Jwick Taro vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Jwick Taro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, two notable options are the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch. The Taro switches are celebrated for their cozy subdued color scheme and a typing experience that perfectly balances comfort and engagement. They provide a snappy, medium-level tactility accompanied by crisp, acute clacks, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances their typing rhythm. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a different approach with its smooth Ly stem design, promoting a superfluid typing experience devoid of tactile bumps, allowing for rapid key presses without distraction. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat (Heavy) adds an auditory layer that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Taro or the smooth actuation of the Tomcat. 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
N/A
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Jwick Taro and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize the same materials for their switch housings, with polycarbonate used for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The choice of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches offers a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of the plastic. This shared feature ensures that both models are particularly effective when combined with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects of the lighting scheme. Thus, users can expect a similar audio experience during typing due to the fundamental qualities of polycarbonate contributing uniformly to the sound output.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Taro and the Tomcat (Heavy) employ nylon, which is recognized as a classic choice for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. The consistency in housing materials means that both switches will deliver a rich typing experience with a similar impact on how the switches feel during key presses. This shared characteristic pairs well with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate tops, allowing users to enjoy the best of both sound profiles.
In summary, the Jwick Taro and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer comparable sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their identical housing materials. While the polycarbonate top focuses on achieving clarity and sharpness, the nylon bottom complements this by providing a deeper resonance. The interplay between these materials ensures that users experience a cohesive and satisfying typing experience with both switches. Their identical composition means that whether one is using the Taro or the Tomcat (Heavy), the combination of a crisp top with a deep bottom will yield similar results in sound and feel, making either choice a worthy contender for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Taro has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a somewhat heavier feel when keys are fully pressed down. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches offer a defined actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, which is slightly lower than that of the Taro. This means the Tomcat requires less effort to activate but still provides a robust feel at bottom out. Ultimately, while the Taro has a heavier bottom out force, the Tomcat is the lighter option overall due to its lower actuation force, making it potentially more appealing for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, yet still offers the satisfying weight some users prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Taro features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Taro the longer option by a mere 0.1 mm, which could contribute to a slightly more pronounced tactile feel when pressed. For gamers or users who favor rapid response times, the Tomcat (Heavy) might be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, enhancing speed in key presses. Conversely, those who prefer more depth and a more substantial feel may lean towards the Taro switch. Ultimately, while both switches offer efficient travel distances, the choice between them comes down to personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
The Jwick Taro tactile switch produces a delightful auditory experience characterized by acute and crisp clacks, making it pleasantly audible while you're typing. This sound profile is neutral, offering a moderate actuation force and sound level, which makes it versatile for both home and office environments. In comparison, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch provides a resonant sound profile, which likely enhances the acoustic experience but may not be as pronounced or sharp as the sound produced by the Taro. While both switches will vary somewhat in sound based on external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, the Taro's explicit description suggests a more defined auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Taro switches are recognized for being buttery smooth, providing a fluid and seamless typing experience. This is complemented by their stepped tactile feedback, allowing for a mild yet recognizable bump during keypresses, which can enhance typing accuracy. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is highlighted for its Ly stems that deliver a super smooth experience, although there isn't an explicit mention of tactile feedback, which typically characterizes linear switches. While both options may provide a satisfying feel, the tactile nature of the Taro will give it a distinct advantage for those who prefer tactile feedback during their typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer unique experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Taro excels with its crisp auditory feedback and comfortable tactile sensation, making it suitable for users who enjoy a balanced typing experience with some tactile response. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a smooth touch with a resonant sound, appealing to those who prioritize fluidity over tactile bumps. Ultimately, both options can deliver satisfying results, but your choice will depend on whether you favor a tactile experience or a more linear feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Jwick Taro tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that is slightly snappier and a sound profile that offers subtle clacks, the Taro switches may be the ideal choice for you. Their moderately heavy actuation force and buttery feel cater well to typists who appreciate a comfortable typing experience, making them a great option for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you're after a smooth, seamless keystroke with a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch could be more suited to your needs. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a whisper-quiet operation, it’s perfect for scenarios where you require less auditory distraction, such as in shared workspaces or during late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing dynamics, aligning with how you envision your keyboard experience.