Outemu Lime vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Lime is renowned for its lightweight design combined with a subtle tactile bump, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a gentle tactile feel without the noise. This switch stands out with its muted sound profile, providing a polished and almost delicate typing experience that caters to tactile enthusiasts seeking a blend of feedback and quiet operation. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat, characterized by its linear design, delivers an ultra-smooth keystroke with a resonant sound that appeals to those who prefer seamless key presses without any tactile interruption. While the Lime offers a mild tactility for a more engaging experience, the Tomcat excels in providing uninterrupted fluid motion, ideal for gamers or heavy typists who prioritize speed and efficiency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Lime Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.40 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Bsun Tomcat, we see significant differences between their top housings. The Lime features a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition. This property allows the nylon to absorb sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffer makeup that enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched auditory feedback when typing. The aesthetic qualities of polycarbonate, particularly when clear, enable it to effectively showcase RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option for gamers and enthusiasts.

When examining the bottom housings, an interesting parallel emerges between the two models. Both the Lime and Tomcat use nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a similar impact on the overall tactile feedback and sound profile when a switch is bottomed out. The nylon material provides a plush, absorbent feel that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, ensuring consistency in the auditory experience, even while the top housings differ significantly. This shared use of nylon at the bottom means that users will still encounter similar sensations and sound characteristics during key presses, despite the contrasting top materials that affect the overall acoustic experience.

Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings establishes a unique sound profile for each switch. For the Lime, the softer nylon at both ends produces a cohesive, rounded sound that many typists might prefer for a muted auditory environment. Meanwhile, the Tomcat's polycarbonate top melds with a nylon base to offer a more dynamic sound that resonates clearly, ideal for users who crave sharper feedback. Each switch's distinct characteristics depend on the interplay between their materials, illustrating how choosing specific plastics can alter the typing experience in meaningful ways.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Outemu Lime features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, contrasted with the Tomcat's actuation force of 45 grams, making the Lime more suitable for users who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Lime has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Tomcat's is slightly higher at 54 grams. This means that when bottoming out, the Tomcat switch provides a heavier, more substantial feeling under the fingers, which might appeal to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Outemu Lime is the lighter option, while the Bsun Tomcat provides a heavier tactile feedback. These differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users should choose the switch based on their personal preferences for typing feel and comfort over extended use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Outemu Lime has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Bsun Tomcat boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, rendering it the longer switch. This difference can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switches; gamers may find the Lime's shorter travel distance preferable for quick responses, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial key press might lean toward the Tomcat for its deeper travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for either a snappier feel or a more pronounced depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch stands out with a neutral yet muted profile. The neutral quality indicates a moderate actuation force, making the Lime switch versatile for various settings, be it at home or in the office. The muted sound significantly reduces the characteristic noise typically associated with mechanical switches, which can be particularly beneficial in shared environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch does not have a detailed sound description provided, but it is known to possess a resonant sound profile. This may suggest a potentially more pronounced auditory experience compared to the Lime, especially depending on the typing style and setup used.

In terms of feel, the Lime switch is characterized by its mild and feathery action, providing a gentle typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. It's designed to be approachable, accommodating both beginners and those who type extensively. Additionally, the Lime switch offers subtle resistance that maintains a comfortable feel without being overwhelming. Its polished nature ensures a smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. The Tomcat switch lacks a detailed description regarding its feel; thus, it remains uncertain how its smooth typometric Ly stems compare to the tactile qualities of the Lime.

Overall, both the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch cater to different user preferences. The Lime offers a muted and approachable tactile experience, making it ideal for quieter settings and extended use, while the Tomcat's resonant sound profile and smooth action could appeal to those looking for a different auditory and tactile experience. If you're seeking a soft and light touch with controlled sound, the Lime is a strong candidate, while the Tomcat may reward those who favor a straightforward, linear touch. Depending on personal preferences and the environment in which they're used, both switches can deliver satisfying results.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch really hinges on your personal preferences and intended usage scenarios. If you're someone who values a lightweight feel and appreciates a tactile bump that’s subtle yet satisfying, the Lime switch is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force ensures a feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended use, whether for gaming, work, or school. Additionally, the muted sound profile of the Lime makes it a fitting option for shared spaces or quieter environments where you don't want to disturb those around you. On the other hand, if you’re searching for a smoother, more linear typing experience and enjoy a slight increase in actuation force for a more pronounced tactile feel, the Tomcat switch might suit you better. With its medium-light 54-gram bottom-out force, it provides a balance between comfort and feedback, making it perfect for fast-paced typing without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more