TTC Silent Red vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two compelling options, each tailored for different typing preferences. The Silent Red is an ideal choice for those who require a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, making them perfect for office environments or shared spaces. With its buttery-smooth operation and muted sound profile, this switch ensures that every keystroke is both seamless and comfortable thanks to its padded bottom-out feel. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a different experience, boasting Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing sensation. While it may be slightly more resonant in sound, it still retains the linear characteristics that many users love. Ultimately, your choice might hinge on whether you prioritize a tranquil ambiance with the Silent Red or a robust and engaging feel with the Tomcat (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of both the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) exhibit notable similarities that contribute to their overall sound profiles. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which is significant because this material's properties facilitate the creation of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the key is pressed. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes both switches aesthetically compatible with RGB lighting, allowing for improved visual effects. Therefore, users can expect a similar auditory experience when utilizing either switch, particularly during the actuation phase.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Silent Red and the Tomcat (Heavy) employs nylon, a classic material associated with deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer properties of nylon absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, generating a rounder and more muted auditory experience when the switch is bottomed out. This characteristic serves as a counterbalance to the crispness of the polycarbonate top, creating a uniquely satisfying typing feel. The use of nylon in both switches means that users can expect consistency in the bottom-out sound and feel across the two models, as both maintain the same foundational properties provided by the nylon.
Overall, while the TTC Silent Red and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share similar materials in both the top and bottom housings, they produce an engaging sound experience by leveraging the unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon. The interplay between the sharp sound produced by the polycarbonate top and the deeper tones offered by the nylon bottom ensures a well-rounded typing experience. As a result, users can anticipate not only an aesthetically pleasing switch suitable for RGB lighting but also a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances their overall keystrokes, regardless of which switch they choose.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, key differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Silent Red requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged use, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly stronger actuation force of 55 grams, offering a firmer feel that some users appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the Silent Red at 63.5 grams and the Tomcat at 64 grams, indicating that while the Silent Red is lighter during actuation, users will feel comparable resistance when fully bottoming out. Therefore, the Silent Red is the lighter option overall, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is on the heavier side, catering to those who prefer a more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm may seem small, but it can influence the overall typing experience. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) offers quicker actuation, catering well to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Silent Red, with its deeper travel distance, can provide a more substantial feel that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches reflects personal preference: those looking for a snappier response might lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy), while those who appreciate a bit more depth may opt for the Silent Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Silent Red is recognized for its muted sound, which results in a quieter typing experience. This softness diminishes the typical clacky noise associated with many mechanical keyboards, making it an ideal option for environments such as offices or shared spaces where noise can be disruptive. In contrast, while the sound characteristics of the Tomcat (Heavy) are noted to possess a resonant quality, specifics about their sound profile are not provided. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Silent Red offers a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, characterized by smooth, seamless keystrokes without any abrupt interruptions. This creates an approachable typing sensation that caters to a wide range of users, ensuring comfort over prolonged use. The padding at the bottom of the switch enhances this experience by softening the bottom-out feel, which adds to its overall comfort. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch are currently unknown, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison.
In conclusion, if you prioritize a quieter and smoother typing experience, the TTC Silent Red is a strong choice thanks to its muted sound profile and comfortable feel. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), while exhibiting a resonant sound, lacks specific details in its feel and sound profile, leaving some aspects to be discovered. Ultimately, if you value a refined experience with clear qualities, the Silent Red will deliver consistent results. If the heavy-action feel of the Tomcat offers a type of tactile feedback that appeals to you, exploring that option, once more information is available, could also be beneficial.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, consider your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you value a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, especially in shared spaces like offices or homes, the TTC Silent Red is the ideal option for you. Its muted sound profile and buttery smooth feel provide a comfortable and seamless typing experience, perfect for long hours without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a bit more feedback while still maintaining a linear feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) could be the better choice. With its slightly firmer bottom-out force and a resonant sound profile, it provides a satisfying typing experience that some may find more engaging, especially during gaming sessions or when typing for extended periods. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by your desired typing feel and sound preference, ensuring that you choose a switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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