Jwick Taro vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, offers a snug and comfortable typing feel with its snappy medium-level tactility, providing satisfying feedback with each keystroke accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. Its design is complemented by a cozy, subdued color scheme that adds to its inviting presence. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat presents a linear switch experience characterized by its Ly stems, which promise a super smooth typing experience without any tactile bump. This switch features a resonant sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid keystroke. While the Taro excels in delivering an engaging tactile feedback suitable for typing and gaming alike, the Tomcat shines with its seamless key presses ideal for fast-paced tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you!

By the numbers

Jwick Taro Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Jwick Taro and the Bsun Tomcat exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their utilization of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from this material's inherent properties, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, making both the Taro and Tomcat visually appealing options for users who prioritize aesthetic customizability along with performance. This shared construction material contributes to consistent sound characteristics across both models, ensuring that users can expect a similar auditory experience when using either switch.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Taro and the Tomcat is made from nylon, a well-established choice for switch housing. This choice provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. The result is a more muted bottom-out sound that is rounder in quality. Since the sound and feel of typing are significantly influenced by the bottom housing, the use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience a satisfying keystroke feedback, regardless of whether they opt for the Taro or the Tomcat. Thus, while there is uniformity in the top and bottom housing materials across both models, they both serve to create distinct yet complementary auditory experiences.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom across the Jwick Taro and Bsun Tomcat means that both models deliver a balanced sound profile that features the sharpness of the top housing and the depth of the bottom housing. When switching between the two, users are likely to notice that while the sound signature remains consistent, the tactile feel during typing may resonate differently based on individual preferences for key feedback. This harmonious dual-material approach allows both switches to appeal to users who appreciate both the aesthetic elements and the auditory satisfaction derived from well-designed key switches.

Weight

When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Taro's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to assess how it would compare in terms of the initial keystroke feel. However, its bottom out force is measured at 67 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Tomcat boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the Tomcat requires less force to engage and bottom out compared to the Taro, making it lighter overall. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming may gravitate towards the Tomcat, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience might find the Taro to be more appealing. Overall, the Taro is heavier with its known bottom out force, while the Tomcat is lighter with both its actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Taro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, slightly longer than the Tomcat's 3.6 mm. As such, users seeking a more pronounced key press may find the Taro more appealing due to its greater depth. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance could provide gamers or users who prefer a quicker response time with a more snappy feel. Thus, the Taro is the longer switch, while the Tomcat is the shorter option. Overall, the differences, though minimal, highlight the varying preferences in key feel and responsiveness between the two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Taro produces a sharp and crisp clacking sound that adds an engaging audio element to the typing experience. This acute sound, alongside its neutral character, makes it versatile for different environments—whether at home or in an office setting—without being overbearing. In contrast, the Tomcat switch offers a resonant sound profile that is more subdued, contributing to a smooth auditory experience. The acoustic characteristics of both switches can vary based on the specific keyboard used and the choice of keycaps, but they each cater to different preferences in auditory feedback.

Feel-wise, Taro switches provide a unique combination of tactile feedback, characterized by medium-level tactility that delivers a snappy response while typing. The buttery sensation implies a smooth keystroke, while the stepped design suggests a tactile experience with two notable stages in the keypress—this contrasts with the continuous smoothness typically expected from linear switches. On the other hand, the Tomcat linear switch boasts a super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, delivering a seamless interaction without the distinct tactile bump associated with tactile switches. This preference for a smooth stroke often appeals to those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing.

In summary, the Jwick Taro tactile switch offers a sharp and engaging sound with a medium tactile feel that blends smoothness with defined feedback. The Bsun Tomcat linear switch, meanwhile, emphasizes a resonant sound and a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will come down to personal preference: if you prioritize the tactile experience and auditory engagement, the Taro is an excellent choice, while the Tomcat suits those desiring an ultra-smooth typing journey with minimal sound distractions.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you lean towards a medium-heavy actuation and enjoy a tactile experience complemented by sharp, crisp sounds, the Taro might be the perfect fit for you. Its unique combination of a subdued color scheme and a buttery tactile feel with a slight stepped character makes it suitable for both work and casual typing. Whether you're working on a report or gaming, the Taro’s sound profile remains neutral enough to not disturb those around you, making it versatile for almost any environment. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Tomcat linear switch is an excellent choice. With a lighter bottom-out force and resonant sound, it excels in providing a fluid keystroke that many typists and gamers appreciate. The Tomcat's design caters to those who crave speed and ease of typing without the tactile feedback that the Taro offers. Ultimately, consider your typing style and the environments where you plan to use your keyboard to select the switch that will best enhance your experience.

Mentioned in this article

Jwick Taro Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more