequencies, allows both switches to deliver a well-rounded sound profile that is clear yet pleasant. Consequently, users can expect a harmonious synergy of sound characteristics between these two devices, all thanks to the consistent use of polycarbonate and nylon in their construction.

Weight

When comparing the Haimu Neo White linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences emerge in both the actuation force and bottom out force. The Neo White has an undisclosed actuation force but features a bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a firmer feel when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Tomcat boasts a measurable actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 54 grams. This means the Tomcat is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended use, such as long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the Neo White's heavier bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience, favored by those who prefer stronger feedback. Users seeking less fatigue might lean towards the Tomcat, while those desiring a firmer touch may appreciate the Neo White's characteristics.

Travel distance

Both the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users will experience the same depth of keypress when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches provide a comparable tactile experience, allowing for consistent typing or gaming performance. Consequently, if you were to switch between the two, you would likely find no significant difference in the feel of the keys, leading to a seamless transition for users accustomed to either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Haimu Neo White switch is characterized as neutral, which means it emits a moderate sound level during actuation. This balance makes it versatile, catering to both beginners and experienced users alike, whether for home or office environments. The Tomcat switch, while it’s noted for its resonant sound profile, lacks specific descriptors or comparisons, leaving its exact auditory personality somewhat open to interpretation. However, it is essential to note that switch sound can be influenced by factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps used, meaning both switches could potentially deliver a satisfying auditory experience under the right conditions.

When it comes to feel, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience, offering a gentle touch that makes it approachable for most users. This balanced nature means it doesn't overwhelm a typist with pronounced feedback, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch also features Ly stems, which are designed for a super smooth typing experience. While we know the Tomcat is smooth, the absence of detailed descriptors about its feel leaves room for users to discover its unique characteristics personally.

In summary, both the Haimu Neo White and Bsun Tomcat switches are positioned to deliver an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles. The Neo White excels with its neutral sound and mild feel, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users. While the Tomcat shares the smoothness attributed to Ly stems and has a distinct resonant sound, its full feel and sound quality remain to be specifically defined. Ultimately, either option could lead to satisfying results depending on your preferences, with the choice heavily hinging on whether you value sound or a specific type of key feel more strongly.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Haimu Neo White and the Bsun Tomcat switches largely depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a slight emphasis on smoothness, the Neo White's medium weight and unique Ly stem design provide a satisfying and gentle feel. This makes it an excellent choice for users who are just starting with mechanical keyboards or for those who prefer a moderate sound profile that won't be distracting in shared environments. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly lighter touch, the Tomcat's lower bottom-out force delivers a comfortable experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that can enhance your overall typing pleasure. This switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing. In summary, the Neo White is great for a versatile, well-rounded fit, while the Tomcat is ideal if you want a lighter switch with an engaging acoustic signature. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and desired keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Haimu Neo White Linear

$2.70 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more