KTT Rose vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the KTT Rose and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Rose and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer unique experiences despite both being classified as linear switches. The KTT Rose is celebrated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its innovative use of progressive springs, resulting in a typing experience that feels substantial yet not overly heavy. Users can expect a satisfying, low-pitched, and mildly polished sound profile, akin to the soothing sound of raindrops falling. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a super smooth typing sensation thanks to its Ly stems, producing a resonant sound profile that adds an interesting dimension to its performance. While both switches cater to those seeking a linear feel, the KTT Rose leans towards a more tactile and auditory delight, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) prioritizes a seamless typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
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
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Progressive spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Rose and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share common attributes that contribute to their overall acoustic performance, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which inherently provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, ensuring that light shines through effectively and vibrantly. Thus, users of both switches can expect a similar auditory experience when the keys are activated, primarily influenced by the polycarbonate construction.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the KTT Rose and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are made from nylon, a classic material known for its acoustic capabilities. Nylon's softer nature results in a deeper, fuller sound profile by effectively absorbing sound and providing a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches share the same material for their top housings, they maintain consistency in their bottom housings, further harmonizing their sound characteristics. This duality ensures that when pressed, the bottom-out sound remains impactful and resonant across both models.
When considering the overall sound experience, the differences in material properties of tops and bottoms create a nuanced playing field. The polycarbonate top is responsible for the elevated sound profile upon releasing the key, lending a clear and crisp finish, whereas the nylon bottom enhances the keypress itself with a fuller, more subdued impact. Thus, regardless of the slight variations in characteristics due to differing designs, both the KTT Rose and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are engineered to deliver a cohesive sound experience that complements a variety of typing preferences, making them suitable options for enthusiasts keen on acoustic quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are some notable differences and similarities. The Rose switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, deemed medium-heavy. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a defined actuation force of 55 grams along with a bottom out force of 64 grams, also classified as medium-heavy. This indicates that while the Tomcat switch provides a lighter initial actuation force, the overall bottoming out experience is quite similar between both switches, with only a marginal difference of 0.5 grams at the bottom out level. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would be the preferable option, offering an easier keystroke actuation, while the Rose's unknown actuation force leaves it unclear whether it may suit those who enjoy a heavier feel. Overall, the KTT Rose switch's medium-heavy bottom out force aligns closely with the Bsun Tomcat's, making both switches relatively comparable in terms of bottoming out experience, yet differing in initial actuation feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Rose linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The KTT Rose features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Rose switch provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, appealing to those who favor a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to users seeking quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prefer rapid key presses. While both switches offer distinct advantages—longer for depth and shorter for speed—the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for either a more robust keystroke or a snappier response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Rose comes in at $3.01, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Rose linear switch produces a bassy raindrop sound when typing, characterized by its low-pitched and neutral qualities. This gives it a mellow and somewhat subdued auditory experience that's suitable for various environments, making it a fine choice whether you're using it at home or in a workspace. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is described as resonant, although specific details about its pitch and tonal qualities are not provided. It is clear that both switches aim to deliver an auditory experience that favors deep tones, but the Rose may offer more clarity in its characteristics due to its defined low-pitched nature.
When looking at the feel of these switches, the KTT Rose is noted for its mild and polished attributes. This means that it provides a gentle typing experience coupled with a smooth, refined finish that minimizes friction, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced typists alike. The use of progressive springs contributes to a substantial yet not overly heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is centered around its Ly stems, which emphasize smoothness, but additional details on tactile feedback or other qualities are not available. Therefore, while both switches are designed for a pleasant typing experience, the Rose offers more detailed insights into its tactile characteristics.
In conclusion, both the KTT Rose and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches present appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts, though they cater to subtly different auditory and tactile preferences. The Rose impresses with its low-pitched sound profile, polished feel, and user-friendly characteristics, making it a versatile choice for various settings. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) promises a smooth typing experience but lacks detailed information to fully assess its qualities. Ultimately, both switches may satisfy a range of typing needs, allowing users to find a comfortable experience whether they opt for the Rose or the Tomcat.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between KTT Rose linear switches and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you lean towards a typing experience that is both mild and polished with a delightful low-pitched sound, the KTT Rose is your ideal switch. Its unique progressive springs offer substantial feedback without being overly heavy, making it suitable for various contexts, whether for gaming or typing lengthy documents. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and resonant feel while typing, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be the better option. It provides a consistent typing experience with its Ly stems, perfect for those who enjoy a bit more weight without sacrificing smoothness. In essence, if you desire a balance of tactile pleasure and moderate sound for both work and casual use, go with the Rose; but if you seek a more robust and immersive typing experience with deeper tones, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the switch for you.
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