Bsun Tomcat vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Tomcat and TTC Yunhai are two excellent options within the linear switch category, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Tomcat switches are celebrated for their Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that adds a pleasing auditory element to every keystroke. This makes them an ideal choice for users who appreciate a satisfying tactile experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Yunhai switches stand out with their incredibly light actuation force and unique deep, rounded sound profile, making them perfect for typists who desire a gentle and effortless keystroke. While both switches can enhance your typing efficiency, the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference in feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Tomcat and TTC Yunhai switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Tomcat's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound, lending itself to a more crisp auditory experience. This is primarily due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which supports a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially when combined with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yunhai's nylon top housing offers a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound energy, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory quality. Therefore, while both switches can provide compelling sound experiences, they cater to different user preferences based on their top housing materials.
Contrasting the bottom housings, both the Tomcat and Yunhai utilize nylon material, which creates parallels in their acoustics. Nylon is known for offering a deep and rich sound, as it dampens vibrations effectively, thus enhancing the overall typing experience. The similarities in the bottom housings draw attention to a shared characteristic of fullness in sound, despite variations in the top housing. This means that while the Tomcat's unique polycarbonate top contributes to a sharper release tone, the nylon bottom ensures both switches have a consistent depth and richness when bottoming out. Ultimately, this combination allows for a complementary auditory experience, where the bottom housing's qualities define the impact of the switch, regardless of the differences in the top material.
In summary, the combination of housing materials for both the Bsun Tomcat and TTC Yunhai leads to a nuanced auditory profile that can appeal to a broad range of users. With the Tomcat's polycarbonate top producing a brighter sound juxtaposed with the warmer tone of the Yunhai's nylon housing, each switch cultivates a unique yet comparable experience. The bottom housings of both switches being nylon ensures a matching depth of sound, drawing users to appreciate the softer, rounded tones they provide upon key actuation. Consequently, while the switches differ in their upper housing materials, the synergy achieved through their nylon bottoms ensures that sound quality remains rich and full across both models, preserving comfort and performance no matter the user’s preference for sharper or rounder sounds.
Weight
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch showcase distinct differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to varying preferences among users. The Tomcat requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai a better choice for those seeking a lighter feel, which can be advantageous during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Tomcat switch offers a stronger push feel, the Yunhai provides a more feather-light touch, making it essential to choose based on individual comfort and typing style preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch both exhibit a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they deliver an identical experience in terms of key press depth. This similarity means that when utilizing either switch, users can expect a uniform feel when pressing down on the keys as both switches engage at the same depth. Consequently, those looking for a consistent tactile response in their keyboard won't find any differentiation between these two models based solely on their travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch produces a resonant sound profile that is all about depth and richness, creating a satisfying auditory experience during typing. The depth of resonance in the Tomcat may provide a more substantial and fuller sound, giving a pleasant auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch boasts a deep, rounded sound that pairs nicely with its lightweight actuation. This unique sound quality may appeal to typists who prefer gentle and understated auditory cues, allowing for a more serene typing environment. Both sound profiles can vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the distinct characteristics of each switch highlight different auditory preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Tomcat switch features Ly stems that prioritize a super smooth typing experience. This design results in fluid keystrokes without any tactile interruption, which many users find satisfying and conducive to fast typing. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch’s incredibly light actuation force allows for a gentle and effortless feel, making it an attractive choice for those who prefer a minimal resistance when pressing keys. While both switches provide an enjoyable experience, the Tomcat emphasizes smoothness, while the Yunhai focuses on ease and lightness.
In summary, the Bsun Tomcat and TTC Yunhai linear switches each bring unique advantages to the table. The Tomcat excels in delivering a rich, resonant sound and a super smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who value auditory feedback and fluid keystrokes. Conversely, the Yunhai offers a deep, rounded sound with a lightweight feel perfect for those who enjoy effortless typing. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, although they each cater to slightly different tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a slightly heavier key press that offers a satisfying tactile feel and is complemented by a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat is an excellent option. Its 54-gram bottom out force strikes a balance between control and comfort, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios where a bit more feedback is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a gentler typing experience, the Yunhai switch shines with its remarkably low 50-gram bottom out force. This is particularly advantageous for long typing sessions, as the effortless actuation minimizes strain on your fingers. The Yunhai's unique deep, rounded sound profile adds richness to your keystrokes, appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging auditory environment while typing. In summary, consider the Tomcat when looking for a bit more resistance and feedback, and opt for the Yunhai to enjoy typing with an effortless, soft touch.