Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When contemplating the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and Gazzew U4Tx present compelling choices, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Tomcat (Heavy) is renowned for its linear design, featuring Ly stems that deliver a super smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile, making it an excellent option for gamers or typists seeking fluidity and minimal resistance without tactile interruption. Conversely, the Gazzew U4Tx switches shine with their unique blend of tactile feedback and acoustic refinement, boasting a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out experience. The U4Tx offers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump that many users find luxurious and rewarding, appealing to those who appreciate a pronounced tactile experience alongside a clean sound profile. Both switches have their own merits, with the Tomcat focusing on smoothness and linearity while the U4Tx emphasizes tactile feedback and sound quality. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and Gazzew U4Tx switches, it is essential to consider their housing materials and their impact on sound profile and typing experience. The Tomcat (Heavy) employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows sound waves to resonate clearly, making the switches particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to their translucency. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx utilizes a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material, while still soft, creates a richer and deeper sound profile that diverges significantly from the clarity offered by polycarbonate. The differences in high-frequency response between the two materials contribute to unique auditory experiences: the Tomcat emphasizes brightness and clarity, while the U4Tx highlights warmth and fullness.

On the bottom housing front, both switches share a commonality in utilizing softer materials, resulting in similar sound profiles. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a nylon bottom housing, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder counterparts, rendering a deeper and fuller acoustic output. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx also sports its proprietary "boba plastic" for the bottom housing, maintaining the rich, deep sound profile inherent to its overall design. As both switches rely on softer materials for the bottom portion of their housings, users can expect a dampened, rounded sound. This similarity allows typists to achieve a satisfying auditory experience that is deeper than average, regardless of the brand they choose.

In terms of overall typing experience, it is also important to recognize that both housing types will influence different aspects of sound and feel. As the top housings vary, the Tomcat's polycarbonate design will accentuate the release sound when a key is lifted, likely resulting in a more pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the U4Tx’s top housing will contribute to a more subdued release, embracing the warmth of its material. At the same time, the bottom housing characteristics will take precedence during bottoming out, making both switches deliver similar results in that regard. Although the switches utilize contrasting materials in their top housings, the combination of soft plastics in the bottom housings enables both to achieve defined outcomes while maintaining their unique sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch to the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) features an actuation force of 55 grams, which means it requires a relatively medium-heavy push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the U4Tx has an unspecified actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare in that regard. However, the bottom out force for the Tomcat is 64 grams, while the U4Tx has a slightly lower bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This indicates that while the Tomcat requires a heavier push to register a keystroke, both switches deliver a similar feel when pressed to their maximum travel distance. Given that the Tomcat (Heavy) is more resistant at both actuation and bottom out forces, it would appeal more to users who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the unspecified actuation force of the U4Tx suggests it may be lighter, potentially making it a better choice for those who favor a softer touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, users' preferences for actuation and bottom out forces will play a significant role in their selection of these switches.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either switch. This equality in travel distance suggests that both switches will provide a comparable experience in terms of the distance moved from the top to the bottom during use. As a result, those who prioritize switch feel and feedback can expect a consistent performance between these two options, despite their different switch types.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by its resonant qualities, which contribute to a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. This switch emphasizes a more pronounced acoustic presence, giving a sense of fullness to each keystroke. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a uniquely refined sound profile that combines both deep resonance and subdued tones. The U4Tx produces a satisfying "thock" when bottoming out, while the topping out phase is much quieter, ensuring that typing is not excessively loud. The combination of these auditory elements results in a distinct sound that balances richness with a level of discretion.

When it comes to feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch provides a smooth typing experience, which is one of its defining features. However, the specific tactile sensations experienced with this switch remain unspecified. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switch stands out for its pronounced tactile bump, which is described as sharp and highly defined, giving a notable feedback intensity with each keystroke. This tactile response not only enhances the typing experience but also allows for greater precision in typing, making it ideal for users seeking tactile feedback during their workflow.

In conclusion, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch excels in its resonant sound profile and smoothness, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch impressively balances sound with sharp tactile feedback. The Tomcat is all about fluidity in typing, while the U4Tx engages users through distinct tactile sensations combined with a refined acoustic experience. Each switch provides unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so depending on one’s inclinations—whether seeking a smooth, rich sound or a pronounced tactile experience—both switches can satisfy demands for high performance in mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and style of use. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch that delivers a super smooth and resonant typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) is an excellent option. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a linear feel without distractions, making it ideal for gaming sessions or long periods of typing where you want a consistent and unbroken keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback with a refined acoustic profile, the Gazzew U4Tx is the better choice. This switch marries a crisp tactile bump with a deep, pleasant "thock" sound that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a balance of tactile response and moderate noise levels. In summary, choose the Tomcat (Heavy) for a smooth, linear experience or the U4Tx for its engaging tactile feedback and nuanced sound design, depending on how you prefer to interact with your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more