Outemu Blue Jade vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Bsun Tomcat offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Outemu Blue Jade, a clicky switch, is celebrated for its tactile feedback and audible click, providing an engaging typing experience that many users find satisfying for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat, characterized as a linear switch, features Ly stems designed for a super smooth typing experience, allowing for quick key presses without the distraction of noise or tactile bumps. While the Blue Jade excels in delivering a more pronounced auditory and tactile feel, the Tomcat prioritizes a quieter, fluid motion ideal for those who prefer a seamless 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade and Bsun Tomcat switches, a notable contrast lies in their top housing materials. The Blue Jade utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition helps in sound absorption, resulting in a sound that is less sharp and more rounded. In contrast, the Tomcat features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This material not only enhances clarity and resonance in the sound profile but also supports RGB lighting because of its translucence, making it visually appealing for illuminated keyboard setups.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which significantly influences the overall sound and feel during typing. The nylon used in the Blue Jade's bottom housing complements its top housing by creating a unified character, leading to a consistently deep and rich auditory experience. Similarly, the Tomcat's nylon bottom housing delivers that same deep and full sound profile. This consistency ensures that while the two switches may sound and feel different when typing or bottoming out due to their distinct top housings, the experience of bottoming out is governed by the same softer nylon material.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials and a shared bottom housing leads to unique typing experiences in the Outemu Blue Jade and Bsun Tomcat. The Blue Jade offers a more muted and rounded auditory experience, while the Tomcat provides a clearer and crisper sound during typing and release. Therefore, while users can expect a certain level of similarity in the sound profile due to the identical nylon bottom housing in both switches, the interplay between the top materials allows for a diverse range of tactile and auditory experiences, highlighting the nuances that different housing materials can introduce in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Blue Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Tomcat's lighter 45 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Blue Jade is 65 grams, while the Tomcat’s is notably lighter at 54 grams. This means that the Tomcat requires less force overall, appealing to those who type for extended periods or enjoy gaming due to its medium-light nature. Therefore, those who prefer a heavier switch for a robust feel would gravitate towards the Blue Jade, whereas those seeking a lighter switch for comfort during long sessions should opt for the Tomcat.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it's clear that the two switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Blue Jade switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced and deeper feel while typing. This traditional length allows for a more tactile experience, appealing to users who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This reduced distance may attract gamers and users seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation and less effort during repeated key presses. As a result, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is the longer option at 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat is the shorter option at 3.6 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, with the Blue Jade providing a more substantial feel and the Tomcat offering an enhanced responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99.
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 sound profiles of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Bsun Tomcat switches, it becomes evident that the two approaches to auditory feedback differ significantly. The Blue Jade, while not explicitly defined, typically falls within the clicky category, which generally means it should produce a sharp, tactile click with each keystroke, offering an engaging auditory experience that many typists and gamers appreciate. Conversely, the Tomcat switch is characterized by its resonant sound profile. This suggests a smoother, less harsh sound compared to clicky switches, which can be appealing for users who prefer a quieter environment or who find the clicky sound of the Blue Jade to be disruptive, especially during extended use sessions.
Regarding the tactile feel, the Blue Jade lacks a specific descriptor, but as a clicky switch, it's expected to deliver a distinct tactile feedback with a noticeable actuation point that reinforces the auditory click. This tactile response can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback mechanism. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch boasts a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, suggesting an effortless keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps or clicks. This smoothness makes the Tomcat ideal for those who prioritize fluidity in their typing or gaming experience, allowing for quick, consistent key presses with less finger fatigue.
In summary, the Outemu Blue Jade and Bsun Tomcat switches offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. The Blue Jade is likely to appeal to enthusiasts of clicky feedback with a more pronounced auditory experience, while the Tomcat switch caters to users seeking a smooth, quiet operation with an emphasis on effortless keystrokes. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and tactile response, each switch offers unique advantages that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a tactile feedback along with an audible click to enhance your typing experience, the Blue Jade’s medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams would suit you, particularly if you enjoy a more deliberate typing style. This switch might be ideal for those who often engage in typing-intensive tasks, where the satisfying click can help improve your focus and rhythm. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quieter experience, especially for gaming or if you work in shared spaces, the Tomcat's medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams offers a softer, linear feel without the sound distraction. The Ly stems used in Tomcat switches provide a supremely smooth typing experience, making them a great choice for those who value speed and fluidity over tactile feedback. Therefore, consider what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience—be it a noticeable tactile response or a silent, fluid action—and select the switch that aligns best with your typing habits and environment.
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