Bsun Olive vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch offer unique features for different preferences. The BSUN Olive is renowned for its resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black switch is known for its smooth and consistent linear feel, ideal for users who prefer a quieter and more linear keystroke. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that cater to different typing styles and 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
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Black, it is clear that they offer significantly different sound profiles. The Olive features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Black utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This distinction in sound is important for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a specific typing experience based on the sound and feel of their switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Olive's POM bottom housing provides a similar sound profile to its top housing - deep and muted. On the other hand, the Black's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This difference in bottom housing material further accentuates the contrasting sound profiles between the two switches, adding another layer of customization for users looking to tailor their typing experience.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Bsun Olive and Outemu Black switches offers a unique typing experience for users. While the Olive provides a consistent sound profile with both POM top and bottom housings, the Black switch offers a varied sound profile with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings. By understanding how each material affects the sound and feel of the switch, users can make an informed decision based on their preferences for typing. Whether one prefers a deeper, muted sound like the Olive or a sharper, crisper sound like the Black, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to individual tastes.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is clear that the Olive requires a lighter touch to actuate at 45 grams compared to the Black's 65 grams. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Olive also requires less force at 65 grams compared to the Black's 82 grams. This means that while the Olive provides a lighter typing experience, the Black offers a more substantial push feel. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the Olive, while users who enjoy a heavier keystroke may prefer the Black. Both switches offer different levels of resistance that cater to different preferences, ultimately providing users with a choice based on their individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Olive's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, while the Black's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may find the shorter travel distance of the Olive to be abrupt, while others may appreciate its responsiveness. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Black may offer a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer deeper key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
The Outemu Black 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
When comparing the subjective qualities of sound between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is important to note that the Olive is best known for its resonant and deep sound, setting it apart from other switches. The medium-weight Olive switches deliver a tactile feedback that is pronounced due to their unique design and long pole stem, resulting in a crisp and sharp bottom-out sound that is satisfying during use. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Black switch is not well-known, but it is essential to consider that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Olive switch is described as having accented tactility, offering a medium tactile experience that is both satisfying and not overwhelming. With an invigorating and sharp tactile bump, the Olive switch provides a snappy and responsive typing sensation that is immersive. On the contrary, the feel of the Black switch is not specified, but it is crucial to consider that the feel of a switch is a personal preference and can vary based on individual typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Olive switch is known for its resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, creating a satisfying auditory and tactile experience during use. On the other hand, the qualities of the Black switch in terms of sound and feel are not explicitly stated, but it is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard and keycap choices when deciding between the two. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience overall.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a unique deep sound profile, the BSUN Olive switch is a great choice. With its pronounced tactile feedback and satisfying feel, the Olive switch provides an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Black switch might be more suitable for you. While the Black switch lacks the distinct sound profile of the Olive, it offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice between the Olive and Black switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and bottom out force.
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