Bsun Tomcat vs. Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Tomcat and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. The Tomcat, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, allowing for fluid keystrokes without any interruption. Its resonant sound profile adds a unique auditory element to the typing experience, making it an appealing choice for those who favor a quieter, uninterrupted typing rhythm. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile switch provides a delightful balance of smoothness and feedback, featuring a noticeable tactile bump that ensures users receive clear keystroke confirmation without sacrificing ease of actuation or introducing excessive noise. This combination makes it ideal for typists who appreciate the sensation of tactile feedback as they type, while still enjoying a neutral sound signature. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended spring
Spring
15.4mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Tomcat and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences the overall auditory experience of the switches. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. The polycarbonate’s stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke, making typing more satisfying, especially for users who appreciate tactile feedback. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal that enhances the visual aspect of any keyboard setup. Therefore, due to the identical material choice, users can expect a comparable acoustic performance and aesthetic functionality from both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Bsun Tomcat and the WS Light Tactile diverge, with both keyboards featuring nylon as their respective material. Nylon is known for its softer nature, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This difference in material for the bottom housing means that the auditory qualities, such as the bottom-out sound and feel, will vary in character from the top housing’s performance. The nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, creating a rounder and somewhat muted experience compared to the high-pitched clarity generated by the polycarbonate top. As such, while the top hones the clarity of the switches, the bottom enriches the typing sound, resulting in a blend of auditory sensations that differ from one keyboard to the next.
Ultimately, the contrast between the two keyboards lies in how their combined housing materials influence each switch's performance. The shared polycarbonate top in both the Bsun Tomcat and the WS Light Tactile ensures that users will experience similar sound characteristics from key releases, while the nylon bottom of each switch introduces its unique acoustic qualities, shaping the essence of typing. This means that while there are some consistent auditory traits between the two, particularly during the release phase of a keystroke, the nylon’s contribution to the feel and sound during the key press adds a distinctive character to each switch. As a result, users will find that the combination of materials creates unique sonorous experiences that can satisfy different preferences in typing dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch, both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they'll deliver a similar experience when pressing the key to register a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Tomcat at 54 grams and the WS Light Tactile at 50 grams. As a result, the Tomcat is slightly heavier overall, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the WS Light Tactile, being lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force, may be more suitable for prolonged usage or for those who favor lighter switches for comfort during extended sessions. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Tomcat’s heavier bottom out force may appeal to different preferences compared to the lighter and more forgiving WS Light Tactile.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Tomcat offers a quicker actuation, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile provides a greater depth, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced sensation when pressing a key. While 4.0 mm is a traditional standard for travel distance, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm is closely aligned with contemporary preferences for shorter actuation, making it suitable for those who favor responsiveness. Ultimately, the Tomcat is the shorter switch, and the WS Light Tactile is the longer one, catering to different user preferences based on tactile feedback and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile, which adds an unexpected layer of auditory feedback to your typing experience. This characteristic makes it distinctively satisfying for users who enjoy a slight auditory cue to accompany their key presses. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound profile. This neutrality makes the WS Light Tactile versatile, allowing it to fit effectively into various environments, whether for casual home use or a professional workspace, without being overly obtrusive or particularly loud.
When it comes to feel, the Tomcat switch excels with its Ly stems, designed for a super smooth typing experience, leading to an effortless key press from start to finish. Users can expect a seamless action that minimizes any feedback they might typically associate with tactile switches. Conversely, the WS Light Tactile switch offers a unique stepped feel due to its tactile bump, providing a satisfying two-stage experience. This typically results in a gentle pre-travel sensation prior to the bump, making it approachable for typists who appreciate a little feedback without overwhelming resistance. The ease of pressing associated with the WS Light Tactile also reduces finger fatigue, enhancing comfort during long typing sessions.
Overall, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch caters to users who prioritize a smooth action paired with a resonant sound, the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch strikes a balance between a tactile feel and a neutral sound signature, appealing to those who prefer structured feedback without excessive noise. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback and sound dynamics; each will provide a satisfying typing experience, but the nuances of feel and sound may lead to different outcomes based on individual use cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Light Tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a super smooth and seamless typing experience with a slightly heavier feel, the Tomcat is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams combined with its resonant sound profile makes it well-suited for those who enjoy typing fast and fluidly without the interruption of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience that still maintains ease of use, you might lean towards the WS Light Tactile switch. With its lighter 50 grams bottom-out force, snappy tactile bump, and neutral sound signature, the WS Light Tactile is ideal for a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making it particularly suitable for long typing sessions, whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences, so selecting the one that aligns with your tactile preferences and acoustical environment will enhance your overall satisfaction.