KTT Purple Star vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence both typing experience and overall satisfaction. The KTT Purple Star switch, a linear option, stands out with its all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound signature that caters well to those who appreciate a quieter workspace. With a very light 45g bottom-out force, it's particularly suitable for light typists seeking comfort and ease during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch offers a different approach, featuring Ly stems that deliver smooth keystrokes alongside a resonant sound profile, ideal for users who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback while typing. While both switches excel in offering a linear experience, the Purple Star leans towards a lightweight operation, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) may appeal more to those who prefer a richer sound. 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 Star Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$4.88 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Purple Star and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches, the choice of housing materials significantly influences their sound profiles and overall performance. The KTT Purple Star features a top housing made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), which is known for producing a unique sound characterized by a deeper and more muted tone. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. This material is stiffer and tends to provide a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, creating a more resonant auditory experience. Thus, while both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, the Purple Star's POM offers a softer sound that contrasts with the crispness of polycarbonate found in the Tomcat.

Moving to the bottom housings, the KTT Purple Star utilizes the same POM material as its top housing, further reinforcing the unique and muted sound it offers. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is built with a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer nature, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound. The combination of the soft POM materials in the Purple Star and the nylon in the Tomcat (Heavy) contributes to the variations in their sound profiles, with the latter likely resulting in a rounder sound experience compared to the Purple Star's more cohesive deep-muted tonality due to its uniform POM construction.

In understanding how the top and bottom housing materials influence the overall sound and feel of these switches, it's essential to recognize that the characteristics of each material can lead to distinct auditory experiences. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing plays a vital role in shaping the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, while the top housing primarily affects the sound during key release. Therefore, despite their differing materials, both switches will deliver unique musical experiences; however, if the KTT Purple Star were to feature a bottom housing similar to that of the Tomcat (Heavy), the sounds could still align more closely. This scenario illustrates how tailored combinations of housing materials can yield both diverse sound signatures and shared acoustic qualities, leading to similar yet distinct results.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction arises in both actuation and bottom out forces, reflecting their targeted user experiences. The Purple Star features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer less resistance during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and a stronger push feel. Consequently, the KTT Purple Star is ideal for users looking for a lighter option, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) serves those who favor a medium-heavy switch. The notable difference in forces indicates that if one seeks a similar typing experience, they would need to explore options within each switch's category, as they provide distinctly different tactile sensations.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find a subtle yet noteworthy difference. The Purple Star boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) extends slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Purple Star, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a deeper travel distance that could provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance and a fuller key press sensation. Thus, while both switches are fairly close in travel distance, the Purple Star is the shorter option, leaning towards a snappier feel, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) is the longer switch, catering to those who enjoy more substantial feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Purple Star switch exhibits a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone that creates a mellow auditory experience while typing. This low-profile signature allows for a more subdued acoustic presence, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is noted to be resonant, although specific descriptors are not provided. The sound of both switches can be influenced by external factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps, which means users may need to experiment to achieve their desired sound quality.

In terms of feel, the Purple Star switch provides a mild typing experience, characterized by gentle resistance, which makes it easy to press. With a light bottom-out force of 45g, this switch is designed to reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, providing a comfortable and approachable experience that appeals to a broad range of users. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, although it offers a super smooth typing experience with its Ly stems, lacks specific details on its feel, making it harder to draw direct comparisons. However, it can be inferred that, given both are linear switches, they may offer a smooth and consistent press, which is desirable for many users.

In summary, the KTT Purple Star linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound and mild, easy-to-press feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle typing experience. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), with its resonant sound profile and known smoothness, may present a different yet satisfying option. While the Purple Star offers comfort and a neutral acoustic signature, the Tomcat (Heavy) could cater to those who enjoy a more resonant typing sound. Ultimately, both switches have qualities that could align well with users looking for a rewarding typing experience, though their exact auditory and tactile characteristics may appeal to different preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the KTT Purple Star linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing style and preferences. If you are a light typist or someone who suffers from finger fatigue, the Purple Star, with its low 50g bottom-out force and buttery smooth feel, offers an effortless typing experience that's perfect for long hours of use. The low-pitched, mellow sound signature enhances your keystrokes without being distracting, making it a great option for quiet environments. Conversely, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a satisfying weight to your keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be your go-to. With a higher bottom-out force of 64g, it provides a more substantial feel while still being smooth, appealing to those who enjoy a tactile feedback with a resonant sound profile. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the importance of sound and feel in your daily use, and whether you prefer a lighter or more robust switch when making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Purple Star Linear

$4.88 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more