Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Tomcat (Heavy), recognized for its Ly stems, provides a super smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a refined feel and pleasant acoustics during prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming marathons. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically for gamers, featuring an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm that allows for rapid-fire keyboard inputs, along with a bright, clacky sound profile that adds an element of excitement to the gaming experience. Each switch has unique characteristics that cater to specific needs—whether you seek a sublime typing experience with the Tomcat or the quick response time of the Vintage Citrus. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
64g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the HMX Vintage Citrus, a clear distinction arises between their respective top housings. The Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it particularly advantageous for those who favor a bright auditory experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference means that while the Tomcat’s sound is likely to resonate and “pop,” the Vintage Citrus will have a softer, more muted quality at the top of the switch.
However, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. The nylon used in the Tomcat (Heavy) bottom housing notably assists in generating a deeper and rounder sound profile, as it absorbs sound waves effectively. This is echoed in the Vintage Citrus, which also employs nylon for its bottom housing, making it another instance where both switches harmonize in sound characteristics. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will ultimately generate a comparable depth of sound during operation, as the nylon bottoms contribute significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both switches creates a nuanced auditory experience. The Tomcat’s contrasting polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom will produce a sound signature that is brighter on keystroke release due to the stiffer characteristics, while still offering the satisfying roundness from the nylon bottom upon bottoming out. In comparison, the Vintage Citrus will provide a more uniform sound profile, leaning heavily onto the softness of its nylon housing in both portions. Enthusiasts can expect distinct yet complementary auditory experiences with these switches, utilizing their housing materials to create their desired keypress sound profiles effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we can see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) requires a notably higher actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Vintage Citrus has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams. This difference suggests that the Tomcat may provide a more substantial typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a firmer push, while the lighter Vintage Citrus caters to users seeking a more comfortable typing experience for extended periods. Additionally, the bottom out forces reflect this trend, with the Tomcat at 64 grams and the Citrus at 53 grams. Consequently, users will find the Tomcat to be the heavier option overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback, while the Vintage Citrus stands out as the lighter alternative, perfect for long gaming sessions or work tasks that involve prolonged typing. Overall, if users appreciate a medium-heavy feel, the Tomcat will likely meet their needs, whereas the medium-light Vintage Citrus is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus measures at 3.0 mm. This makes the Tomcat (Heavy) the longer switch, offering a more pronounced depth that some users may prefer for a hearty typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3.0 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and those who favor quick-response keystrokes, as shorter travel distances can enhance reaction times. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a deeper keypress, the Tomcat (Heavy) would suit your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile, which can provide an interesting auditory character when compared to other linear switches. This resonance can contribute to a more satisfying typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the softer sound that switches may produce due to their smooth stroke. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a bright, clacky sound profile, which contrasts with the Tomcat's resonant qualities. This clackiness can be particularly appealing for gamers who appreciate a more audible confirmation of their actions, though it’s essential to keep in mind that sound can be significantly influenced by the keyboard's design, materials, and keycap choice.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Tomcat (Heavy) is praised for its super smooth typing experience, largely due to its Ly stems, which enhance the fluidity of key presses and provide an enjoyable tactile feedback during use. This smoothness makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, as users can seamlessly transition between tasks without any discomfort. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch offers a remarkably smooth push feel as well. However, the distinction lies in its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, which allows for quick and rapid inputs, catering specifically to gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their gameplay.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches offer unique strengths that might appeal to different aspects of user preference. The Tomcat (Heavy) is ideal for those who enjoy a resonant sound and an ultra-smooth typing feel, while the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers wanting a bright, clacky sound and an incredibly light actuation force for fast gameplay. Ultimately, while each switch has its own personality, you'll find that both can deliver a satisfying experience tailored to your specific needs in typing or gaming, depending on your personal preferences and the keyboard setup you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you prefer a more substantial key feel and are looking for a switch that provides a satisfying tactile response with a bottom-out force of 64 grams, then the Tomcat (Heavy) is an excellent option for you. Its Ly stems enable a super smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that makes for an enjoyable and engaging typing atmosphere. Conversely, if you prioritize speed and rapid-fire capability, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored to meet those needs with its light 53 grams bottom-out force and a low actuation threshold of just 1mm. This makes it particularly appealing for gamers who require quick, precise keystrokes, and the bright, clacky sound adds to the immersive gaming experience. Overall, consider your primary use case—be it typing, gaming, or a balance of both—when selecting between these two distinct switches, as each excels in different aspects to enhance your keyboard experience.
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