Bsun Tomcat vs. HMX Twilight

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Tomcat and HMX Twilight stand out as two excellent linear options, each with distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Tomcat is renowned for its Ly stems, which provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for typists who appreciate a fluid keystroke and an enhanced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight boasts an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, resulting in a quieter typing experience while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches, appealing to those who seek a balanced yet tactile feel. Both switches offer unique benefits that can fundamentally affect your typing or gaming experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.

By the numbers

Bsun Tomcat Linear

HMX Twilight Linear

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

The Bsun Tomcat and HMX Twilight utilize distinct materials in their top housings that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Tomcat features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stems from polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances resonance and clarity, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Twilight has a top housing made of nylon, a material traditionally known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic experience. Consequently, while both switches utilize unique materials, the Tomcat's polycarbonate housing creates a more vibrant auditory experience, aligning with its characteristic visual enhancements, whereas the Twilight leans towards a subdued profile.

The bottom housing of both switches, however, shares a material similarity; both the Tomcat and Twilight employ nylon as their respective bottom housing material. This alignment means that while the two switches diverge in sound profile when it comes to the top housing, their bottom housings contribute similarly to the overall typing experience. The use of nylon on both switches ensures a deeper, fuller sound during key presses, amplified by its ability to absorb shock and minimize vibrations. As such, switching between the two models would result in an experience where the bottom-out sound and feel deliver comparable characteristics, thanks to the shared nylon material in the bottom housing.

In examining the overall effects of their respective materials, it becomes clear how the different top housings shape the acoustic experience during key releases, while the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing standardizes aspects of the bottom-out experience for both models. For users seeking clarity and sharpness when pressing keys and releasing them, the Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing caters to that need, while the nylon of the Twilight's housing addresses a user preference for warmth and fullness in tactile feedback. Ultimately, this means that while the switches provide distinct audio experiences—especially notable during the upstroke—there is cohesion in the bottom-out sound, ensuring that users can still receive a similar quality of feel and tone in that aspect from either switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Tomcat features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, classifying it as medium-light, which provides a balanced experience for users looking for both comfort and responsiveness. In contrast, the Twilight has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a better option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This lighter feel may contribute to less fatigue over long periods. Overall, while both switches are relatively light, the Tomcat has a heavier push feel compared to the Twilight, catering to different preferences in typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat and the HMX Twilight linear switches, it's clear that they differ, with the Tomcat featuring a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Twilight's 3.85 mm. This means that the Tomcat may be more appealing to gamers or those who favor rapid key presses, as its reduced distance can result in quicker response times. On the other hand, the Twilight, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience that some users find satisfying, as it offers a bit more depth when pressing the keys. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches might depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile that contributes to its unique auditory signature. This results in a satisfying acoustic experience during typing, enhancing the overall enjoyment of using the keyboard. Conversely, the HMX Twilight linear switch features a slightly quieter sound, attributed to its extended 3.85mm travel distance. While the Twilight maintains the signature clacky characteristics associated with HMX switches, the combination of its travel distance and design results in a less pronounced sound compared to the Tomcat.

When it comes to feel, the Tomcat switch is best known for its Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts value. This smoothness aids in reducing finger fatigue and enhances typing speed, providing a reliable input for both casual and professional users. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight switch, while also a linear option, may have a different tactile response due to its specific design and travel characteristics, although specific descriptors for its feel are not available.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Tomcat and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to specific preferences, with the Tomcat offering a resonant sound and a notably smooth typing experience, while the Twilight provides a quieter input with distinct clacky traits. Ultimately, both switches deliver high-quality performance; your choice may depend on your preference for sound and feel. Regardless of which switch you choose, switching to either will yield an enjoyable typing experience tailored to the user’s needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and value a smooth typing experience with a resonant sound profile, then the Tomcat would be your ideal choice. Its 54-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance for those who appreciate tactile feedback without being overly heavy, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you lean toward a lighter touch and enjoy a longer travel distance, the HMX Twilight, with its 50-gram bottom-out force and 3.85mm travel, might be the better option for you. It offers a quieter operation while still maintaining the characteristic clacky sound associated with HMX switches, making it great for those who type a lot or work in shared spaces. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize sound and feel or lightness and travel distance in your typing experience, so choose the switch that aligns more closely with your individual needs.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

HMX Twilight Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more