Outemu Brown vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Outemu Brown is a tactile switch renowned for its noticeable bump upon actuation, providing users with tactile feedback that enhances typing accuracy and makes it a popular choice for both typists and gamers alike. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a clear response with each keystroke, striking a balance between comfort and performance. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is a linear switch designed for a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience, featuring Ly stems that create a silky feel with each press. Users who favor a quieter, more streamlined performance, particularly for gaming where rapid keystrokes are essential, may gravitate toward the Tomcat (Heavy) thanks to its minimal resistance and resonant sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Polycarbonate
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 housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), one can observe a striking similarity in their top housing. Both models utilize polycarbonate, a material renowned for its stiffer properties, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an optimal choice for those who appreciate clear and resonant sounds when typing or gaming. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. This similarity in material ensures that users of either switch will experience comparable auditory feedback and visual illumination, fostering a pleasing and dynamic typing environment.
On the other end of the spectrum, both the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that effectively absorbs sound waves. This results in a duller and rounder sound, creating a pleasant contrast to the sharper tones emitted by the polycarbonate top. As both switches utilize this classic material for their bottom housing, they will deliver a similar tactile experience when bottoming out—sharing the same reverberation quality that nylon brings, thereby enriching the overall sound dynamics of each switch during typing sessions.
However, the combined influence of different housing materials means that while the auditory results are somewhat aligned, the complete experience of typing on the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) provides nuanced variations. The coalescence of polycarbonate's brightness from the top and nylon's warmth from the bottom allows users to appreciate a well-rounded acoustic profile. Thus, while both switches share identical materials in their respective top and bottom housings, the unique interplay between these materials can create diverse tactile and auditory sensations. Consequently, users can select a switch based on their preference for the subtleties in sound and feel, ensuring that both options offer satisfying results across different typists and gamers.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch with the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we see that both switches exhibit medium-heavy characteristics, but they differ slightly in their force specifications. The Outemu Brown requires an actuation force of 53 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it the lighter of the two in terms of actuation force. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) has a marginally higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, positioning it as the heavier option overall. Despite this slight difference in actuation forces, both switches are similar in feel, providing relatively comparable results for typists and gamers who might appreciate either switch. Users who prefer a lighter touch might lean towards the Outemu Brown for extended typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial push would likely favor the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).
Travel distance
The Outemu Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that pressing down on the Brown switch yields a more pronounced depth, which might be favored by users who appreciate a more tactile feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its reduced travel distance, can offer a snappier response, making it potentially more appealing for gamers looking for quicker key actuation. As a result, if you prioritize a robust feel in your keystrokes, the Outemu Brown would be the preferred choice, while those seeking enhanced responsiveness might lean toward the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch. Overall, the Brown boasts the longer travel distance, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) has the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) 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 Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences. The Outemu Brown typically produces a muted, soft sound that is characteristic of tactile switches, providing a pleasant typing experience without being overly noisy. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) exhibits a resonant sound profile, which can be more pronounced due to its linear design and the materials used, enhancing the auditory feedback while typing. Both switches can produce varying sound levels influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard, board materials, and keycap designs, but you can expect a quieter experience with the Brown compared to the more pronounced acoustics of the Tomcat (Heavy).
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Brown switch is renowned for its tactile bump that provides users with clear feedback with each keypress. This tactile response is beneficial for typists looking for confirmation that a key has been engaged without bottoming out. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), with its Ly stems, is designed for a super smooth typing experience, offering a linear feel that glides effortlessly between key presses. The absence of a tactile bump means there is no feedback felt at the actuation point, which may appeal to those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted keypress experience.
In conclusion, both switches cater to distinct preferences regarding sound and feel. The Outemu Brown excels in providing a quiet, tactile feedback that many typists appreciate, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a smooth, resonant experience that can be very enjoyable for those who favor linear switches. Your ultimate choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your typing experience, as well as your preferred sound profile during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile. If you're someone who enjoys a noticeable bump during key presses for a more engaging typing experience, the Outemu Brown switch may be the right choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams provides a satisfying tactile feel that's excellent for both typing and gaming, making it a popular option for users looking for a balance between feedback and comfort while typing. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smooth, linear typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is likely a better fit. With its 64-gram activation force and renowned Ly stems, this switch delivers a remarkably fluid keystroke with a resonant sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more streamlined feel. Thus, your choice should hinge on whether you value tactile feedback or a smooth, noise-free experience in your typing and gaming sessions.
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