Bsun Tomcat vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, typists and gamers alike often seek out the perfect blend of feel and sound to enhance their experience. The Bsun Tomcat and the HMX Xinhai are both linear switches that offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Tomcat is celebrated for its smooth typing experience, featuring Ly stems that provide a resonant sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a seamless keypress and a balanced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Xinhai switch stands out with its unique PA12 top housing, which delivers a softer acoustic profile, combined with a POM stem that offers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This makes the Xinhai ideal for those who favor a bit more character in their keystrokes, described aptly as 'Bouncy,' 'Clacky,' and 'Creamy.' While both switches excel in their performance, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat and the HMX Xinhai, a clear distinction arises in their top housing compositions. The Tomcat utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is largely attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which promotes a more resonant sound that is especially beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the Xinhai's top housing is made from nylon, a classic switch housing material that yields a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon’s softer, sound-absorbing characteristics lead to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Hence, the difference between the two materials not only affects the overall sound profile but also the aesthetic potential when illuminated.
On the other hand, both the Tomcat and Xinhai feature nylon for their bottom housing, creating uniformity in that aspect. In this case, nylon’s inherent qualities produce a deeper sound irrespective of the top housing material. This consistency means that when pressed, both switches will exhibit similar sound characteristics from the bottom housing. As nylon absorbs sound, it takes prominence in shaping the overall typing feel, producing a pleasing tactile response and resonance that contributes to a satisfying typing experience. In this regard, both switches share a fundamental acoustic trait at the bottom, providing users with a familiar depth of sound regardless of the differing top materials.
The contrasting top housing materials serve to highlight how specific sound profiles can influence the overall experience of typing on these switches. The Tomcat's polycarbonate top allows for a crisper release pop when keys are lifted, enhancing the auditory signal of each keystroke. Conversely, the Xinhai’s softer nylon top dampens that sound, creating a more muted but warmer effect when releasing keys. This duality showcases the importance of material selection in keyboard design, where the interplay between housing types informs not only sound quality but also usability. Together, while the bottom housings deliver a comparable acoustic signature, the varied properties of the tops ensure distinct tactile and auditory experiences tailored to different user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Xinhai features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch may find the Xinhai more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Tomcat also outstrips the Xinhai, clocking in at 54 grams compared to the Xinhai's 45 grams. As a result, the Tomcat offers a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a heavier push feel, while the Xinhai provides a gentler feedback. Ultimately, with the Tomcat being the heavier option overall, it caters to those who favor a firmer, more tactile input, whereas the Xinhai appeals to those seeking a lighter, more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it is clear that they differ slightly. The Tomcat features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Xinhai the more responsive option, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quicker activation for faster response times. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper feel might gravitate towards the Tomcat, as its longer travel distance allows for a more pronounced keypress experience. While both switches are shorter than the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the Tomcat offers a slightly more substantial press, catering to users looking for that hearty depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
The Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 offers a resonant audio profile that contributes to a unique typing experience. This switch tends to generate a sound that can be characterized as satisfying, with a depth that enhances the overall interaction. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch delivers a much crisper and more percussive auditory experience, described as clacky. This sharp and snappy sound is reminiscent of a higher-pitched resonance, making each keystroke feel vibrant and lively. The choice of materials in the Xinhai, such as the PA12 top housing and POM stem, seems to enrich its sound character, resulting in a brightness that stands out.
In terms of feel, the Tomcat switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, attributed to the design of its Ly stems. Users can enjoy a seamless keystroke with minimal friction, which enhances typing speed and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a decidedly different tactile response. It is described as bouncy, providing an elastic feedback sensation reminiscent of a spring, along with a creamy smoothness that feels luxurious and easy on the fingers. This combination results in a lively and silky typing experience, allowing for ease during longer typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Tomcat and HMX Xinhai switches present their own unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Tomcat’s resonant sound and smooth feel contrast with the Xinhai’s clacky audio and bouncy yet creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, while each switch diverges in specific qualities, your choices of keyboard construction and keycaps will influence how closely you can match the overall experience of each switch, providing room for personal preference in crafting the ideal keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier key press with a bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Tomcat's medium-light feel and its Ly stems make it an excellent choice for a super smooth and responsive typing experience. Its resonant sound profile provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many users appreciate. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, the Xinhai offers a bouncy and creamy feel that gives your fingers a lively feedback, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable. The Xinhai's unique PA12 top housing gives it a softer acoustic profile, along with a crisp and clacky sound that may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for a smooth, resonant feel, go for the Tomcat. If you prefer a lighter, bouncier switch with a snappy sound, the Xinhai will serve you well.
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