KTT Strawberry vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves debating between popular options such as the KTT Strawberry and the Bsun Tomcat, both of which are linear switches that offer distinct qualities and experiences. The KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its appealing pink and clear housings, delivering a smooth, frictionless actuation that feels buttery and polished, making it a favorite for those who prioritize a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat boasts Ly stems, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing sensation, coupled with a resonant sound profile that adds a layer of auditory feedback often sought after by gamers and typists alike. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Strawberry's silky touch contrasts with the unique auditory character of the Tomcat, catering to different user preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

KTT Strawberry Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$4.91 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the KTT Strawberry and the Bsun Tomcat, both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, which has notable acoustic properties that benefit the overall sound profile of the switches. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. This shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing means that both switches are likely to produce an audible sound that is more defined and clear, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, as the translucent quality of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, creating a visually appealing experience.

However, a contrast emerges when examining the materials used in the bottom housing of each switch. The KTT Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, giving it the same advantages in terms of sound characteristics and aesthetics as the top housing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat opts for nylon in its bottom housing, which introduces a different acoustic signature. Nylon is known for its softer properties, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound compared to the crisper tones of polycarbonate. This disparity in materials means that while the top housing of both switches produces a bright and sharp sound, the bottom housing of the Tomcat provides a rounder and more muted sound, affecting the overall auditory experience of pressing the switches.

In conclusion, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials contributes to the distinct audio and tactile sensations each switch delivers. For the KTT Strawberry, the consistency of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings allows for a cohesive sound experience that emphasizes a clear and resonant profile. Conversely, the combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in the Bsun Tomcat creates a blend of sharpness and depth, resulting in a unique sound that contrasts with the Strawberry. Users can expect different auditory profiles from each switch due to these material differences, highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in mechanical switch design.

Weight

The KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both offer similar yet distinct characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Strawberry switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which provides a moderate typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams but has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that while the Strawberry switch offers a softer initial pressing experience, it ultimately requires more force to fully bottom out compared to the Tomcat, which has a softer landing. In terms of weight, the Strawberry is the heavier option overall due to its higher bottom out force. Users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged use may find the Tomcat more appealing, as its actuation is close but slightly easier to press down, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the KTT Strawberry for its firmer bottom out.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Strawberry has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference highlights the Strawberry's more pronounced keypress, appealing to users who prefer the tactile feedback associated with longer travel distances, often favored for a more deliberate typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat's reduced travel distance aligns with contemporary gamer preferences, prioritizing quick responsiveness and faster actuation. Therefore, if a user seeks a switch that provides an immediate and snappy feel, the Tomcat would be the ideal choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a deeper press may find the Strawberry's longer travel distance more satisfying. Overall, while both switches have their merits, their distinct travel distances cater to different user preferences regarding typing experience and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched tone, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow auditory response. This sound profile enhances the overall typing experience by providing a more subdued atmosphere, which can be less distracting during long typing sessions. In contrast, the sound qualities of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch remain unknown, making it difficult to compare them directly on this front. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, the material of the keycaps, and the acoustics of the typing environment.

In terms of feel, the Strawberry switches shine with descriptors like frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished. These attributes indicate that users can expect an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. This ensures a fluid travel during key presses, creating a seamless sensation whether you’re typing or gaming. On the other hand, the feel of the Tomcat switches has not been specified, leading to uncertainty regarding their performance in comparison. Therefore, while the Strawberry offers an exceptional tactile experience, the Tomcat's feel remains an unknown element at this time.

Overall, the KTT Strawberry linear switch stands out for its low-pitched sound and outstanding smoothness, characterized by a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished feel, making it an attractive choice for users seeking comfort and reliability in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch's attributes, especially in terms of its sound and feel, are still unspecified, which leaves potential users with some uncertainty. If you're aiming for a primarily smooth experience and appreciate that mellow sound, the Strawberry would be the clear recommendation, while a comparison to the Tomcat awaits more detailed insights.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the KTT Strawberry linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a more substantial tactile response and prefer a slightly firmer typing feel, the Strawberry with its 62-gram bottom-out force may be the better choice for you. Its low-pitched sound profile and smooth, frictionless actuation create a comfortable environment for both typing and gaming, making it great for users who appreciate a robust yet quiet switch. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Tomcat with its medium-light 54-gram bottom-out force could be more suitable. The Ly stems of the Tomcat provide a seamless keystroke that appeals to those who favor a lighter press and a resonant sound profile, which can make typing feel more effortless and engaging. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a heavier, satisfying feel or a lighter, almost gliding experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more