Huano Sakura vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Sakura and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out as two intriguing linear options tailored for different typing preferences. The Huano Sakura is celebrated for its feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a comfortable experience during long typing sessions. Its responsive feel can ease fatigue and enhance productivity. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is known for its Ly stems, which provide a uniquely smooth typing experience paired with a resonant sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. This switch may appeal to those who prioritize a satisfying tactile sensation along with audio feedback during use. While both switches offer distinct advantages, they cater to different user needs; the Sakura focuses on lightness and noise levels, while the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes smoothness and resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Huano Sakura Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Huano Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provide a fascinating study in contrasts and similarities, particularly in their top housings. The Sakura features a polyketone (POK) top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, boasting a higher coefficient of friction than standard Polyoxymethylene (POM) materials. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes polycarbonate, which is recognized for generating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer characteristics. While the Sakura's POK top housing contributes to a smooth feel and sound, the Tomcat's polycarbonate enhances resonance and clarity. Both materials, though distinctly different, aim to optimize the auditory and tactile experience of the typist, meeting their respective goals of functionality and sound quality.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Huano Sakura and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employ nylon, a classic material known for its ability to absorb sound and provide a deeper acoustic experience. Given that nylon is inherently softer, it creates a full sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience by introducing rounder and more muted sounds. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing qualities from nylon will contribute similarly to the auditory feedback when typing. Thus, the deep, resonant sound associated with nylon will be a common thread in both switches, allowing for uniformity in auditory characteristics even when the top housing diverges.

When considering the overall interplay of the top and bottom housings in both switches, it becomes clear that the unique qualities of each material contribute to distinct sound profiles. The POK top housing in the Sakura adds a level of smoothness and durability, while the polycarbonate of the Tomcat (Heavy) enhances clarity and crispness. Meanwhile, both share the same nylon bottom housing that enriches the typing experience by creating a rounded, full sound. This combination ensures that, despite their different top materials, each switch can offer a balanced sound profile that marries the deep acoustic qualities of nylon with the unique characteristics of their respective top housings.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Sakura switch features a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more robust typing experience and prefer the substantial feel of higher resistance. This means that the Huano Sakura is the lighter switch, while the Bsun Tomcat is the heavier one, offering a clear choice based on individual preferences for force feedback and comfort during use.

Travel distance

The Huano Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their performance in this regard identical. Since both switches travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed, users can expect a similar tactile experience when typing or gaming. This uniformity in travel distance indicates that either switch can provide comparable feedback, ensuring that users will feel the same depth and responsiveness regardless of which switch they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Sakura linear switch offers medium acoustics, creating a balanced experience that is not overly intrusive. This makes it suitable for long typing sessions without being distracting. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch produces a resonant sound profile, which adds a certain character to the typing experience. While both switches may offer a pleasant auditory feedback, the Sakura maintains a more subdued sound, while the Tomcat (Heavy) brings a richness that may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience. It's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Sakura switch is known for its feather-light touch, making it exceptionally easy to press. This quality is especially advantageous for users who engage in lengthy typing tasks, reducing finger fatigue and promoting a more comfortable experience. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, which is crucial for achieving effortless keystrokes. While both switches excel in delivering a pleasurable typing experience, the Sakura is lighter and may suit those who prioritize ease of actuation, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes smoothness, catering to users seeking fluid, uninterrupted motion.

In summary, both the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch present unique strengths that cater to different preferences. The Sakura's feather-light touch and medium sound profile make it ideal for extended typing sessions, while the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant sound and an exceptionally smooth feel, potentially enhancing the tactile experience. Depending on your typing style and acoustic preference, either switch could serve you well, ensuring that even within their differences, both provide ample satisfaction for a variety of users.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Sakura linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a light touch with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, the Sakura is an excellent choice, especially if you anticipate long typing sessions where fatigue could be an issue. Its medium acoustics create a pleasant sound profile that is not overly distracting, making it suitable for both work and casual use without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its 64-gram bottom-out force, provides a satisfying resistance that can enhance your typing confidence and precision. The Ly stems ensure a super smooth experience, while the resonant sound profile adds a layer of feedback that many users find appealing. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you value a lighter, quieter switch for extended typing or a more robust, responsive switch that delivers a unique acoustic experience.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more