Bsun Hutt vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, to the Outemu Red, a linear switch, it is important to note their key differences. The Hutt switch is characterized by a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, offering a distinct and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Red switch from Outemu lacks any specific standout features. The Hutt switch is often described as 'snappy', 'invigorating', 'sharp', 'accented', and 'resonant', while the Red switch does not have any specific categorizations. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference based on whether you prefer a tactile typing experience or a smoother linear one. 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
40g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Hutt and the Outemu Red, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. As a result, users can expect a similar auditory experience from both the Hutt and the Red due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, the differences emerge in the bottom housing material used for the Bsun Hutt and the Outemu Red. While the Hutt features a nylon bottom housing, the Red also opts for nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, thanks to its softer properties that absorb more sound. Both switches benefit from the acoustic qualities of nylon in their bottom housing, providing users with a unique typing experience that emphasizes a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of functionality, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a switch when pressed down, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This means that the Bsun Hutt and the Outemu Red will offer different tactile feedback depending on whether the user is pressing a key or releasing it. Despite these differences in bottom housing material, the shared polycarbonate top housing ensures that both switches deliver a similarly crisp and resonant sound profile, particularly when combined with RGB lighting.
Weight
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Outemu Red linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Hutt requires 49 grams of force to fully press down, while the Red needs 62 grams, indicating a firmer typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Hutt switch, which provides a smoother typing experience and is ideal for longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch offers a more robust and tactile feedback due to its heavier actuation and bottom out force, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Hutt may be preferred by gamers for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, the Red switch may be favored by those who prefer a more substantial key press sensation due to its longer travel distance. Both switches are within the typical range of travel distances and will provide satisfactory typing experiences, but the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The Outemu Red comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is known for its resonant qualities, offering a higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the typing experience with a clean and sharp output. This auditory experience can be quite immersive for those who enjoy a distinct sound while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound profile is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is described as snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented. With a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump, this switch offers a responsive and lively typing sensation with strong tactile feedback. The Outemu Red linear switch's feel remains unknown, so it is challenging to provide a direct contrast in this regard. Nevertheless, if the Red switch is similar in weight and actuation force to the Hutt switch, users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of feedback and responsiveness.
Overall, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch stands out for its distinctive and enjoyable typing experience characterized by a balanced sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Red linear switch remain largely unspecified, making it challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison with the Hutt switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force, a prominent tactile bump, and a resonant sound profile, the Hutt switch would be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and a linear feel without any tactile feedback, the Red switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider what type of typing sensation you prefer and how it aligns with the unique characteristics of each switch to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
