Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the KTT Wine Red are two notable linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its Ly stems, offering a super smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile, making it a favorite for those seeking an effortless and fluid keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red provides an intoxicating typing experience characterized by its pillowy light feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, which appeals to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback with each press. While both switches deliver a linear typing experience devoid of tactile bumps, they cater to distinct auditory and tactile preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
64g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The primary similarity between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the KTT Wine Red switches lies in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a distinctive auditory experience for users. In both switches, the polycarbonate contributes to a sound profile that is characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is due to polycarbonate's natural properties as a relatively stiffer plastic that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucent nature of polycarbonate, making them particularly appealing for setups that include RGB lighting. This shared top housing material ensures that both switches can deliver vibrant lighting effects while producing a more sonorous auditory feedback during use.
Contrasting the two switches, though, becomes evident when examining the materials used for their bottom housing. The Tomcat (Heavy) incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, creating a fuller and deeper sound profile, which is a result of nylon's softer plastic properties. This material absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, allowing for a sound that is both duller and rounder. In stark contrast, the KTT Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well. As such, the Wine Red produces a sound profile similar to that of its top housing—sharp and resonant—rather than the deeper tones associated with nylon. Consequently, the overall sonic characteristics of the Tomcat (Heavy) and the KTT Wine Red differ significantly, particularly in how they handle the bottom-out sound, which can influence typing experiences.
The aggregated sound profiles of each switch derive directly from the composition of their materials, indicating how both switches can create unique typing experiences despite some commonalities. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), with its nylon bottom housing, provides a typing experience that is rich and resonant on bottom-out, allowing for a fuller feel when pressing the keys. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red retains the crisper tone throughout the keypress, owing to polycarbonate’s consistent characteristics in both top and bottom housings. As such, while the switches do share similarities in their top housings, the materials used in the bottom housing influence the overall sound dynamics and typing feel, creating distinct experiences for users who prefer either switch.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red features a lighter actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to users who favor a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This distinction means that the Tomcat (Heavy) is better suited for those who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the Wine Red is ideal for users seeking a lighter keypress. Overall, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be your preferred choice, while the medium-light Wine Red offers ease of use with less effort for longer typing endeavors.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find a distinct difference. The Tomcat (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the KTT Wine Red is more aligned with traditional preferences, offering a more pronounced tactile response compared to the Tomcat (Heavy). For users who appreciate a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) may be preferable, allowing for quicker key presses that are often favored in gaming scenarios. Conversely, those who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes would likely prefer the KTT Wine Red, providing a more substantial bottom-out experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 provides a unique acoustic experience during typing. In comparison, the KTT Wine Red switch is characterized by a deep, rich sound that is described as both bassy and low-pitched. The Wine Red's sound profile offers a satisfying auditory feedback, giving users a sense of fullness with each key press, akin to the depth associated with bass tones. Both switches highlight the importance of the keyboard and keycaps in influencing overall sound, meaning that while they possess distinct qualities, external factors can certainly modify the auditory experience.
When considering feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted for featuring Ly stems that ensure a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness contributes to an effortless keystroke, making it pleasant for prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red switch is described as having a pillowy light feel, which may provide a different tactile experience that is softer and gentler under the fingers. While the Tomcat (Heavy) presents a smooth linear progression, the Wine Red may give a more cushioned sensation, allowing users to choose their preferred tactile response based on their personal typing style.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and KTT Wine Red linear switches cater to unique preferences in sound and feel. The Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant auditory experience bolstered by its smooth feel, while the Wine Red switch excels with its deep and bassy sound and pillowy typing sensation. Ultimately, while both switches have their distinctive characteristics, the choice between them will depend on whether one prioritizes sound richness or a softer tactile feel. This allows enthusiasts to find compatibility with their typing habits and acoustic preferences, ensuring a satisfying keyboard experience regardless of the switch selected.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, your choice should reflect your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 64 grams, the Tomcat (Heavy) is an excellent option. Its super smooth Ly stems contribute to a satisfying feel that many users appreciate, especially for tasks requiring precision, such as coding or gaming where feedback can be critical. The resonant sound profile adds an appealing acoustic element, making each keystroke feel impactful. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch with a pillowy feel, the KTT Wine Red switch, with its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, is a fantastic choice. The deep and rich, bassy sound offers an immersive typing experience that many find satisfying, especially for extended typing sessions or casual use. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you crave that heavier, more deliberate feedback or a smooth, plush typing experience that feels effortless.