KTT Orange vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both stand out as compelling options for users seeking linear switches, yet they present distinctly different experiences. The KTT Orange is celebrated for its bouncy feel, achieving this through a 22mm long spring and an expertly crafted assembly that includes a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom. This results in a frictionless typing experience that is further enhanced by factory-lubing, minimizing resistance and ensuring smooth key travel with a low-pitched sound profile—ideal for those who prioritize comfort and quietness during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) differentiates itself with Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, paired with a resonant sound profile that may appeal to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you lean towards the bouncy and quiet KTT Orange or the responsive and resonant Bsun Tomcat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.

By the numbers

KTT Orange Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Orange and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a commonality in their top housing, both utilizing polycarbonate material. This similarity results in a distinctive sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tone when the switches are activated. Polycarbonate’s stiffer properties allow for enhanced resonance and clarity in sound output, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate precision in their typing experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate serves as an asset when combining these switches with RGB lighting, as it promotes vibrant illumination and aesthetic appeal. Consequently, both the KTT Orange and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provide similar auditory experiences through their polycarbonate top housings.

Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of these two switches differ significantly, leading to a more pronounced influence on the overall sound profile. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the crisper sound profile established by its top housing. This choice allows for a cohesive auditory experience across the switch, resulting in both the top and bottom housings contributing to a clearer, more resonant typing feel. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) opts for a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally known for its softer characteristics. The nylon absorbs more sound and thus creates a fuller, deeper sound, leading to a duller auditory sensation that contrasts sharply with the polycarbonate's brightness.

As a result of these differing bottom housings, the typing experiences offered by the KTT Orange and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vary significantly. While the KTT Orange maintains a uniform sound profile throughout, thanks to the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings, the Tomcat’s nylon bottom adds a layer of warmth and depth to each keystroke. This differentiation means that when users press down on the switches, they will perceive the impact of the bottom materials distinctly; the KTT Orange will feel sharper and clearer while the Tomcat (Heavy) yields a softer and rounder sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference in sound and feel, with users gravitating towards the uniform sharpness of the KTT Orange or the balanced fullness of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Weight

The KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The KTT Orange features a lighter actuation force of 46 grams, allowing for ease of typing and extended use, which is ideal for users who prioritize comfort during long periods of typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial and deliberate feel that some typists prefer for feedback and engagement. When it comes to bottom out force, the KTT Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) reaches 64 grams, further emphasizing the differences in tactile response. As a result, the KTT Orange is generally suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those who appreciate a firmer push, making the former the lighter option and the latter the heavier one.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we see a slight difference: the KTT Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Orange the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer due to the quicker actuation. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a deeper travel distance, which may be more appealing for users who enjoy a sturdier, more tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the subtle difference could influence user preference based on their individual needs for speed or depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Orange switch presents a low-pitched sound profile that emanates a warm, bass-heavy tone, contributing to a mellow auditory experience while typing. This characteristic can be pleasing for users who prefer a quieter typing atmosphere, as the lower frequency doesn't carry as much resonance as higher-pitched alternatives. Meanwhile, while the specifics of the Tomcat (Heavy) are less defined in relation to sound quality, it is noted that these switches create a resonant sound profile. This indicates that the Tomcat may produce a more prominent and possibly sharper auditory feedback during use compared to the smoother and muted tones of the Orange.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switch is celebrated for its bouncy and frictionless attributes. The 22mm long spring design enhances the switch's responsive and elastic feedback, providing users with a lively and satisfying "rebound" sensation with each keystroke. Additionally, the refined smoothness and lack of friction, due to its factory-lubed mechanism, allows for effortless key presses, resulting in a fluid typing experience that many will find enjoyable. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches is characterized by their Ly stems, which are also designed to facilitate a super smooth typing experience. However, since no additional descriptors are provided for the Tomcat in terms of tactile feedback, a direct comparison of their tactile qualities remains unexplored.

In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique experiences for typists. The Orange stands out with its bouncy, frictionless feel and low-pitched sound profile, making it a great choice for those prioritizing a smooth, quiet typing experience. The Tomcat (Heavy), while not extensively detailed in terms of tactile feedback and sound, appears to deliver a resonant auditory quality, likely enhancing the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit more acoustic feedback. Ultimately, both switches provide smoothness, allowing users to achieve satisfying results with either option, though personal preference regarding sound and subtleties in tactile feedback will guide the best choice for individual users.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter feel with a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, the KTT Orange would be ideal for you. Its bouncy and frictionless characteristics, combined with a low-pitched sound profile, make it an excellent choice for long typing sessions and gaming, where quick, effortless keystrokes can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial typing experience with more resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 64 grams, may better suit you. The Tomcat's smooth typing experience offers a satisfying tactile feedback that some users find enjoyable, particularly for those who prefer to feel a bit more engagement with each press. Consider how much feedback and resistance you enjoy in your typing, as well as the kind of sound experience you are looking for, to ensure you select the switch that aligns with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Orange Linear

$5.55

$4.15 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more