Bsun Olive vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, there are distinct differences to consider. The Bsun Olive switches are renowned for their all-POM housings that deliver a resonant, deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out. These medium-weight switches provide a satisfying tactile and auditory experience during use, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switches do not have a specific standout feature mentioned, but they are known for their clicky nature. This means they provide a noticeable clicking sound with each keypress, which some users find satisfying and enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Olive and Outemu Gold switches comes down to personal preference based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a clicky typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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 housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Outemu Gold switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Olive's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper and more muted sound, while the Gold's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing produce a sharper and clearer sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its high-pitched sound profile, while the softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a fuller sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound qualities based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options depending on their preference for sound.
Aesthetically, the choice of housing material can also impact the appearance of the switch. The Olive's POM top housing and the Gold's polycarbonate top housing both allow for RGB lighting, with the polycarbonate being especially useful due to its translucency. Clear housing materials, like polycarbonate, can enhance the visual appeal of a switch, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The contrasting materials of POM and polycarbonate offer users the option to choose a housing material based on their desired aesthetic preferences, in addition to sound preferences.
Additionally, the combination of different housing materials for the top and bottom of a switch can result in a unique typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact on bottom-out sound and feel, are felt when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the qualities of the top housing, impacting the sound when releasing a key, provide a dynamic tactile feedback for users. Whether using the Olive with its POM top and bottom housing or the Gold with its polycarbonate and nylon housing, the distinct properties of each material contribute to a personalized typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have some differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of both switches is the same at 45 grams, providing a consistent feel when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force of the Olive is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Gold's 60 grams, making it slightly more substantial to press all the way down. This difference means that typing on the Olive may feel heavier and require more force to fully engage a keystroke compared to the Gold. While both switches offer a medium actuation force, the difference in bottom out force may cater to individuals who prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter in comparison to the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Olive switch has a quicker actuation point and may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Gold switch provides a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the travel distance that best suits individual typing or gaming needs.
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 Gold 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 and deep sound, creating an auditory experience that stands out. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch sound quality is unknown, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Olive tactile switch is characterized by features such as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This results in a tactile experience that is not overwhelming but still prominent and satisfying. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not specified, making it hard to directly compare the two in terms of feel. Overall, both switches offer unique tactile qualities that can enhance the typing experience, but without specific information on the feel of the Gold switch, it's challenging to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the BSUN Olive tactile switch is known for its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. While the specific sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Gold clicky switch are not provided, it can be inferred that both switches offer distinct characteristics that can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would require further research or hands-on experience to determine which aligns best with the user's typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force that offers a unique tactile feedback and a satisfying auditory experience, the BSUN Olive switch is the way to go. The all-POM housing and long pole stem provide a sharp and crisp bottom-out, making typing on this switch an invigorating and sharp experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a different type of tactile feedback, the Outemu Gold switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Olive and Gold switches will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience with deep sound or a clicky typing experience with a different type of feedback.
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