Bsun Olive vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming needs, the Bsun Olive and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bsun Olive switch is a tactile option that stands out with its all-POM housings and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a satisfying auditory and physical response with each keystroke. This medium-weight switch is designed for those who seek invigorating and sharp sensations during typing, making it ideal for users who enjoy the clarity of feedback and a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is a linear switch that focuses on providing a super smooth, uninterrupted typing experience. With its Ly stems, the Tomcat emphasizes fluidity and ease of use, appealing to individuals who favor a quieter, more streamlined approach to keystrokes without any tactile bumps. While the Olive caters to those who thrive on tactile feedback and resonance, the Tomcat is perfect for users who prefer a gentle, seamless response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Olive Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Olive and the Bsun Tomcat utilize different materials for their top housings, with the Olive featuring a POM (Polyoxymethylene) housing and the Tomcat employing polycarbonate. The choice of POM for the Olive lends it a sound profile that is deeper and more muted, which provides a unique auditory experience often characterized by warmth. This contrasts sharply with the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, yielding a sharper and crisper sound. The clarity offered by the polycarbonate further enhances the auditory experience, especially when used in conjunction with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This difference in material leads to two distinctive sound profiles, underscoring how housing composition can dramatically alter the acoustic qualities of a mechanical switch.

Both switches, while differing in the top housing material, feature bottom housings made from different plastics that also influence sound. The Olive's bottom housing is made from POM, mirroring its top housing and contributing to a cohesive sound experience that emphasizes depth and a muted response. In contrast, the Tomcat’s nylon bottom housing is designed to provide a fuller, deeper sound profile that is characterized by its ability to absorb vibrations, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. While POM enhances and supports the sound signature introduced at the top, nylon introduces its own unique tonal qualities, crafting a more nuanced experience that numbs sharpness and elevates deep tones. Therefore, even if both switches offer distinct materials in their assemblies, they share a common aim of optimizing acoustic performance through complementary housing characteristics.

In summary, the Bsun Olive and the Bsun Tomcat showcase how diverse material choices for each housing component can create varying sound profiles. Although the Olive’s use of POM in both top and bottom housings may lead to a more uniform sound signature with deeper tones, the Tomcat, juxtaposing polycarbonate and nylon, presents a distinct contrast. This variety highlights the way different materials can shape both the tactile feel and auditory experience of typing. The overall performance of each switch reflects the unique acoustic properties attributed to their respective housing materials, resulting in two pleasurable yet contrasting mechanical experiences for users.

Weight

The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar ease of triggering keystrokes, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions. However, while the Olive has a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a heavier feel when fully depressed, the Tomcat features a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams. This disparity in bottom out forces means that while both switches require the same amount of pressure to actuate, the Olive offers a more substantial push experience that may appeal to users who prefer a firmer tactile feedback. In contrast, the Tomcat’s lighter bottom out force could be more comfortable for those who type for long periods and favor a less strenuous key press. Overall, the Olive is the heavier option, while the Tomcat offers a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Olive measures 3.4 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users who prefer a more responsive feel may gravitate towards the Olive switch due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial depth and tactile experience might opt for the Tomcat, as its longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feedback. Therefore, the Olive switch is the shorter option, while the Tomcat is the longer one, catering to different preferences in the typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Olive switches have a deep, resonant character that enhances the auditory experience during typing. The combination of their all-POM housings contributes to a sound profile that is distinctly rich and full-bodied. This deeper tonal quality is complemented by the sharp and crisp bottom-out that users encounter with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches deliver a similarly resonant sound, indicating they may also provide a satisfying acoustic feedback during use. However, the exact tonal nuances may vary due to factors such as the keyboard plate material or the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Olive switches offer an invigorating and accented tactile response that balances a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Their medium-weight nature is enhanced by pronounced feedback, making them snappy and reactive, which contributes to a lively typing experience. The sharp tactile bump ensures that each keypress is distinctly felt, providing a satisfying tactile sensation that many typists find appealing. Conversely, while the feel of the Tomcat switches is primarily characterized by smoothness due to their Ly stems, specific details regarding their tactile feedback or weight were not provided. This may suggest a focus on delivering a gliding typing experience rather than pronounced tactile sensations, potentially catering to users who prefer a softer touch.

In conclusion, the Bsun Olive and Tomcat switches cater to different preferences, particularly in terms of tactile and auditory experiences. The Olives excel with their deep sound profile and pronounced tactility, making them ideal for those who appreciate both auditory feedback and a defined tactile sensation. The Tomcats, with their smooth mechanics and resonant sound, may appeal to users looking for a streamlined and quieter typing experience, although the absence of detailed tactile characteristics leaves room for exploration. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile feel and sound or a smoother, quieter interaction while typing.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory experience, the Olive would be your go-to. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams and sharp tactile bump make it an invigorating option for those who appreciate a snappy and responsive feel. This switch excels in providing a rich sound profile that can enhance your overall typing experience, making it ideal for dedicated typists and gamers who prioritize precision and feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch that's smooth and seamless, you might find the Tomcat more appealing. With a bottom-out force of just 54 grams and its Ly stem design, the Tomcat offers a gliding typing experience that is well-suited for fast-paced typing tasks or gaming. Its resonant sound adds a pleasing acoustic element without the pronounced feedback of the Olive, making it an excellent choice for those who seek a more linear and fluid typing style. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual needs—whether you lean towards tactile feedback for a more engaging typing experience or smoothness for effortless key presses.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more