SP-Star RedBlue vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the SP-Star RedBlue and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The SP-Star RedBlue switches stand out for their medium-light feel, making them an excellent choice for users who prefer a balance between comfort and responsiveness during long typing sessions. Their low-pitched sound profile contributes to a polished and mild auditory experience, which can be less distracting in quieter environments. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches are renowned for their Ly stems, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that many users find appealing for both gaming and typing. The Tomcat's resonant sound profile adds an engaging auditory element that can enhance the overall interaction with the keyboard. While both of these linear switches cater to different preferences, the decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a balanced tactile feel or a silky-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
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 SP-Star RedBlue and the Bsun Tomcat in terms of their housing materials, notable similarities and differences arise, particularly in the top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate material for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of sound, making it an ideal choice for switches that emphasize audio feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting integration, meaning that both switches will provide visually appealing lighting effects while producing a similar auditory experience when key presses occur.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the RedBlue and Tomcat starkly differ in material choice, with the RedBlue featuring polycarbonate and the Tomcat employing nylon. The use of nylon in the Tomcat is indicative of a different sound profile; nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This difference means that while both switches share a bright and clear characteristic from the polycarbonate tops, the feeling and sound when bottoming out will differ significantly due to the materials of the bottom housings. Thus, the RedBlue will provide a more consistent sound profile from top to bottom, while the Tomcat will exhibit a rounder tone, especially noticeable at the bottom of the key press.
Ultimately, these variances in housing materials will affect the tactile and auditory characteristics that each switch delivers. Users who prioritize a bright and resonant sound profile may prefer the RedBlue, which maintains a consistent sound due to its polycarbonate construction in both housings. Meanwhile, those who seek a more rounded and subdued sound might be drawn to the Tomcat, especially because its nylon bottom housing absorbs sound to offer a fuller typing experience. Both switches shine in their own right, but understanding the impact of their respective materials on sound and feel will guide users in making the best choice based on personal preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star RedBlue linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present notable differences in their actuation force, while their bottom out forces are relatively comparable. The RedBlue switch does not have an available actuation force value, making it difficult to draw specific comparisons in that area, whereas the Tomcat switch has a measured actuation force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Tomcat requires a lighter push to trigger a keystroke compared to the potential unknown force of the RedBlue. When it comes to bottom out force, the RedBlue has a force of 57 grams, while the Tomcat slightly surpasses it at 54 grams. Despite their similarities in the medium-light category, the Tomcat can be categorized as the lighter switch overall due to its lower actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming periods. Conversely, users seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the RedBlue for its heavier bottoming out sensation.
Travel distance
The SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the RedBlue switch offers a more substantial key press, which may be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile feel when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat switch, with its reduced travel distance, caters to gamers and those who favor faster response times, creating a more immediate action without the need for a full press. Therefore, if you value a more pronounced key engagement, the RedBlue would be the better choice, whereas the Tomcat might suit those who prioritize speed and rapid keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
The Bsun Tomcat 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 it comes to sound, the SP-Star RedBlue switches provide a notably low-pitched profile, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that creates a satisfying acoustic environment. This low-pitched quality is often described as "thocky," producing deep, rich sounds with a gentle "thud" upon actuation and release, making them pleasing for both casual users and those who enjoy typing noise. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat switches is characterized as resonant. While specific descriptors for their sound are not available, the expected resonance suggests a lively and pronounced auditory experience that may enhance the tactile feedback during use. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound can be influenced significantly by the specific keyboard architecture and the keycaps being utilized.
In terms of feel, the RedBlue switches offer a medium-light typing experience, which is described as mild and polished. This means that users can anticipate a gentle typing sensation, which is accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to enthusiasts. The polished design contributes to a smooth and refined key travel, further enhancing the typing experience by reducing friction. The Tomcat switches, while uncharacterized in feel, are noted for their Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience. This hints that they may be on the refined end of the spectrum as well, although the exact tactile qualities remain unspecified.
In summary, both the SP-Star RedBlue and Bsun Tomcat linear switches have strengths that cater to different preferences. The RedBlue switches are particularly appealing for those who prioritize a low-pitched, thocky sound paired with a mild and polished typing feel, ensuring an enjoyable experience for a wide range of users. Meanwhile, the Tomcat switches promise a smooth action that is likely to please fans of seamless typing, complemented by a resonant sound profile that could enhance their auditory appeal. Ultimately, while the two switch types may cater to slightly different experiences, they can both provide satisfying results depending on the user’s preferences and the chosen keyboard configuration.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the SP-Star RedBlue and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a slightly heavier feel with a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a rich, low-pitched sound, the RedBlue switch may be more aligned with your typing experience. Its mild and polished characteristics make it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in the office, allowing for a pleasant and approachable typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth typing feel and a more resonant sound, the Bsun Tomcat switch is the better option. The Tomcat's focus on superior smoothness makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, particularly if you prefer the nuance of a well-balanced linear switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you value a more bass-heavy, thocky experience, or if you prefer a silkier typing action.
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