Bsun Tomcat vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Tomcat and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile each offer distinct advantages catered to different preferences and environments. The Tomcat, a linear switch, is celebrated for its Ly stems, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that users often find appealing for fast-paced gaming or typing sessions where speed and fluidity are paramount. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch shines in more restrictive settings, such as offices, giving a medium level of tactility that ensures users receive tactile feedback without the noise typically associated with mechanical switches. Its innovative design, which avoids traditional silicone dampeners, allows for a quiet yet responsive experience, making it ideal for maintaining focus in shared workspaces. These unique traits highlight the advantages of each switch: the Tomcat for those seeking a pure linear feel with minimal resistance, and the WS Silent Tactile for individuals prioritizing a quieter operation without sacrificing tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches present a fascinating contrast in terms of sound profiles and aesthetic outcomes derived from their respective top housings. The Tomcat features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for users who appreciate clarity and resonance, especially when RGB lighting is employed, as the transparency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile is constructed with a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This design yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it preferable for users seeking a more muted audio experience when typing.
Both the Bsun Tomcat and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile utilize nylon for their bottom housings, reinforcing the idea that the sound profiles can be influenced by this common material. As both switches have nylon in their bottom housing, this shared characteristic contributes to a duller and rounder sound when the switch bottoms out, regardless of the differences in their top housings. The impact of the bottom housing is crucial, particularly in how it affects the overall tactile experience during key presses. Since both switches utilize the same material for this component, users can expect a similar sound and feel when bottoming out, despite any disparities between the top housings.
When considering the combined effects of these distinct materials, one can expect that the overall typing experience of the Tomcat and WS Silent Tactile will reflect their individual characteristics while still offering some points of convergence. The polycarbonate top housing of the Tomcat may produce a sharp initial sound upon release, complementing the softer, muffled bottom-out sound provided by the nylon housing. In contrast, the nylon top of the WS Silent Tactile delivers a smoother, deeper sound during typing, which is then rounded out further by the nylon bottom. Ultimately, both switches capitalize on the strengths of their respective materials, leading to nuanced auditory and tactile experiences that highlight the interplay between the distinct properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, classifying it as medium-light, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lighter feel. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unspecified actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This higher bottom out force indicates a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push. Consequently, the Tomcat switch is lighter overall, making it more comfortable for long usage, while the WS Silent Tactile switch gives a more pronounced feedback during keystrokes due to its heavier bottom out. Ultimately, users looking for an easier typing experience would gravitate towards the Tomcat, while those seeking a stronger tactile feedback would opt for the WS Silent Tactile.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch highlights a subtle difference: the Tomcat features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Tomcat the longer option, providing a more pronounced keystroke feel, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile's shorter distance may cater to those seeking quicker actuation, as gamers often favor less travel for enhanced responsiveness in their gameplay. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, opting for the Tomcat may offer a more substantial typing experience, while the WS Silent Tactile may provide a sensation of immediacy and efficiency with its shorter actuation.
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 Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is celebrated for its resonant sound profile, offering a smooth auditory experience that can be satisfying for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of a mechanical keyboard. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch features a sound signature that is characterized as neutral and muted. This makes it notably quieter than traditional switches, minimizing the clacking noise typical in mechanical keyboards. Their precision-engineered design also allows for a soft and crisp typing experience, making it suitable for office environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. That said, the choice of keyboard and keycaps can influence the overall sound, leading to some variance in the auditory feedback between the two switches.
In terms of feel, the Tomcat linear switch is known for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is enhanced by its Ly stems, allowing for effortless key presses without any noticeable scratchiness. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility that is both invigorating and accented. This means that it delivers a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point but does not overwhelm the typist with pronounced feedback. Its superior tactility strikes a balance between being engaging and approachable, making it suitable for users who prefer a responsive yet gentle typing experience.
Combining these insights, it's clear that both switches cater to different preferences. The Bsun Tomcat linear switch provides an outstandingly smooth and resonant feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize effortless keystrokes. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switches excel in producing a quiet, tactile experience with a moderate feedback level, making them ideal for quieter environments. Depending on your typing style and environment needs, you can find satisfaction with either switch, highlighting the diversity and personal preferences that mechanical keyboards can offer.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you seek a smooth typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force (54 grams) and a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switch is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for gaming and frequent typing, providing a delightful gliding sensation that many users find engaging. On the other hand, if you work in a shared space or value a quieter environment without sacrificing tactile feedback, the WS Silent Tactile switch stands out with its medium-heavy actuation force (63.5 grams) and innovative design that minimizes noise while providing just the right amount of tactile response. This switch is ideal for office settings or for anyone who prioritizes both silence and a pleasant typing feel. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you prefer a more seamless keystroke or a heavier, more tactile experience, along with the sound levels suitable for your surroundings.
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