TTC Neptune vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the TTC Neptune and the Bsun Tomcat, both linear switches celebrated for their unique characteristics. The TTC Neptune switch is renowned for its innovative internal structure that offers a smooth, frictionless glide paired with the springy resistance reminiscent of chewy mochi or tapioca pearls. This design not only enables swift and effortless typing but also delivers a muted, thocky sound signature, appealing to those who appreciate a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch boasts Ly stems that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that adds a certain richness to every keystroke. While the Neptune is ideal for users seeking a lightweight, muted touch, the Tomcat might attract those who prefer a more vibrant acoustic feedback. 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
41g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Neptune and Bsun Tomcat, significant differences can be observed in their designs. The Neptune features a top housing made from POM, which is known for creating a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This characteristic is particularly favorable for users seeking a less harsh auditory experience. Conversely, the Tomcat utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances sound clarity, which appeals to those who appreciate clearer auditory feedback during typing. Therefore, the two switches diverge notably in terms of sound characteristics provided by their top housings.
While the top housings of the Neptune and Tomcat are different in material and sound profile, their bottom housings reinforce this contrast. The Neptune's bottom housing is also crafted from polycarbonate, aligning its bottom sound experience with its top housing, resulting in a consistent and clear auditory performance. Meanwhile, the Tomcat features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound. This creates a more rounded auditory experience. Thus, while both switches exhibit a polycarbonate material in one aspect, the distinct use of nylon in the Tomcat's bottom housing serves to deepen its sound profile, highlighting the contrasting acoustic attributes between the two models.
In terms of overall sound profile and typing experience, the differences in materials lead to unique outcomes for each switch. The Neptune leverages POM for a deeper sound when typing, while its polycarbonate bottom housing ensures this sound remains clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat, with its nylon bottom housing, balances the sharper sound from its polycarbonate top with a softer, more subdued auditory output from the base. Therefore, even though both models can attain satisfying auditory feedback, the characteristics of their individual housing materials distinctly shape the user's experience. The nuanced sound attributes based on the materials used underscore the importance of housing composition in keyboard switches, allowing each to cater to different auditory preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we can observe some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Neptune features a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in force means that the Tomcat will provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a firmer feedback feel. Overall, the Neptune is the lighter switch, while the Tomcat's increased force offers a more robust option for those who enjoy a heftier feel when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Neptune features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Tomcat the shorter of the two switches. For users who prioritize responsiveness and faster key presses, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance may provide an advantage, aligning with the trend among gamers who often favor quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Neptune's longer travel distance could be more appealing to those who appreciate a fuller key press and a more tactile feel, as it offers a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key response and feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune switch offers a rich, thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts find satisfying, lending itself to a deeper, fuller audio experience with each keystroke. Its muted and subdued nature minimizes the traditional clackiness found in many mechanical switches, making it suitable for both home and office environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch lacks specific descriptions of its sound profile, but it is noted to have a resonant quality. This suggests that while the Tomcat may not be as subdued as the Neptune, it still could deliver an enjoyable auditory experience that complements its performance.
On the tactile side, the TTC Neptune switch is renowned for its incredibly smooth typing experience, characterized as buttery and frictionless. Users can expect a seamless keystroke flow, akin to gliding over the keys, with a springy resistance that provides a unique bounce reminiscent of chewy textures. This distinctive quality contributes to the pleasurable typing feedback that many look for in a linear switch. Unfortunately, the feel of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is not specified, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. Thus, if the Tomcat shares similar characteristics to the Neptune, one could anticipate a smooth typing experience as well, although this remains unverified.
In summary, if you're opting for the TTC Neptune, you're likely going to enjoy a sound signature that is deep and thocky, paired with a buttery, frictionless feel that enhances typing pleasure. The Bsun Tomcat, while lacking specific details in sound and feel, may offer a resonant auditory profile that could appeal to certain users. Without direct comparisons for the Tomcat in these qualities, it’s advisable to try both switches if possible to find which one suits your typing style best. Overall, the Neptune's distinctive and enjoyable qualities make it a strong contender in the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, especially for those who prioritize a satisfying acoustical and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the TTC Neptune and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter switch that offers a smooth, frustration-free typing experience, the Neptune is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force coupled with a unique internal structure provides a swift, almost frictionless feel that’s reminiscent of soft, chewy textures. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize speed and enjoy a more muted, thocky sound signature, which can be beneficial in quieter environments like offices or while gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a medium-light resistance of 54 grams, the Tomcat may be your best bet. Its resonant sound profile might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing, and the super smooth motion provided by the Ly stems ensures a satisfying experience. Ultimately, assess what you value more: the lightness and muted experience of the Neptune or the slightly heavier, resonant experience of the Tomcat, and you'll make the right choice for your typing journey.
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