TTC Silent Brown vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The TTC Silent Brown switch is a tactile option that is celebrated for its comfortable typing experience, characterized by a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Ideal for those who enjoy a softly muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switch offers a blend of buttery smoothness and a polished feel, making it a great choice for quiet environments where noise reduction is a priority. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch presents a linear alternative that boasts a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems. While lacking the tactile feedback of the Silent Brown, it offers a more resonant sound profile which some users may find appealing for a more dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, each switch caters to distinct typing preferences; the Silent Brown is great for those who appreciate tactile responses with minimal noise, while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a seamless, smooth feel. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials utilized in both the TTC Silent Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches are remarkably similar, each featuring polycarbonate as the top housing material. This choice contributes to both switches producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. In particular, the translucency of the polycarbonate is advantageous for aesthetic reasons, especially for users who appreciate RGB lighting effects, as it helps create a visually appealing glow. Consequently, both switches are likely to deliver a comparable auditory experience, with enhanced clarity and resonance stemming from the polycarbonate top housing.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Silent Brown and the Tomcat (Heavy) switches is made from nylon. This classic material is known for its softer properties, which absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon's ability to dampen sound adds a degree of warmth to the overall auditory experience, setting it apart from the brighter sounds produced by the polycarbonate top. Despite the identical materials used for both the top and bottom housings in each switch, the sound signature profiles will vary, as the nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down.

Ultimately, while both the TTC Silent Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches share the polycarbonate material in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing, the overall sound experience is shaped by how each housing contributes to the typing dynamics. The polycarbonate used in the top creates a bright and clear tone when keys are released, whereas the nylon used in the bottom serves to round out and deepen the sound when keys are pressed. This collaboration of materials results in a distinct yet harmonious typing experience, ensuring that while the switches may produce similar results, the texture and feel of each keystroke are uniquely shaped by the combination of these materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Silent Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it feel relatively lighter and more manageable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 64 grams, which provides a more substantial feedback that some typists and gamers may prefer for a firmer key response. While both switches exhibit medium-heavy characteristics, the Silent Brown is the lighter option in terms of actuation force. Therefore, for users who prioritize a softer touch and a less fatigue-inducing experience, the TTC Silent Brown may be the optimal choice, whereas those who enjoy a heavier and more pronounced tactile experience might lean towards the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Silent Brown features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more pronounced tactile feel, the Silent Brown's greater travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience, as it offers a deeper response during key presses. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its reduced distance, caters to those who prefer quicker activation and potentially faster response times, making it a better choice for gamers or those who favor a snappier feel. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that feels more substantial, the TTC Silent Brown is the way to go, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers the advantage of a shorter actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches provide a notably muted sound profile, producing a softer and quieter experience compared to more traditional mechanical switches. This characteristic minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an ideal choice for environments where quiet operation is essential. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches feature a resonant sound profile, though specifics about its volume or tonal qualities are less defined. As sound can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice, both switches' ultimate performance in this regard can vary based on these external factors.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Brown switches excel with a combination of buttery smoothness and a mild resistance that makes them accessible to a wide range of typists. The tactile bump is rounded, offering a seamless and refined typing sensation, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout prolonged use. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches enhances their smooth operation, further adding to the overall typing pleasure. In contrast, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches is not specified, leaving it an unknown quality, but they are designed to provide a smooth experience. Users may therefore have to rely on personal preference or additional reviews to assess whether they meet their tactile expectations.

In conclusion, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches deliver a muted sound and an enjoyable, buttery feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches present a more resonant sound profile, with their tactile characteristics remaining unspecified. For newcomers, the Silent Brown is a versatile choice that balances quiet operation and pleasant typing sensations, while the Tomcat (Heavy) switches may require further exploration to understand their feel fully. Choosing between these two options ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both switches aim to enhance your overall typing experience in different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between TTC Silent Brown tactile switches and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and use case. If you value a quiet typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the TTC Silent Brown is the ideal choice. Its muted sound profile makes it perfect for shared workspaces or environments where noise reduction is crucial, with a gentle yet engaging feedback that enhances your typing comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) will be more appealing. Its super smooth and resonant feel is designed for a seamless typing experience, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where you want to minimize any interruptions in your flow. Ultimately, consider your environment and typing style—go for the Silent Brown if you need a softer touch with sound-dampening qualities, and reach for the Tomcat (Heavy) if speed and smoothness are your top priorities.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.68 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more