Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Outemu Lime is a tactile switch celebrated for its lightweight feel, subtle tactility, and silenced actuation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a gentle yet satisfying typing experience without the distraction of audible clicks. This makes it a great option for both office environments and late-night gaming sessions where noise reduction is appreciated. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is a linear switch that boasts Ly stems, offering a super smooth typing experience and a resonant sound profile that elevates the sensory engagement of typing. While the Tomcat switch is perfect for users who favor a seamless keystroke without the tactile bump, it also caters to those who enjoy the auditory feedback that complements their typing rhythm. Overall, while the Lime excels in providing a muted, refined tactile sensation, the Tomcat Heavy delivers a blend of smoothness and sound that can enhance the experience for linear switch enthusiasts. 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 (V3) Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.40 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Lime and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present an interesting comparison in their housing materials, notably in the choice of top housing. The Lime features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's softer texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, yielding a more muted and rounded auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's sturdiness allows for a clearer resonance, and its transparency makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications. Consequently, users of the Lime can expect a smooth and dulcet experience, while those with the Tomcat may enjoy a bright and pronounced auditory feedback.

Examining the bottom housing, both models converge on the use of nylon. This material choice leads to a similar sound profile, as nylon's soft properties absorb sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound experience when pressing the keys. The uniformity in the bottom housing materials means that the tactile feedback during key presses will be less affected by the differences in the top housing. As such, both switches will deliver a fuller auditory experience on bottoming out, which can be a crucial factor for typists who prefer a satisfying keystroke feel. In this aspect, the Outemu Lime and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provide a coherent tactile experience, despite their differences in the upper elements’ material.

In essence, while the top housings of the Outemu Lime and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) differ dramatically in terms of their sound characteristics due to the contrasting materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared bottom housing composition allows for a unified user experience at the bottom-out stage. The nylon bottom housing guarantees a deeper and more subdued auditory output across both models, bridging the gap created by their top housing differences. Therefore, users looking for a hybrid experience that combines the mellow sound of the Lime with the clarity of the Tomcat's upper housing will find commonality in bottoming actions between the two, even as they appreciate the distinct tonal variations when engaging with the switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces highlight their suitability for different preferences. The Outemu Lime features a lighter actuation force of 35 grams, which makes it ideal for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended work or gaming sessions. Its bottom out force is also relatively light at 45 grams. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback and a firmer push feel when typing. Consequently, for those who prioritize easy key presses and less fatigue, the Outemu Lime is the better choice, while users who prefer more resistance might find the Tomcat (Heavy) more satisfying. In summary, the Lime is the lighter option, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier switch, providing distinct typing experiences based on the user's preference for actuation feel and effort.

Travel distance

The Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm makes the Lime the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times due to its more rapid actuation. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, which could provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who prefer a heftier feel when typing. If you desire a swift, responsive experience, opting for the Lime would be advantageous; however, if a more traditional, deeper keystroke feels better to you, the Tomcat would be the ideal choice.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a muted, neutral sound profile that is appealing for both beginners and experienced users alike. The muted quality means it doesn't create the disruptive clack often associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for use in shared environments such as offices or libraries. The neutral sound adds to its versatile nature; users won't have to worry about being too loud when typing. On the other hand, while specific sound characteristics of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch are not defined, it is noted that they produce a resonant sound profile. This could denote a more pronounced and possibly louder typing experience, making them better suited for environments where noise is less of a concern.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime switch is characterized by a mild and feathery touch, offering a light actuation force that allows for comfortable, extended typing sessions. This lightness is complemented by a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a refined and smooth typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. On the flip side, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch does not specify its feel attributes, leaving the user's experience of the switch's resistance and smoothness ambiguous. However, linear switches generally provide a consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a seamless key press.

In conclusion, the key differences between the Outemu Lime and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches lie in their sound and feel characteristics. The Lime switch offers a light, muted auditory experience with a gentle tactile response that makes it very approachable for various users, especially in quiet settings. In contrast, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a resonant sound, its tactile and actuation qualities remain unspecified, creating uncertainty for potential users. Ultimately, choosing between them will depend on personal preference regarding sound and typing experiences, as well as the specific environment in which they will be used.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you’re seeking a light and airy typing experience, the Lime switches are an excellent option. They’re particularly well-suited for extended use, providing a tactile feel without being overly demanding on your fingers, making them ideal for long gaming sessions or extensive work tasks in communal environments, thanks to their muted sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with a bit more resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches would likely serve you better. Their medium-heavy actuation force and smoothness make them a good fit for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke and a richer acoustic profile, which can enhance the overall typing satisfaction for users who type with more force and vigor. Ultimately, consider what feels good to you in terms of resistance, sound, and feedback, and choose the switch that aligns with your personal typing style and intended usage.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Lime (V3) Tactile

$3.40 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more