Bsun Tomcat vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and the Bsun Tomcat and its heavier counterpart, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), are excellent examples of how subtle differences can cater to varying preferences. Both switches are linear, known for their smooth actuation and minimal resistance, making them ideal for users who favor rapid key presses without tactile feedback. The original Tomcat switch is celebrated for its Ly stems, providing a notably smooth typing experience and a pleasant resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) retains these characteristics but offers a firmer switch feel, which may be appealing to typists who prefer a bit more weight behind their key presses for enhanced control and precision. While both switches deliver a satisfying experience, the choice ultimately depends on your individual typing style and preference for resistance. 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
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Tomcat and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness, ensures that both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality enhances resonance and clarity during typing, making the acoustic experience distinctly pleasant. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate for the top housing facilitates RGB lighting integration, as its translucency allows for vibrant illumination to shine through clearly. Since both models share this material in their top housing, users can expect a similar auditory result in terms of sound sharpness and lighting enhancements.
In contrast, both the Bsun Tomcat and its Heavy counterpart employ nylon for their bottom housing, which provides a different auditory characteristic altogether. Nylon, recognized for its softer composition relative to polycarbonate, leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The acoustic dampening properties of nylon absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a softer bottom-out feel compared to switches with harder plastics. Given that both models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they share the same sound qualities during key presses. This consistency ensures that users will experience a similar sound depth and body regardless of which version of the Tomcat they choose.
When considering the cumulative auditory experience of both the Bsun Tomcat and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), it becomes clear that the interplay between their top and bottom housing materials is crucial. Because both models utilize the same materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—their sound profiles will be notably consistent. Users will enjoy a harmonious balance of the sharp, resonant highs from the polycarbonate top housing and the muffled, rounded lows from the nylon bottom housing. This duality in material choice allows typists to appreciate a well-rounded experience without drastic differences between the two models, ensuring satisfying feedback and aesthetic appeal regardless of the selection.
Weight
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 54 grams, classifying it as medium-light, which makes it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or lengthy gaming marathons. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch features a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This increased resistance delivers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who favor a stronger push sensation while typing. Overall, the Tomcat is the lighter option, making it more suitable for comfort during prolonged use, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is better suited for users seeking a firmer feedback experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they provide the same response in terms of keypress feel. This equal travel distance ensures that users will experience similar tactile feedback and actuation points when using either switch, making them suitable for those who appreciate consistency in their typing experience. Therefore, whether one opts for the standard Tomcat or the Heavy variant, they can expect identical results regarding how far the switch travels when pressed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $2.99. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Tomcat and Tomcat (Heavy).
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 Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a resonant sound profile that contributes to an engaging auditory experience during typing. While the exact sound characteristics of the Tomcat are not detailed, its construction implies a certain smoothness that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch shares the same resonant sound profile, which suggests that both switches produce a similar sound experience. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard housing and keycap materials chosen, so while they may sound alike, individual setups could yield different auditory outcomes.
When it comes to feel, both the Tomcat and Tomcat (Heavy) switches utilize Ly stems that ensure an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This aspect of their design means that users can expect a gentle, unencumbered keystroke with both variants. However, there may be a difference in the firmness or weight of the keystroke, as the "Heavy" designation might imply a stiffer action compared to the standard Tomcat switch, which could affect the overall typing experience and user fatigue during extended use.
In summary, while the Bsun Tomcat and Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches share fundamental qualities such as their smooth feel and resonant sound profile, the potential difference in actuation force or weight could tailor the experience to specific user preferences. Those seeking a lightweight, fluid typing experience may prefer the standard Tomcat, while users who desire a firmer keystroke could gravitate towards the Tomcat (Heavy). Overall, both switches promise a high-quality tactile experience with subtle variations that can cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the way you plan to use your keyboard. If you appreciate a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Bsun Tomcat will likely suit your needs, especially if you're looking for a smooth and responsive typing experience that excels in prolonged use, whether for gaming or casual typing. This switch also tends to resonate softly, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke with a bottom-out force of 64 grams, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch might be the better option. This switch caters to users who enjoy a bit more resistance, offering a firmer feel that can provide better feedback during intense typing sessions. Both switches deliver that signature smoothness associated with Ly stems, but the heavier variant can enhance precision for tasks that demand it. Ultimately, it's all about your personal typing style and what feels right for you.
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