KTT Purple Click vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Purple Click and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinctly different experiences tailored to various preferences. The KTT Purple Click switch, often referred to as Purple Sauce, is celebrated for its distinctively high-pitched and satisfying click, providing a crunchy and invigorating feedback that many typists adore. Its light keystrokes combined with a pronounced tactility strike a perfect balance, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more interactive and auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch caters to users seeking smoothness and consistency, featuring Ly stems that deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile—ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize fluidity over auditory feedback. While the Purple Click excels in providing an engaging tactile sensation, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a streamlined experience for uninterrupted typing. 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 Purple Click Clicky

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Purple Click and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a notable similarity in their top housings, both constructed from polycarbonate. This commonality ensures that both switches produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The material's translucency further enhances the aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent choice for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a clear and resonant audio experience, especially when key releases are a focus, as the polycarbonate top will amplify the sharpness of those sounds.

In contrast to their shared top housing material, the two switches diverge in their bottom housings. Both the Purple Click and the Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounder auditory experience during key presses. Thus, while the top housing ensures clarity and crispness, the nylon bottom housing creates a harmonious blend, balancing the overall acoustic profile of each switch.

When pressed in combination, the properties of the specified materials in both switches yield complementary sound profiles. The polycarbonate top facilitates a bright acoustic response, while the nylon bottom provides a foundation of warmth and depth. As a result, whether using the KTT Purple Click or the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), typists will experience a unique contrast in sound texture—sharpness upon release and fullness during actuations. Therefore, while they embody different characteristics, users can achieve a well-rounded sound experience with either switch, benefiting from the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon materials.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The KTT Purple Click features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, positioning it within the medium-light category. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that users who favor a lighter switch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, might prefer the Purple Click for its ease of activation. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel with greater resistance might find the Tomcat (Heavy) more appealing due to its higher forces. Ultimately, if you desire a lighter keypress experience, the KTT Purple Click would be the better option, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a firmer feel with its increased actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The KTT Purple Click clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Purple Click, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, being shorter, caters to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and faster actuation. While both switches serve distinct preferences—one favoring a more substantial feel and the other focusing on quicker response times—users who prefer a deeper keystroke experience will likely gravitate towards the KTT Purple Click due to its longer 4 mm travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Purple Click switch stands out with its distinctively high-pitched and satisfying click that can delight typists who enjoy acoustic feedback. Its crunchy sound mimics the experience of walking on crisp autumn leaves, while its resonant quality adds an immersive layer to the auditory experience, characterized by a clean and sharp sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch does not provide specific sound descriptors but is noted for its smooth typing experience. This suggests that the Tomcat is likely quieter and less acoustically engaging than the Purple Click, making it a better choice for those who prefer minimal noise.

In terms of feel, the Purple Click switch offers an invigorating typing experience, providing pronounced feedback that enhances the overall immersion. The moderate to firm actuation force, along with its stepped tactile feedback, gives users a precise and reactive feel during typing, allowing for a satisfying connection between the hands and the keyboard. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch remains unspecified but, given its design with Ly stems, it can be expected to deliver a smooth linear experience without the tactile bumps found in the Purple Click. This difference suggests that those who enjoy a light and smooth actuation may favor the Tomcat, while enthusiasts of tactile feedback will appreciate the Purple Click.

In conclusion, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a pronounced, crunchy sound and an invigorating tactile feedback that caters to fans of clicky switches. Its high-pitched and resonant acoustics set it apart from the potentially smoother but quieter Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, which leans towards a more subdued sound profile. With these qualities in mind, selecting between the two ultimately depends on personal preference: those who seek auditory feedback and tactile response will find joy in the Purple Click, while users who appreciate a quiet and seamless experience might gravitate towards the Tomcat.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the KTT Purple Click clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a lively typing experience characterized by a satisfying, high-pitched click and want tactile feedback that feels invigorating without being overly burdensome, the Purple Click switch is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for typists who appreciate auditory feedback and the added engagement that comes with a rhythmic click, making it ideal for both casual and enthusiastic keyboard users alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with a heavier bottom-out force that allows for more controlled keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch may be more to your liking. This switch shines in environments where noise is a concern, or for tasks requiring rapid keystrokes without the distraction of clicks, such as gaming or programming. Ultimately, embracing the characteristics of each switch will enhance your typing experience, so consider what aspects of feel and sound resonate most with you.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Purple Click Clicky

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more