TTC Silent Red vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options for users seeking a linear feel are the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Tomcat. The TTC Silent Red is designed for those who prioritize a discreet typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared living spaces due to its muted sound profile. Users can expect a smooth and consistent keystroke, complemented by a cushioned bottom-out feel that enhances overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat offers a different experience, showcasing Ly stems that provide an ultra-smooth typing sensation and a more resonant sound profile, which may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback. While both of these switches deliver a linear experience, the Silent Red stands out for its quiet functionality, whereas the Tomcat emphasizes a more pronounced auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Silent Red Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Silent Red and Bsun Tomcat both feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which has a significant influence on the sound profile of each switch. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. As both switches utilize this same material for the top, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, particularly if they are interested in RGB lighting capabilities. The clear housing of both models allows for enhanced light diffusion, making the RGB effects vibrant and visually pleasing. This commonality means that regardless of the overall design or feel of the switches, their sound characteristics in terms of key release are likely to be uniform due to the shared material composition.

Contrasting with the top housing, both the Silent Red and Tomcat employ nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a distinctly different sound profile. Nylon, as a softer material, is instrumental in providing a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed. Its ability to absorb more sound waves contributes to a more muted, rounded acoustic experience compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. Consequently, the key bottom-out sound will differ significantly between the two switches in the sense that while they share the crispness of polycarbonate at release, the impact during the press will resonate with a warmth and depth unique to the nylon composition.

Given that both switches use the same materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—users can expect a balanced sound profile reflective of both contributions. The stiffness of the polycarbonate top housing will ensure a clean and bright key release, while the nylon bottom will provide a softer, more rounded typing experience. This synergy allows for consistent auditory feedback, blending the qualities of each material harmoniously. Therefore, when comparing the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Tomcat, while the sound textures may vary slightly due to differences in design, the core acoustic characteristics produced by the identical materials will yield similar results, showcasing the importance of material choice in switch performance.

Weight

The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can influence user preference. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for longer typing sessions, as users won't experience excessive strain when pressing keys. However, the bottom out forces set them apart: the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which gives it a medium-heavy feel, while the Tomcat's bottom out force is lighter at 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference means that while both switches initiate keystrokes with the same effort, the Silent Red provides a more substantial feel at the end of the keypress, which some users may prefer for tactile feedback. Conversely, the Tomcat's lighter bottom out force may appeal to those looking for a softer and less fatiguing typing experience. Therefore, users seeking a heavier switch for a more substantial feel should opt for the TTC Silent Red, while those favoring a lighter touch would find the Bsun Tomcat more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Silent Red features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Red has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feedback during key presses, which some users may appreciate for its depth. Conversely, the Tomcat's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance may cater more to those who prefer quicker response times, especially in competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, appealing to users looking for faster actuation. If you're leaning towards responsiveness, the Tomcat may be your go-to choice, whereas the Silent Red could be better suited for those who enjoy a more solid feel in their key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Silent Red linear switch excels in sound performance, offering a muted sound profile that greatly minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them an excellent choice for environments where quiet operation is essential, such as offices or shared living spaces. The Silent Reds produce a softer and quieter sound compared to more traditional clacky switches, ensuring that your typing won't disrupt those around you. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat's sound profile remains less defined, suggesting that its acoustic characteristics are resonant. While the specific auditory experience of the Tomcat isn't detailed, it's important to consider that sound can vary based on factors like keyboard construction and keycap choices, potentially affecting overall noise levels.

In terms of tactile feedback, the Silent Red switch shines with a buttery, mild, and polished feel. This combination results in an incredibly smooth keystroke experience, appealing to typists looking for comfort and efficiency. The buttery quality allows for seamless key presses, while the mild nature ensures that the switch does not overwhelm the user with too much tactile feedback. Its polished finish contributes to reduced friction and a refined typing sensation, making it suitable for long typing sessions. The specifics of the feel for the Tomcat switch, however, remain unknown, which makes direct comparisons challenging and may lead to differing experiences based on individual preferences.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a linear switch that prioritizes quiet operation and a refined typing experience, the TTC Silent Red is a strong contender, blending muted sound and an exceptionally smooth feel. The Tomcat may also offer a smooth typing experience but lacks detailed sound and feel characteristics for comparison. Therefore, if you prefer a silent environment and soft keystrokes, the Silent Red will deliver consistent satisfaction, while the Tomcat might provide a distinct experience yet to be fully explored.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch will ultimately depend on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a quieter experience, especially in shared spaces like offices or homes, the TTC Silent Red is your best bet. With its muted sound profile, buttery feel, and polished finish, it ensures a smooth and comfortable typing experience while minimizing noise disruption. This makes it ideal for long typing sessions or scenarios where you want to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel that still offers a smooth keystroke, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch could be more suitable. Its lower actuation force can appeal to gamers or typists who favor quick, responsive movements without the heavier resistance of the Silent Red. Additionally, the unique Ly stems may provide a distinct tactile experience valued by some users. Therefore, consider your typing habits and environment carefully; whether you lean towards a more muted and comfortable experience with the Silent Red or a lighter, more responsive option with the Tomcat, both switches have their strengths that cater to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more