Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

Overview

When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as excellent options in the linear category, each bringing its own unique characteristics to the table. The Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, coupled with a resonant sound profile that enhances every keystroke. This switch caters to users who appreciate a refined and subtle auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing typists in a satisfying acoustic feedback that many find irresistible. The lengthened single-stage spring in the Tourmaline Blue contributes a bouncy feel to each press, providing a delightful tactile response that appeals to users looking for a lively typing sensation. With its standard spring weight and accessibility, the Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance appealing to a wide range of users, making it a versatile choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$2.99 per 10

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it becomes evident that their top housings are constructed from the same material—polycarbonate. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it a popular choice for switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination. Therefore, regardless of the switch you choose, users can expect a clear and bright auditory experience when utilizing them in a lighting setup.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in material composition; the Tomcat (Heavy) uses nylon while the Tourmaline Blue opts for polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This creates a more rounded acoustic experience, especially noticeable during the bottom-out phase of keypresses. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate bottom housing, will lend a sharper and crisper sound to the keypresses, reflecting the characteristics of the material more clearly.

The combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue means that each switch will deliver a unique typing experience. With the Tomcat (Heavy), the contrast between the crisper sound from the polycarbonate top and the fuller sound from the nylon bottom creates a rich auditory spectrum. Meanwhile, the Tourmaline Blue maintains a consistent sound profile across both its top and bottom housings due to the uniformity of polycarbonate, making for a distinctly clear and bright sound throughout. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may depend on the preferred typing feel and sound quality, as each material lends its unique character to the overall performance.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has slightly higher specifications, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Tomcat (Heavy) the lighter option between the two, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, which may benefit users who prefer to type or game for extended periods without fatigue. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with the tactile feedback they desire. Both switches fall within a medium-heavy classification, making them suitable for users looking for a balance of responsive feedback and a bit of resistance. However, if all other factors are equal, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces suggests that users might experience different levels of comfort and feedback based on their preference for lighter or heavier switches.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly, with the Tomcat (Heavy) having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Tourmaline Blue measuring 4 mm. This means that the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prefer faster response times. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer 4 mm travel, may provide a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for its depth. Those who favor a swift and responsive typing experience might lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy), while users who enjoy a more pronounced key press might opt for the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile, though the specifics of its acoustic qualities remain unspecified. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep and thocky sound that enhances the typing experience, creating a more immersive auditory environment. This distinct sound profile may appeal to those looking for tactile feedback in their typing, while the Tomcat (Heavy) switch may provide a different resonance that aligns with its smoother operation. It's important to note that individual sound perception can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so both switches could potentially yield varying auditory outcomes in different setups.

In terms of feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) is noted for featuring Ly stems, which are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, though specific qualitative attributes may not be highlighted. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is described as buttery, making for a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. Its lengthened single-stage spring contributes to a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, offering minimal resistance that enhances typing comfort and reduces fatigue. This characterizes the Tourmaline Blue as very user-friendly, welcoming to both beginners and experienced typists. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its smoothness, likely provides an appealing experience as well, but may differ in the kind of tactile feedback one can expect during use.

In conclusion, while the sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is less explicitly defined compared to the deep and thocky nature of the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, it is likely that both switches cater to different auditory preferences. The feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) is likely smooth, whereas the Tourmaline Blue distinctly offers a buttery, bouncy typing experience that is easy on the fingers. Both switches have unique qualities that appeal to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, if a newcomer is weighing their options, they may choose either switch based on their sound and feel preferences, as both offer inviting typing experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience characterized by a deeper sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be more suited to your needs. Its medium-heavy resistance can provide a satisfying tactile feedback for those who enjoy a sturdier keystroke, making it an excellent option if you typically type vigorously or require a switch for gaming where the bottom-out force aids in preventing accidental presses. Conversely, if you prefer a softer and more responsive typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue is an excellent choice. With its buttery smooth actuation and easy-to-press nature, this switch is designed to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions while still providing a delightful thocky sound that can enhance your overall experience. Therefore, if versatility and comfort in a variety of settings—whether at home, work, or gaming—are what you're after, the Tourmaline Blue would likely serve you best. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying experience, so consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and pressure sensitivity when making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Tourmaline Blue Linear

$6.86

$3.89 per 10

Learn more