Bsun Olive vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Brown mechanical keyboard switches, both tactile switches have their own unique features to consider. The Bsun Olive stands out with its all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound, making typing sessions a truly satisfying auditory experience. With pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, the Olive switch is characterized by its tangibility and satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown may not have a specific standout feature like the Olive, but it is known for its reliability and consistency. The Brown switch offers a balanced tactile feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. While these general pointers can guide your decision, it's important to dive deeper into the specifics to choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
The Bsun Olive and the Outemu Brown switches have contrasting top housing materials, with the Olive featuring a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Brown switch results in a clearer and more resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, the POM top housing of the Olive switch offers a unique sound that is on the deeper side, providing a different typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Olive and Brown switches also differ, with the Olive using a POM bottom housing for a deeper and more muted sound profile, and the Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing for a fuller and rounder sound. The use of nylon in the Brown switch absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller bottom-out sound compared to the Olive switch. This difference in bottom housing material contributes to the overall typing experience of each switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Olive and Outemu Brown switches plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Olive switch offers a unique and pleasing sound with its POM top and bottom housing, the Brown switch provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Despite their differences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by leveraging the qualities of their respective housing materials to create distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, with 45 grams versus 53 grams, respectively. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, making them medium-heavy in this aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Olive switch may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Brown switch can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing intensity and endurance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Olive switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Outemu Brown is more traditional, offering a deeper keypress feel, while the 3.4mm travel distance of the Bsun Olive provides a quicker response time, which is preferred by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference - whether you prefer a shorter travel distance for faster input or a longer travel distance for a more deliberate keystroke. Both switches have their advantages, and you will get different results depending on which one you choose.
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 Brown 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 Olive tactile switch is known for its resonant, deep sound that sets it apart from other switches. This, combined with the medium-weight design and pronounced tactile feedback, creates a satisfying auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound quality is not specifically described, but it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is often described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These qualities signify a medium tactile switch that provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, offering a responsive and immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is not mentioned, so it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect.
Overall, the Bsun Olive and Outemu Brown tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bsun Olive switch stands out for its deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the specific qualities of the Outemu Brown switch are not detailed, but it is important to consider other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices when evaluating the overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in certain aspects, but the Bsun Olive switch has distinct characteristics that set it apart from others in the market.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, consider the unique characteristics of each switch. If you are looking for a switch that delivers a resonant, deep sound with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, then the BSUN Olive switch with its medium-weight and unique design is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers medium tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle, the Outemu Brown switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more invigorating and sharp typing experience with the Olive switch, or a more balanced and subtle tactile feel with the Brown switch. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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