HMX Swift vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Swift and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Swift, recognized for its deeper sound profile and silky smoothness, boasts a lightweight 42g actuation force, making it effortlessly responsive for those who prefer a clacky and easy-to-press feel. Its full nylon housing contributes to a robust and creamy typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate both tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction while typing. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its Ly stems, provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile. This switch is suited for those who favor a more solid and deliberate key press, making it a fantastic option for individuals who type with more force or seek a sturdier feel. Both switches appeal to distinct preferences, whether you desire a feather-light touch or a satisfying heavy keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

HMX Swift Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the HMX Swift and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), the most significant divergence lies in their top housing materials. The Swift utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing that elicits a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more vibrant sound and aesthetic, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting. Thus, if you’re looking for a quieter and warmer sound, the Swift may be the optimal choice, while the Tomcat caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced and clear auditory feedback.

Interestingly, both switches share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This similarity in material creates a sense of continuity in the typing experience, as the deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to nylon will affect how both switches feel when bottomed out. The softer properties of the nylon bottom housing contribute to a more cushioned and dampened sensation, influencing the tactile feedback during typing. As a result, while the top housings present contrasting characteristics that shape their auditory profiles, the nylon bottom housing in both models ensures that users experience a similar bottoming-out sensation, maintaining a consistent level of comfort between the two switches.

In combination, the differences between the top housing materials create distinct sound profiles that can cater to various user preferences, while the shared nylon bottom housing bridges the gap between the two. Users who appreciate a softer, more muted response when pressing down on keys will find satisfaction in both switches, as the bottom housing maintains that quality. Conversely, the disparities in the top housing materials highlight individual tastes in sound dynamics, where the choice ultimately reflects personal preferences in auditory feedback. Therefore, those who select either the Swift or the Tomcat will enjoy a unique typing experience, enhanced by the complementary effects of their nylon bottom housings that unify their tactile feedback.

Weight

The HMX Swift linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Swift features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience or extended gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Tomcat provide a tactile resistance that some users may find more satisfying, albeit potentially more tiring during prolonged use. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch conducive to long typing periods, the Swift would be the preferable option, while the Tomcat (Heavy) may be better suited for those seeking a firmer, more pronounced keystroke feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Swift linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Swift offers a longer travel distance at 3.9 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Swift may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who appreciate a deeper feel when pressing keys, which can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a hearty depth. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) could appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances are generally associated with quicker actuation. Therefore, if a user prioritizes responsiveness, opting for the Tomcat (Heavy) could be beneficial, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Swift.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the HMX Swift linear switch is characterized by its deeper sound profile, which distinguishes it from many other linear switches that typically possess a brighter sound signature. The full nylon housing of the Swift results in a clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy auditory response that can be satisfying to many typists. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch delivers a more resonant sound profile, though it lacks the specific descriptors available for the Swift. It's important to note that the acoustic characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard they are used in and the type of keycaps fitted, suggesting that while their sound might differ, both can be tailored to produce pleasing audio experiences depending on external factors.

Regarding feel, the Swift linear switch excels with its easy-to-press action, requiring minimal force of just 42g to actuate, which significantly enhances typing comfort by reducing finger fatigue, especially during prolonged use. This switch also conveys a feathery touch that makes it exceptionally comfortable for extended use, whether for gaming or typing. Additionally, the bouncy and creamy attributes highlight a lively and silky typing experience, making each keypress both responsive and enjoyable. In contrast, the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switch remains unknown, preventing a direct comparison, but the characteristics of the Swift suggest that it will deliver a highly engaging typing experience.

In conclusion, the HMX Swift linear switch is particularly appealing for those seeking a deep sound profile and a wonderfully smooth, light, and responsive feel during typing. The sound is clacky and satisfying, and the easy actuation force paired with a bouncy, creamy feel makes it a strong contender for both gamers and typists alike. While the Tomcat (Heavy) switch offers a resonant sound profile, further details about its feel remain undisclosed. As such, for anyone considering a switch with a focus on sound and typing experience, the Swift stands out considerably, while the Tomcat remains a more mysterious option waiting to be fully appreciated.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the HMX Swift linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a lighter key press that minimizes finger fatigue during extended gaming or typing sessions, the Swift might be the better option for you. Its delicate actuation force of 42 grams and silky smooth keystrokes make it exceptionally easy to press, offering a bouncy and creamy feel that enhances comfort and responsiveness. Moreover, the deeper sound profile of the Swift can add a unique auditory experience, characterized by a clacky sound that makes each keystroke satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a more robust feedback with a firmer bottom-out force of 64 grams, the Tomcat (Heavy) could be your ideal choice. This switch caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, perhaps enhancing your precision in tasks that require deliberate keystrokes. While the Tomcat may not have the same level of delicacy, its super smooth Ly stems result in a resonant sound profile that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing style, whether you lean towards the effortless finesse of the Swift or the satisfying heft of the Tomcat.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Swift Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more