Durock Piano vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options are the Durock Piano and the Bsun Tomcat, both of which are linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Durock Piano switch stands out for its proprietary material blend, providing a gliding push feel accompanied by a deep, creamy sound signature. It is often celebrated for its bassy, frictionless, and silky characteristics, making it a pleasure for those who appreciate a smooth and tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch features Ly stems that deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile. While the Piano may appeal to users looking for a rich auditory feedback and tactile experience, the Tomcat is ideal for those who prioritize smoothness and consistency in keypresses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Piano and Bsun Tomcat utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend, which is known for producing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. This material, although not entirely disclosed, is reputed to enhance the overall auditory experience with depth and richness. In stark contrast, the Tomcat's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that prides itself on generating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials fundamentally influences how each switch responds to keystrokes, suggesting that while the Piano may create a more mellow sound, the Tomcat is better suited for those seeking clarity and brightness in their typing experience.

Moving to the bottom housings, the similarities in sound generation become more apparent despite the different materials used. The Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend that contributes to a deep and satisfying auditory experience, much like the nylon used in the Tomcat's bottom housing. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, leading to a fuller, rounder character in the audio output. Thus, while each switch uses a different type of material, they both aim to deliver a warm sound signature. The bottom housing of each switch plays a critical role in the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that users can nonetheless experience pleasing acoustic results regardless of the contrasting materials.

In essence, when comparing both switches, it's clear that the Piano and Tomcat houses each bear unique properties that contribute to their overall performance. While the Piano favors depth and richness from its POM blend housing, the Tomcat harnesses an exacting clarity from polycarbonate. However, the deep tones offered by the Piano's bottom POM housing find a parallel in the nylon of the Tomcat, leading to a combined auditory experience that can satisfy diverse preferences. Thus, even with their contrasting top haptic characteristics, users will find that both switches deliver compelling results, shaped by the distinctiveness assigned to each housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel that may cater to users who appreciate a stronger push during typing or gaming. However, the actuation force for the Piano switch is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its tactile response compared to the Tomcat. In contrast, the Tomcat switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, giving it a medium-light feel that is suitable for those who favor a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended use. As a result, while the Durock Piano is likely to provide a heavier and more substantial interaction, the Bsun Tomcat offers a lighter touch, making it more appealing for users who prioritize comfort and endurance during long sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a clear distinction: the Piano switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat switch measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Durock Piano the longer option, offering a more traditional depth that provides users with a fuller tactile experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, being the shorter of the two, is likely to appeal to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times, as its decreased travel distance allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference, with the Durock Piano catering to those who appreciate a more substantial feedback during keypresses, whereas the Bsun Tomcat targets those who prioritize a swifter, more responsive experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound quality, the Durock Piano switches provide a deeper and richer auditory experience characterized by a bassy sound profile. This gives the typing experience a satisfying lower frequency resonance, akin to a musical note that resonates pleasantly with each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches are known for their resonant sound profile, although specific descriptors are not provided. This suggests that while they don't match the Piano's deep bassy character, the Tomcats likely offer their own unique tonal qualities that contribute to an enjoyable sound experience. However, it's important to keep in mind that the final sound you experience will also depend significantly on the keyboard they’re mounted in and the keycaps used.

Regarding the feel, the Durock Piano switches excel in providing a wonderfully smooth typing experience. They are described as frictionless and silky, which means that users will find virtually no resistance as they press down or release the keys. This allows for a very fluid key travel that enhances overall typing comfort. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Tomcat switches. This leaves a gap in comparison, as the Tomcat's tactile qualities remain unknown based on the provided information, leaving one to wonder how they might stack up against the exceptionally smooth experience offered by the Pianos.

In summary, the Durock Piano switches stand out with their deep, bassy sound and super smooth feel, providing an excellent typing experience for those who prioritize both auditory and tactile qualities. Although the Bsun Tomcat switches feature a unique resonant sound profile, their tactile characteristics remain unspecified, which leaves some uncertainty for potential users. If you're looking for distinct auditory richness and a silky typing feel, the Piano switches clearly shine. However, if you're curious about the Tomcat's sound and feel, they could still offer a satisfying experience, but they may not reach the same level of refinement as the Pianos in those aspects.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your intended use and preferences will greatly influence your choice. If you favor a more resistant, tactile experience with a heavier actuation force, the Durock Piano switches are an excellent option. Their medium-heavy 63.5 gram bottom-out force, combined with their unique material blend, provides a delightful typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy, bassy sound—ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback as part of their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Bsun Tomcat switches, with their 54-gram bottom-out force, are the way to go. The Tomcat’s super smooth performance and resonant sound profile make it a solid choice for fast typists or gamers who want quick, effortless key presses without the weight of a heavier switch. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you lean towards a satisfying, heavier typing experience or a lighter, smoother action, shaping your unique mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more