Huano Sakura vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and Bsun Tomcat stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches. The Sakura is renowned for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it particularly well-suited for extended typing sessions where comfort and ease of use are paramount. On the other hand, the Tomcat features Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that many users find appealing. While both switches offer distinct advantages, such as the Sakura's lightweight action for fatigue-free typing and the Tomcat's silky feel for a satisfying keystroke, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your unique needs.

By the numbers

Huano Sakura Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat, it is clear that they differ significantly in their top materials but share a commonality in their bottom housing. The Sakura utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which offers a smooth feel and an impressive durability, making it a strong choice for high-performance switches. POK's relatively higher coefficient of friction compared to other materials like LY allows for a unique tactile experience, while its excellent shock resistance enhances the overall usability and lifespan of the switch. In contrast, the Tomcat's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a material known for producing sharper and crisper sound profiles. Polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics contribute to a clearer resonance, making it particularly suited for switches designed to accommodate RGB lighting, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

However, both the Huano Sakura and Bsun Tomcat share the same bottom housing material: nylon. As a classic choice for switch housings, nylon is appreciated for its ability to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile, largely due to its softer nature that helps absorb sound. This similarity ensures that regardless of the variation in their top housings, both switches are likely to deliver a warm and rounded auditory experience when pressed. The nylon's sound-dampening properties balance out the characteristics of the respective top materials, leading to a more integrated sound experience when typing on either switch.

Ultimately, the distinct features brought by the top housings of the Sakura and Tomcat create unique typing experiences that reflect their material compositions. The POK's smooth and durable qualities accentuate the switch's performance during use, while the polycarbonate's sharpness enhances the auditory feedback. The nylon bottom housing unifies both designs by contributing to a mellower sound profile that mitigates the stiffer top sound, resulting in a harmonious blend of tactile and auditory experiences. Their differences highlight the significance of material choice in influencing switch behavior, while their shared bottom housing indicates the potential for a captivating typing experience in both models.

Weight

The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a lighter feel, which can facilitate longer typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This increased resistance offers a more substantial typing experience, catering to those who enjoy a firmer push while typing. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch that's easier on the fingers over extensive use, the Sakura is the better option, whereas the Tomcat might appeal to individuals who appreciate a bit more weight in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they are identical in this aspect. As a result, users can expect similar keypress feedback and responsiveness when using either switch. The consistency in travel distance means that both switches will provide a comparable typing experience, making them suitable options for those looking for uniformity in their mechanical keyboard setup.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch delivers medium acoustics that offer a balanced auditory experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without becoming overly intrusive. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile, which can add a distinctive auditory texture to each keystroke. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard design and the materials of the keycaps used.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Sakura stands out with its feather-light touch, making every keystroke feel effortless and accommodating for prolonged typing activities. Meanwhile, the Tomcat switch emphasizes a super smooth typing experience aided by its Ly stems, which contribute to the overall ease of actuation. Both switches prioritize comfort, but the Sakura leans towards a lighter touch, while the Tomcat focuses on a seamless and fluid action.

In summary, both the Huano Sakura and Bsun Tomcat linear switches have their own unique qualities, with the Sakura providing a feather-light touch and medium sound profile, and the Tomcat offering resonant acoustics and an exceptionally smooth feel. Ultimately, while the characteristics differ slightly, opting for either switch can yield satisfying typing experiences—especially tailored to specific preferences in sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Huano Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and are looking for a switch that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions, then the Sakura with its lighter actuation force of 45 grams may be the better choice for you. Its medium acoustics create a pleasant sound profile that strikes a nice balance for a variety of environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer key press and seek an ultra-smooth typing experience, the Tomcat, with its medium-light 54 grams of bottom-out force, can offer you that satisfying feedback without being overly heavy. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat enhances the tactile experience further, making it a great choice if sound character is important to you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor a lighter, quieter action with the Sakura or a medium feel with smoother acoustics from the Tomcat.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more