Bsun Tomcat vs. Gazzew U4T

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially when considering options like the Bsun Tomcat and the Gazzew U4T. The Tomcat, known for its exceptionally smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, appeals to those who prioritize seamless key presses and a quieter operation. Its resonant sound profile is another feature that users appreciate, making it a solid choice for both work and gaming environments. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. With its harmonious blend of 'thockiness' and sharp tactility, the U4T delivers an engaging auditory and tactile feedback with every keystroke, perfect for typists who love each press to be both satisfying and pronounceable. Each switch serves distinct user preferences: the Tomcat for those who want fluidity and quietness, and the U4T for individuals who crave engaging tactile responses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Tomcat Linear

Gazzew U4T Tactile

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat and the Gazzew U4T, significant differences become evident, particularly in the choice of plastics for their top housings. The Tomcat features polycarbonate, which is known for its sturdiness and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This sound is amplified by the plastic’s rigidity, making the Tomcat a favorable option for users who prefer a crisper acoustics, especially under RGB lighting conditions due to its translucency. On the other hand, the U4T employs a proprietary blend referred to as “boba plastic.” This material brings a softness that contributes to a richer and deeper sound, offering a markedly different auditory experience. While both switches are designed for vibrant sound profiles, the Tomcat’s sharper signature contrasts with the U4T's deeper characteristics.

In examining the bottom housings, both the Tomcat and U4T utilize nylon and a similar proprietary blend of plastics, respectively. The nylon used in the Tomcat contributes to a deeper and fuller sound signature, thanks to its ability to absorb sound and diffuse vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a softer bottom-out feel which appeals to users who value a more muted and rounded auditory feedback. Conversely, the Gazzew U4T’s softer bottom housing constructed from the same "boba plastic" blend also provides a rich and deep sound profile, mirroring the qualities of the Tomcat's nylon. This shared characteristic means that while each switch has different top materials, the full auditory experience during typing could yield similar outcomes due to the softness prominent in the bottom housings.

Considering the interaction between both the top and bottom housings, the distinct materials cause a division in how sound and feel are experienced during use. For both the Bsun Tomcat and the Gazzew U4T, the top housing influences the high-pitched aspects of sound release when keys are released, while the bottom housing more significantly impacts the bottom-out feel and sound when keys are pressed. Thus, even though the switches have varied top materials—yielding differing sound profiles—the influence of the similar soft bottom housing in both switches allows for a shared auditory experience. Users may find a balanced performance across both switches, albeit with unique tonal characteristics accentuated by their respective top housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Tomcat features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4T lacks an explicitly defined actuation force while having a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it as medium-heavy. This suggests that the U4T may offer a more substantial tactile experience, ideal for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Overall, the Tomcat is the lighter switch, whereas the U4T is the heavier option, presenting distinct choices for varying typing preferences.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there is a definitive distinction between the two. The Tomcat features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the U4T offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Tomcat provides a slightly shorter actuation experience, which can be beneficial for gamers who seek faster response times. On the other hand, the U4T, with its greater depth, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke for a satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches might hinge on personal preference; if you favor a quicker response, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat could be ideal, whereas the U4T may be better suited for those who appreciate more substantial depth in their keystrokes.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile that enhances the overall acoustic experience while typing. This resonance may add a certain depth to each keystroke, though it doesn't provide a tactile sound feedback like a clicky switch would. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch delivers a rich, bassy sound that resonates with every press. Its thocky auditory feedback creates a satisfying depth, akin to a soft thud, which can enhance the typing experience by making it feel more robust and engaging.

In terms of feel, the Tomcat switch is renowned for its super smooth typing experience due to the Ly stems, providing an uninterrupted push from top to bottom. This smoothness can be ideal for those who prefer a linear feel without any tactile interference. On the other hand, the U4T offers a sharply defined tactile experience with a strong tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keystroke. This pronounced tactile feedback makes it a great option for typists who appreciate strong cues regarding key actuation.

In summary, while both the Bsun Tomcat and the Gazzew U4T switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Tomcat excels in providing a smooth, resonant sound profile, while the U4T stands out with its bassy, thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback. If you prefer a linear, whisper-quiet typing experience, the Tomcat might be your go-to, whereas those who enjoy pronounced tactile sensations and rich sound will likely gravitate towards the U4T. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prefer smooth, fluid keystrokes with a lighter bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Tomcat might be the right fit for you. It's particularly suited for fast typists and gamers who favor rapid key presses without the hindrance of tactile bumps. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat provides a pleasant auditory backdrop without being overly loud or intrusive, making it ideal for environments where silence is valued. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile response and a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press, the U4T's heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams delivers that sharp, gratifying tactile feedback paired with a bassy, thocky sound. This switch is perfect for those who relish the experience of each keystroke and want to add a satisfying rhythm to their typing. Therefore, your ultimate decision should reflect whether you prioritize a smooth linear action or a pronounced tactile experience, as both switches cater to distinctly different typing philosophies.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

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Gazzew U4T Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more