KTT Orange vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and Bsun Tomcat both present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The KTT Orange is celebrated for its bouncy feel, thanks to a 22mm long spring that offers a reactive typing experience. Its polycarbonate milky top housing and vibrant orange nylon bottom housing contribute to a frictionless typing experience that’s amplified by excellent factory lubrication, resulting in smooth key travel and a low-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches, featuring Ly stems, also promise a smooth typing experience but possess a resonant sound profile that adds a unique auditory feedback. While the KTT Orange may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more tactile sensation, the Tomcat might attract enthusiasts who favor a more pronounced auditory experience while they type. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Orange and the Bsun Tomcat, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, enables both switches to achieve a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual aesthetics, making it particularly beneficial for users who prefer RGB lighting in their keyboards. Thus, when examining the top housing, one can expect similar sound characteristics and visual appeal from both models, leading to a consistent performance in high-light scenarios.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the KTT Orange and the Bsun Tomcat showcase a significant divergence in material choice. The KTT Orange sports a polycarbonate bottom housing, which maintains the sharper sound profile established by the top piece, while still contributing some depth and resonance to the switch's overall acoustic experience. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat utilizes a nylon bottom housing, renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, which is a result of nylon's softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. This discrepancy implies that the KTT Orange will generate a more cohesive sound experience throughout, while the Tomcat promises a rounder, more muted feel on key press, showcasing how different materials influence tactile and auditory responses.

Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches defines their character distinctively. While both switches share similarities in their top housings and the resulting sound profiles, the contrasting bottom housing materials introduce variances that enrich the typing experience uniquely. Users who prioritize a cleaner, sharper sound will likely prefer the KTT Orange for its homogeneity in material, whereas those seeking a deeper sound with a rounded feel may gravitate toward the Bsun Tomcat. Ultimately, both models exemplify how the interplay of housing materials can lead to varied auditory and tactile experiences, encouraging users to choose based on their personal preference and typing style.

Weight

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch are both categorized as medium-light switches, although they exhibit slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Bsun Tomcat features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams. This makes the Tomcat slightly lighter in terms of actuation force but heavier in bottom out force, as it requires just one gram less to trigger a keystroke and one gram more to press all the way down. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter push feel for extended typing sessions may find the Bsun Tomcat more appealing for quick key presses, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might lean toward the KTT Orange. Overall, the differences are minimal, so users can expect fairly similar results in typing and gaming experiences when choosing between these two switches.

Travel distance

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present slightly differing travel distances, with the Orange measuring 3.5 mm and the Tomcat at 3.6 mm. This makes the KTT Orange the shorter option, while the Bsun Tomcat offers a marginally longer travel distance. Users who favor rapid response times, such as gamers, might prefer the KTT Orange for its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat's slightly longer distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing or gaming, as it provides a deeper depression before actuation. Both switches, however, are within a relatively close range, meaning one could achieve similar results depending on personal preference for depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the KTT Orange switch, it stands out with a low-pitched resonance that gives a more bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This makes it pleasant for users who prefer quieter environments and a less intrusive typing sound. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat switch is not explicitly detailed, leaving an air of mystery regarding its acoustic characteristics. However, it's important to acknowledge that the sound output of any switch can be influenced by several external factors such as the choice of keycaps and the construction of the keyboard itself.

In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch excels with its bouncy reaction and frictionless travel. The bounciness provides an elastic feedback sensation which adds a tactile element to typing, while the factory-lubed design ensures a smooth and fluid motion, reducing any resistance when pressing the keys. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Bsun Tomcat switch, making it difficult to make direct comparisons in this aspect. This lack of details leaves potential users uncertain about what to expect from the Tomcat in terms of typist experience.

Taking into account the available information, the KTT Orange linear switch definitely presents a compelling option for those prioritizing a low-pitched sound and responsive, frictionless feel. While the Tomcat's sound and feel remain undefined, it is worth noting that choosing either switch could still lead to satisfying results, especially when paired with the right keyboard setup and keycap combination. Ultimately, the choice between these two might come down to personal preferences, as well as the unknown qualities of the Tomcat switch that await discovery.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between KTT Orange linear switches and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a bouncy, lively feel and a smooth, frictionless typing experience that allows for effortless key travel, the KTT Orange will be your best ally. Its low-pitched sound profile adds a rich tonal quality, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a mellow auditory experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing feel and appreciate the nuanced resonance that comes with a more pronounced sound profile, the Bsun Tomcat might be more suited to your needs. With both switches offering a medium-light actuation force, you have the flexibility to choose based on the tactile feedback that you enjoy most. Ultimately, consider what aspects – be it sound, feel, or overall experience – matter most to you in your daily typing or gaming tasks, and let these preferences guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more