TTC Silent Brown vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and this is particularly evident when comparing the TTC Silent Brown and the Bsun Tomcat switches. The TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its unique combination of a rounded tactile bump and a light to medium resistance, providing a comfortable and engaging typing experience. The muted sound profile of the Silent Brown adds to its appeal, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a quieter workspace. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features linear switches that utilize Ly stems, known for their smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes. While the Tomcat delivers a resonant sound profile and an incredibly fluid feel during typing, it lacks the tactile feedback that some users crave. Each switch caters to distinct preferences: if you value an audible bump with a quieter operation, the Silent Brown is the way to go, whereas if you seek speed and fluidity, the Tomcat may be your ideal choice. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The TTC Silent Brown and Bsun Tomcat both prominently feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity and translucence, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound profile. This material choice means that both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound when pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who favor RGB lighting, as it permits light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Given that they employ the same material for the top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles from both switches when engaged with the keyboard.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches adopt nylon, a versatile and classic material in switch design. Nylon’s softness contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively dampening vibrations and producing a rounder tone. This distinctive quality of nylon contrasts with the sharper notes provided by the polycarbonate top housing. In both the Silent Brown and Tomcat, the use of nylon helps to soften the overall acoustic experience when typing, making for a pleasant, muted sound that starkly contrasts with the crispness from the polycarbonate. As a result, although both switches are made from different materials for their top and bottom housing, the combination of these materials allows each switch to achieve a balanced auditory experience.

In summary, both the TTC Silent Brown and Bsun Tomcat switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, creating a coherent sound profile across both designs. The polycarbonate top contributes a sharper and more resonant sound, while the nylon bottom imbues the switch with a deeper, fuller tone. Consequently, users can expect a similar sound experience when typing on either switch, despite the inherent differences in the materials used for each housing component. This synergy between materials ensures that pressing down on the keys feels consistent while providing both clarity and depth in sound, making both switches a strong choice for tactile keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit notable differences in their bottom out force while sharing the same actuation force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them comparable in terms of the energy required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force reveals a divergence: the Silent Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Tomcat's bottom out force is lighter at 54 grams, catering to users who favor a softer feel and potentially more comfortable typing during extended sessions. Consequently, while both switches may provide similar actuation experiences, the Silent Brown wins out in weight and resistance during the bottom out, making it the heftier option ideal for those seeking a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Silent Brown features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Brown, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more pronounced feel when actuating, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Tomcat’s shorter travel distance aligns well with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker response times, as the shorter distance allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, if you're seeking a heartier depth, the TTC Silent Brown would be the preferable option, whereas those who value responsiveness may gravitate towards the Bsun Tomcat.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stands out with its muted acoustic profile, allowing for a quieter typing experience compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction is paramount, such as shared office spaces or late-night typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile, suggesting that it produces a fuller tone when pressed. However, the absence of detailed descriptions means that the specific sound characteristics of the Tomcat switches remain somewhat ambiguous, leaving potential users in the dark regarding their noise levels.

In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches excel with a combination of buttery smoothness, mild resistance, and polished performance, offering a comfortable and refined typing experience. The tactile bump is gentle yet satisfying, ensuring that each keystroke feels intentional without being overpowering. This balance makes the Silent Brown approachable for all types of users. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is equipped with Ly stems designed for an ultra-smooth typing experience, which typically translates to a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. However, without additional descriptors, the overall tactile feedback or any particular characteristics of the Tomcat switch remain unclear in comparison to the more defined feel of the Silent Brown.

In summary, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a quiet, comfortable, and tactile typing experience, making it a versatile choice for various settings. The Bsun Tomcat linear switch, known for its smooth key travel, may appeal to users who prefer seamless keystrokes, but its overall qualities require further exploration. While the Silent Brown's muted sound and tactile feedback provide a discernible advantage, those specific features invite a more gratifying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should depend on whether you value a tactile feel with sound dampening or a fluid, linear action without the sound specifics available for the Tomcat.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between TTC Silent Brown tactile switches and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you are looking for a balanced typing experience that offers satisfying tactile feedback but without much noise — making it ideal for shared or quieter spaces — then the Silent Brown switch is a great choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force ensures that you have a conscious typing experience with a delightful tactile bump that many users find enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smoother keystroke and prefer a lighter feel with less resistance, the Tomcat linear switch may be the way to go. Its medium-light force makes it suitable for rapid typing and gaming, providing a seamless and fluid action that enhances performance without drawing attention to your keystrokes. Consider the environment you’ll be in and how much feedback you enjoy while typing; from here, you can confidently select the switch that best fits your needs.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$6.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more