Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing their options carefully between different brands and models. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both fall into the category of linear switches, yet each offers a distinct typing experience tailored to varying preferences. The Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile that many users find appealing. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) features a unique PA12 top housing designed for softer acoustics alongside a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This switch embodies a combination of sophistication and precise performance. Both switches cater to those who appreciate a linear feel without the tactile bump, but their sound profiles and construction materials create differing user experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
64g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) both incorporate distinctive materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to contrasting auditory profiles that affect the overall typing experience. The Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing. This material is characterized by its rigidity, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile when a key is released. The translucence of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it an aesthetically pleasing choice for users who prioritize visual appeal alongside sound. On the other hand, the Xinhai (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, known for its softer and more sound-absorbing characteristics, which lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference between polycarbonate and nylon highlights how the materials can significantly shape the experiences of users in terms of auditory feedback and aesthetic preferences.
When observing the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, presenting a striking similarity in this aspect. As specified, nylon is praised for its ability to absorb sound and cultivate a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. This similarity suggests that regardless of the upper housing material, users will experience a consistent sound profile when bottoming out the keys due to the nylon material in both switches. Thus, the deeper and fuller sound resulting from the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall feel during use, creating a similar foundation for both switches in this regard.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) create varying auditory dynamics that are complemented by the shared nylon bottom housing. While the Tomcat delivers a sharper and crisper auditory experience with its polycarbonate top, the Xinhai provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon top. However, since both models employ nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sound profile upon key activation. This interplay between the differing top housing materials and the common bottom housing serves to enhance the unique sound experiences offered by each switch while maintaining a degree of uniformity in their overall performance.
Weight
The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 55 grams, allowing for a consistent typing experience that appeals to users who prefer a medium-heavy feel. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Tomcat registering 64 grams while the Xinhai has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This means that while the initial keystroke is triggered with the same force, users of the Tomcat switch will experience a firmer bottoming out sensation compared to the Xinhai. In terms of weight preferences, the Xinhai may be considered the lighter option due to its lower bottom out force, making it a better choice for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the Tomcat may appeal to those who favor a more robust tactile feedback. Overall, both switches provide a solid option, but the subtle differences in their bottom out forces could influence user preference based on their typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Tomcat features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This 0.2 mm difference means that users of the Tomcat can expect a deeper key press compared to the Xinhai, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel of the Xinhai may be more attractive to gamers who seek quicker response times, although some may find it too abrupt. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers more depth, the Tomcat would be the preferred choice, while the Xinhai caters to those favoring quick and responsive keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 create a satisfying auditory experience during typing. This resonance contrasts with the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), which features a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to a softer acoustics profile. The Xinhai’s POM stem further adds a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance to its sound, which some users may find more refined and sophisticated. While both switches have their own auditory characteristics, the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard they are mounted on and the choice of keycaps, making it important to consider these factors when evaluating sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch excels with its Ly stems, which provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness can significantly enhance the overall comfort during long typing sessions. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy), while embodying the classic linear response, is also noted for its performance characteristics. However, specific details about the feel of the Xinhai are not provided in the current description. Therefore, while both switches may offer a pleasant user experience, the definitive tactile response of the Xinhai remains to be fully articulated.
In summary, both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches possess unique sound profiles and feel characteristics. The Tomcat leans towards a resonant auditory experience with its smooth typist feel, while the Xinhai offers a refined sound profile complemented by a crisp resonance, though its tactile feel remains less defined. For newcomers, the choice between these switches will depend on personal sound preferences and the importance of smoothness versus potential performance attributes that may come with the Xinhai. Trying both switches on compatible boards can provide the best insight into which option will suit your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you wish to achieve. If you prioritize a smooth and resonant typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force (64 grams) that offers a bit more feedback when bottoming out, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be the switch for you. This switch is renowned for its Ly stems, which provide a buttery-smooth feel, making it excellent for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly lighter bottom-out force (62.5 grams) but still want a heavier switch, the Xinhai (Heavy) will suit you well. It showcases a unique design with its PA12 top housing and POM stem, delivering a crisp and higher-pitched sound profile that emphasizes subtle sophistication while maintaining precise performance. Ultimately, if you enjoy a pronounced resonance in your typing or gaming experience, opt for the Tomcat; whereas if you prefer a switch that blends smoothness with a distinctively crisp sound, the Xinhai will be your ideal choice.
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