TTC Speed Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both offer unique advantages for different typing preferences despite being linear switches. The TTC Speed Silver is designed for speed enthusiasts, featuring a reduced travel distance that facilitates rapid actuation, perfect for gamers and typists who thrive on efficiency. With a light to medium resistance and a crisp sound profile, these switches promote a seamless and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) boasts Ly stems, providing an exceptionally smooth feel with a resonant sound that appeals to those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback while typing. While the Speed Silver prioritizes quickness and precision, the Tomcat offers a more luxurious and engaging experience for users who appreciate smoothness and sound. 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 Speed Silver Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in an impressive sound profile characterized by a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper tone. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced resonance, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced sound when typing. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from this material's translucency, making them ideal options for users who want their RGB lighting to shine through beautifully. Given these similarities in top housing materials, users can anticipate a comparable auditory experience when using either switch, especially during key releases.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials present a clear distinction between the two switches. Both the Speed Silver and the Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, sound-absorbing qualities. This difference in material affects the bottom-out sound and overall tactile experience when pressing the keys; the nylon housing contributes to a rounder and more subdued acoustic response. As a result, users may find that the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches allows for a balanced sound profile that incorporates clarity and depth.

When considering the overall performance of these switches, it's important to note how the differing materials influence user experience. While the top housing's polycarbonate brings clarity to the sound upon key release, the nylon bottom housing impacts the key's bottom-out feel and sound. This harmonious blend of materials in both the TTC Speed Silver and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) creates a unified typing experience, where users can enjoy the sharpness from the polycarbonate top while benefitting from the acoustic dampening of the nylon bottom. Therefore, even though the individual characteristics of each housing material differ, both switches provide a well-rounded typing experience that caters to a range of preferences.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we can observe clear differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Speed Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who favor long typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a stronger actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This trend continues with their bottom out forces, where the Speed Silver bottoms out at 55 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heftier 64 grams. Overall, the TTC Speed Silver is the lighter option, appealing to those who seek comfort over extended periods, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provides a firmer and more pronounced feel that some typists may find more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the TTC Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Speed Silver the shorter option, catering to users who favor a more responsive feel, particularly advantageous for gamers seeking quick actuation. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial depth, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. Consequently, if you are looking for a switch with a quicker response, the Speed Silver would be the preferable choice, while the Tomcat may be more suited for users desiring a deeper keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile. This means it offers a moderate actuation force requirement combined with a balanced acoustic experience, making it versatile and suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. In contrast, while details about the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are unspecified, it is noted to have a resonant sound profile. Depending on the construction of your keyboard—such as the type of board and keycaps used—the sound characteristics can vary greatly for both switches, but the Speed Silver offers predictability with its moderate tone.

In terms of feel, the Speed Silver switch delivers a mild and polished typing experience. The mildness affords users a gentle and approachable actuation, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced typists. With a polished finish, users can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Tomcat (Heavy), however, lacks specific descriptions on feel. Given its name, one might infer that it may feature a heavier resistance compared to the Speed Silver, impacting how it feels during prolonged use, but without explicit details, one can only speculate.

In conclusion, both the TTC Speed Silver and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Speed Silver shines with a neutral sound profile and a smooth, polished feel, making it a reliable choice for a fast and precise typing experience. While information on the Tomcat (Heavy) is less detailed, the expectation of a heavier actuation and a resonant sound profile suggests it may provide a contrasting experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on individual preferences and the keyboard setup, ensuring that users can find enjoyment, whether they opt for the Speed Silver's refined qualities or the Tomcat's potential heaviness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing requirements. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially for gaming or rapid typing tasks, the Speed Silver is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force of 55 grams, coupled with its reduced travel distance, facilitates quick key presses, making it ideal for those who value efficiency and precision in their input. The neutral sound profile and mild feel also contribute to a versatile typing experience that suits both beginners and seasoned typists alike. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with a pronounced resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force may be more to your liking. Its smooth Ly stems enhance the feel of each keystroke, and the deeper sound profile can provide a satisfying auditory feedback that some typists savor. This switch is particularly suitable for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions and appreciate a heavier feel, giving you that extra confidence with each keystroke. So, choose the Speed Silver for speed and versatility, or pick the Tomcat (Heavy) for a robust, smooth typing experience—your ideal switch will depend on what you value most in your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Speed Silver Linear

$6.00

$4.58 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more