Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. The Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its Ly stems, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that many users find satisfying. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more expressive feedback in their keystrokes, making it a solid choice for both gaming and typing where audio feedback is appreciated. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear is designed with a focus on creating a tranquil typing experience, utilizing ingeniously crafted stem railings with discreet cutouts to minimize noise without sacrificing responsiveness. Unlike traditional silent switches, it eliminates silicone dampeners, leading to a distinct feel upon bottoming out, which can be appealing for those who want to maintain a balance between quiet operation and tactile feedback. Each switch presents compelling reasons for selection—whether it’s the rich sound and smoothness of the Tomcat (Heavy) or the quiet precision of the WS Silent Linear. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) to the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, one of the most notable differences is their top housing materials. The Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This characteristic results from polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Its translucency also makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear features a nylon top housing, a material traditionally associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. Nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and round sound quality when typing, thereby yielding a different overall acoustic experience.
The bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, which leads to more similarities than differences in their sound profiles. Since both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear use nylon in their bottom housing, they share a common trait of producing a deeper and fuller sound when the key bottoms out. The inherent properties of nylon contribute to a softness in sound, promoting a dampened acoustic response that enhances the typing experience. Therefore, regardless of the distinctions in their top housing materials, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in the bottom housing, ensuring a satisfying bottom-out feel.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear creates unique auditory and tactile experiences for users. While the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a sharp and bright sound signature due to its polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom balances this with a rounder sound when the key is pressed. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear provides a cohesive and somewhat softer experience due to its nylon top and bottom. Despite their differences, both switches can yield similar results in terms of deeper sound characteristics, thanks to the nylon bottom housing, which plays a significant role in shaping the overall acoustic profile during key presses and releases.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we see some intriguing differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) has a well-defined actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also placing it in the medium-heavy category. Despite the lack of specified actuation force for the WS Silent Linear, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of typing experience due to the comparable bottom out force between the two switches. In terms of weight preference, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the lighter option with a lower actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the WS Silent Linear may offer a slightly stiffer experience when fully pressed down, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel. Overall, the differences in actuation force may influence user preference based on individual typing styles.
Travel distance
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch exhibit slight differences in travel distance, with the Tomcat measuring 3.6 mm and the WS Silent Linear at 3.5 mm. This makes the WS Silent Linear the shorter of the two by just 0.1 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular among gamers for their quicker response times, the Tomcat offers a tad more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key. Consequently, if you favor swift actions and a more immediately responsive experience, the WS Silent Linear may serve you well with its shorter distance. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit more travel for a more pronounced feedback during typing or gaming, the Tomcat could be the preferable choice.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear comes in at $4.20.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by its resonant quality, contributing to a more vibrant auditory experience during use. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch boasts a neutral, muted, and subdued sound profile that effectively minimizes noise while typing. The WS Silent Linear excels in environments where reduced sound levels are essential, such as offices, making it suitable for a wider range of applications without sacrificing the audible feedback one might expect from a mechanical switch.
When it comes to feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) is known for providing a super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, promoting a seamless actuation without friction. The WS Silent Linear, while differing in its approach, offers a mild typing experience that balances comfort with responsiveness. This characteristic means that both switches cater to users seeking gentler yet effective performance, though the Tomcat may lean towards a smoother transition without the accompanying cushioned sensation found in some other silent options.
In summary, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches serve different purposes in terms of sound and feel, both can create satisfying typing experiences tailored to specific environments and preferences. The Tomcat offers a more pronounced audio response and a smooth action, ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback, whereas the WS Silent Linear focuses on creating a quieter, more understated presence while still maintaining a comfortable and responsive feel. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize sound or seek a more subdued typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch hinges on your specific typing preferences and your environment. If you seek a distinctly smooth typing experience and enjoy a slightly resonant sound profile that adds character to your keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) is an excellent option, especially if you appreciate a switch that has a bit of heft at 64 grams. This switch is especially suited for those who prefer tactile feedback and don't mind a bit of sound in a personal or dedicated gaming setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter workspace or are typing in close proximity to others, the WS Silent Linear switch is a fantastic choice. With its muted and subdued sound characteristics, it provides a serene typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. This switch is ideal for office environments or shared spaces, as its design minimizes noise while maintaining a pleasant feel, conveying a mild typing experience that is approachable for all users. Ultimately, consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.
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