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Durock Piano vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, both the Durock Piano and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are noteworthy linear options that cater to different typing preferences. The Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their unique proprietary material blend, which provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound profile, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pleasing auditory and tactile experience. Their characteristics, described as "bassy," "frictionless," and "silky," create an inviting typing environment. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches boast Ly stems that deliver a super smooth typing feel, offering a resonant sound that enhances the overall experience. While both switches prioritize a fluid typing experience, the Durock Piano emphasizes a rich sound profile, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on an ultra-smooth keystroke. 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

N/A

Actuation force

55g

Bottom-out force

63.5g

Bottom-out force

64g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

1.95 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

No

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

Mystery material

Stem material

Ly

Top housing material

Proprietary POM blend

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Proprietary POM blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Gold-plated

Spring

Extended spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), the primary distinction lies in the compositions of their top housings. The Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend, which is designed to produce a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The characteristics of POM, noted for its smoothness and flexibility, are likened to a more rounded auditory experience, while polycarbonate's stiffer nature lends itself to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Consequently, while both switches aim for an engaging auditory experience, the Piano leans toward depth, and the Tomcat emphasizes clarity.

Delving into the bottom housing of these switches reveals another interesting comparison. The Durock Piano's bottom housing also employs a proprietary POM blend, maintaining consistency with its sound profile to enhance the overall depth experienced during use. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, thus creating a deeper and fuller auditory quality. This combination of softer plastics in the Tomcat results in a rounder tonal quality compared to the Piano's more uniform and deep sound profile. Ultimately, the differences in these bottom housings further diversify the overall acoustic experience when using each switch, with shapes and materials significantly influencing the resulting sound.

If both switches were used in a detailed typing test or musical application, their distinct materials would yield different auditory experiences due to their unique properties. The Piano's POM blends, both top and bottom, will produce a consistently deep and satisfying result, ensuring that each key press feels congruent and immersive. On the other hand, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Tomcat will yield a sound profile that contrasts crispness with fullness, creating varied sensations upon bottoming out and releasing keys. Regardless of these differences, both switches can cater to auditory preferences and design intentions, indicating that practitioners could achieve satisfying results tailored to their unique preferences through thoughtful usage of either option, albeit with varying sonic outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Piano switch has an unspecified actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a defined actuation force of 55 grams, and a slightly higher bottom out force of 64 grams. This makes the Tomcat slightly lighter when it comes to the actuation force, allowing for potentially easier keystrokes that can benefit those who type for extended periods. Both switches share a similar bottom out force, contributing to a comparable typing experience in terms of key feel when pressed all the way down. However, the Tomcat's lower actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch, while the heavier bottom out force of both switches offers a more substantial feel that could satisfy those who enjoy a firmer keypress. Therefore, for a lighter actuation experience, the Tomcat would be the better choice, while both switches maintain a similar bottom out experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Durock Piano features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This variance indicates that the Piano switch offers a more traditional depth, appealing to users who appreciate a hearty key press. In contrast, the Tomcat switch's 3.6 mm travel may be more suitable for gamers and those seeking faster response times, though some might find it feels too abrupt. Ultimately, if you prefer a grounded experience with deeper key presses, the Durock Piano would be the better choice, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) could provide a more responsive experience for fast-paced activities.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.

The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Piano stands out with its deep, rich, bassy sound signature, offering a lower frequency range that enhances the auditory experience during typing. This characteristic results in a more pleasant and mellow acoustic environment, making every keystroke feel satisfying. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, on the other hand, has a resonant sound profile, yet specific details about its sound are not elaborated. It’s important to note that the overall sound produced will also greatly depend on the keyboard build and keycap selection, which can influence how each switch performs acoustically.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano showcases a remarkably enjoyable typing experience through its frictionless and silky qualities. The frictionless nature minimizes resistance while pressed, creating an effortless typing journey where fingers glide smoothly from key to key. The silky touch further enhances this sensation, ensuring an exceptionally fluid travel that makes long typing sessions feel comfortable and less fatiguing. Meanwhile, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch remains unknown, which leaves room for curiosity and discovery for those looking to explore its tactile qualities.

In conclusion, while both switches bring unique characteristics to the table, the Durock Piano clearly excels in both sound and feel, providing a deeper auditory experience and an incredibly smooth typing sensation. The Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant sound profile, but its tactile qualities remain a mystery. For newcomers to the mechanical keyboard scene, both switches can potentially deliver satisfying experiences, but those seeking a rich acoustic and fluid typing feel may find the Durock Piano linear switch more to their liking. Ultimately, trying the switches personally will provide the best insight into their performances.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your decision should be guided by your specific preferences for sound and feel. If you value a typing experience characterized by a smooth, frictionless glide and a deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams delivers a pleasant tactile experience while minimizing strain during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a resonant sound signature, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its slightly higher bottom out force of 64 grams might be better suited for you. This switch is tailored for users who appreciate a solid yet soft keystroke and are perhaps looking to achieve a more pronounced acoustic presence in their keyboard. Ultimately, consider your typing style and environment—whether you favor a smooth, creamy feel or a resonant, dynamic experience—as this will help you select the switch that best aligns with your personal preferences.

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