Akko Rosewood vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Rosewood and the Bsun Tomcat offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Rosewood switch is renowned for its deep, satisfying thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that delivers an auditory experience straight out of the box. In contrast, the Tomcat switch boasts Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, making each keystroke feel effortlessly fluid. Both switches fall under the category of linear switches, offering a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience without tactile bumps or clicky feedback. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize the acoustics and thock of the Rosewood or the smooth, seamless feel of the Tomcat. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Akko Rosewood Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Akko Rosewood and the Bsun Tomcat differ significantly in their top housing materials, which in turn affects the sound profile produced during use. The Rosewood incorporates a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound due to the material’s softer properties. Nylon's ability to absorb sound creates a muted sound experience, enhancing the tactile feedback and overall typing enjoyment. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and results in a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This difference means that users of the Tomcat will likely enjoy a clearer and crisper auditory feedback compared to the duller tones of the Rosewood, which may appeal to a different audience based on their sound preferences.

When examining the bottom housings of the two switches, both the Akko Rosewood and the Bsun Tomcat employ nylon materials, leading to a shared characteristic in their sound profiles at the bottom-out stage. This common use of nylon in the bottom housing means that, regardless of the differing top materials, both switches will exhibit the deeper and fuller sound profile that nylon is known for when pressed down. This shared material for the bottom housing can lead to a similar bottoming-out feel between the two switches, providing a uniform tactile response that users may appreciate, particularly for long typing sessions.

Overall, while the Akko Rosewood and Bsun Tomcat diverge in the material used for the top housing, they converge in their bottom housing, which allows for a consistent user experience in terms of tactile feedback. The variation in sound profiles provides users with distinct auditory experiences depending on their choice; however, the common nylon bottom creates a cohesive and familiar feel when bottoming out both switches. This interplay between different materials fundamentally shapes the user experience, ensuring that both switches cater to various preferences while still maintaining some overlap in their acoustic characteristics.

Weight

The Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force, ultimately catering to different user preferences. The Rosewood switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option. This variance means that while both switches offer a smooth linear experience, the Rosewood will provide a softer and less resistant typing feel, whereas the Tomcat will deliver a slightly more substantial push before registering a keystroke. Ultimately, users choosing between the two should consider their typing style and preferences: the lighter Rosewood may be more suited for prolonged use, while the heavier Tomcat offers a more pronounced feedback that some may find satisfying.

Travel distance

The Akko Rosewood linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm means that the Rosewood switch offers more depth, which could be appealing to those who favor a more pronounced keystroke feel, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a hearty depth. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch is better suited for gamers or users who prefer a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, which enhances responsiveness. Thus, if you lean towards a more traditional typing experience with added travel, the Rosewood would be the preferred choice, whereas the Tomcat would cater to those seeking quicker actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Akko Rosewood linear switch is known for producing a deep and satisfying thocky sound, which is enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This gives the Rosewood a rich auditory quality that many enthusiasts appreciate, especially when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a resonant sound profile that is characterized by its smoothness. While both switches yield pleasing auditory experiences, the Rosewood leans more towards a pronounced thock sound, whereas the Tomcat's sound is noted for being resonant, which may contribute to a slightly different acoustic ambiance. It's important to note that the overall sound can vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Akko Rosewood switch is celebrated for its smooth operation right from the start, supported by its linear design that cooperates seamlessly during typing. Users often comment on the pleasant feedback that the Rosewood provides, which enhances overall typing comfort. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat switch emphasizes a super smooth typing experience as a standout feature; this quality is complemented by its Ly stems that ensure an effortless actuation. While the Rosewood offers a consistently smooth feel, the Tomcat takes this smoothness to a higher level, providing a luxurious typing sensation.

In summary, both the Akko Rosewood and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer enjoyable auditory and tactile experiences, albeit with their unique characteristics. The Rosewood boasts a pronounced thocky sound enriched by factory lubrication, while the Tomcat delivers a resonant sound with a focus on smoothness, thanks to its meticulously designed stems. Both switches provide a satisfying feel while typing, with the Tomcat taking the edge in terms of ultra-smooth operation. Selecting either switch will yield similar results in a linear typing experience, although the specific choices might cater to different auditory and tactile preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Rosewood linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a lighter switch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams and appreciate a deep, satisfying “thocky” sound that’s ready to impress immediately out of the box, the Akko Rosewood is likely the better choice for you. It's perfect for those who want a smooth and enjoyable typing experience without much force needed, making it great for long typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bottom-out force of 54 grams and value an incredibly smooth typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat might be your go-to. It features Ly stems that provide a seamless keystroke and a resonant sound profile that can add a unique auditory experience to your typing. Therefore, think about how each switch’s characteristics align with your typing style and sound preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Akko Rosewood Linear

$3.89

$3.11 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more