Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. Jerrzi Violet

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, with each type offering distinct characteristics to suit different preferences. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a linear switch, is celebrated for its super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, providing a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke that many typists favor for rapid typing or gaming. Its resonant sound profile adds an auditory dimension, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch, classified as a tactile switch, offers a gentle tactile experience defined by a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility. With a neutral sound signature, it creates a balanced auditory experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more nuanced feedback without harsh noise. While the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to users seeking smoothness and speed, the Violet appeals to those who value tactile response and a satisfying feel with every keystroke. 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

Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$2.99 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Jerrzi Violet switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a similar auditory experience. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate clear and resonant sounds when typing. Additionally, both switches' clear housings not only enhance sound quality but also allow for effective diffusion and vibrant illumination of RGB lighting, making them visually striking options for enthusiasts who seek both aesthetic appeal and performance.

In contrast, both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Jerrzi Violet feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings. Nylon's softer nature results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, which is noticeably different from the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This dual-material approach means that the overall sound experience is a blend of the brighter top end from the polycarbonate and the rounder, muffled tones from the nylon. When pressing down on these switches, the sound and feel are influenced greatly by the nylon bottom housing, which absorbs some of the keystroke's resonance, leading to a more subdued and satisfying typing sensation at the bottom-out point.

Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and Jerrzi Violet switches are identical, the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom produces a harmonious balance between brightness and fullness. This symmetry in housing materials assures that both switches will deliver a similarly engaging auditory experience, blending the benefits of clarity and depth for a well-rounded performance. Whether you're an avid gamer or a typist, you can expect comparable outcomes in terms of sound and feel with either model, allowing users to choose based on preference or design without sacrificing audio quality.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Violet requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Violet a more suitable choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the heavier actuation force of the Tomcat can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who like a firmer push feel. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Tomcat is measured at 64 grams, indicating the force required to fully depress the key. However, the bottom out force for the Violet is unknown, which leaves a gap in the comparison regarding how it feels when pressing a key all the way down. Ultimately, users aiming for lighter switches for prolonged use may lean towards the Jerrzi Violet, while those seeking a more robust typing experience might prefer the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Tomcat (Heavy) has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This 0.1 mm difference means that the Violet switch provides a deeper keypress, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile experience and find the added depth enhances their typing comfort. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy), being shorter in travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker actuation and a more responsive feel, which is particularly beneficial for gamers. Ultimately, individuals should choose based on their preference for either responsiveness or depth; those who favor a quicker response may lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy), while those who appreciate a more substantial keypress might opt for the Violet.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch produces a resonant sound profile that is likely to contribute to a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. This sound quality can be enhanced or altered based on the type of keyboard and keycaps used. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch exhibits a neutral sound signature, which offers a more balanced audio experience, making it versatile for various environments. This neutrality allows it to be suitable for both beginners and advanced users, regardless of whether they are typing at home or in a workspace.

When considering the feel of these two switches, the Tomcat (Heavy) promises to deliver a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, making it ideal for users who prefer a linear feel without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Violet tactile switch features a stepped tactile feel that provides a distinguishable actuation point, offering a gentle but noticeable tactile bump. This design allows for a comfortable typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the feedback of tactile switches without overwhelming intensity.

In conclusion, both switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Tomcat (Heavy) excels with its smooth actuation and resonant sound, making it favorable for those who desire a silent, fluid typing experience. Meanwhile, the Jerrzi Violet offers a balanced auditory profile along with a gentle tactile feedback that appeals to users who appreciate some level of actuation feedback without the harshness of more pronounced tactile switches. Depending on your typing style and sound preference, one of these switches may serve your needs better, but both can deliver enjoyable results in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a firmer keystroke with a bottom-out force of 64 grams and enjoy a smooth, responsive typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) is an excellent choice. Its heavier actuation is great for preventing accidental key presses, making it ideal for individuals who favor deliberate typing or are prone to making mistakes with lighter switches. Alternatively, if you appreciate the tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without requiring excessive force, the Jerrzi Violet switch is an enticing option. Its gentle tactile feel and neutral sound profile cater to those who seek a balanced typing experience suitable for both work and leisure, especially in quieter environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean towards a more robust, linear feel or a softer, tactile experience that offers engaging feedback with each keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Violet Tactile

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more