Outemu Cold Plum vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves deliberating between options that offer distinct tactile experiences. The Outemu Cold Plum switches are renowned for their thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke that creates a satisfying auditory experience. These characteristics make the Cold Plum an excellent choice for those who value both the feel and sound of their keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing pleasure. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches feature Ly stems, which result in an ultra-smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile. This unique combination makes the Tomcat a compelling option for users seeking a seamless, quiet typing action. While both switches cater to the preferences of linear switch lovers, they each present their own set of attributes that can appeal to different typing styles and auditory preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Cold Plum and the Bsun Tomcat differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, particularly for the top housing. The Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer composition, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This material allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Thus, the primary distinction lies in how each material influences the overall acoustic characteristics of the keyboard, with the Cold Plum favoring a muted sound and the Tomcat producing a more resonant tone.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches feature nylon, which is a classic material that contributes to a similar auditory experience. In the case of the Cold Plum, the nylon bottom housing enhances the deeper sound profile attributed to softer plastic, leading to that round sound upon key bottoming out. The Bsun Tomcat, with its nylon bottom housing, shares this quality, promoting a fuller sound when the keys are pressed down. Therefore, while the top housings diverge in material composition, the inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches ensures they deliver somewhat comparable sound characteristics during key presses, even if their top housing influences diverge.

Ultimately, the interaction between the different housing materials dictates the auditory and tactile experience of each switch. The combination of nylon bottom housing in both the Cold Plum and Tomcat allows for a consistent bottom-out experience, where the plushness and absorption capabilities of nylon dominate. However, the contrasting top housing materials – nylon for the Cold Plum and polycarbonate for the Tomcat – highlight the variability in sound when keys are released. This differentiation allows for a nuanced performance characteristic; while both may provide satisfactory tactile feedback, sound profiles vary significantly based on the housing's composition. The Cold Plum leans towards a warm, duller sound profile, while the Tomcat achieves a bright, crystal-clear auditory experience, underlining the impact of materials on key switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we can see a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cold Plum requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Tomcat, making it more suitable for users who prefer a substantial push feel while typing or gaming. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Cold Plum is also heavier at 70 grams, compared to the Tomcat's 54 grams. This difference means that, while the Cold Plum might be more satisfying for those who enjoy a firmer tactile experience, the Tomcat would be preferable for users looking for a lighter switch, allowing for more prolonged typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Overall, the Outemu Cold Plum is the heavier option, while the Bsun Tomcat is the lighter one, providing distinct preferences depending on individual typing styles.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Tomcat features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. For users who prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance may provide a quicker actuation, ideal for gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Tomcat's longer travel distance may offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress sensation. Overall, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and tactile feedback.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Cold Plum switches produce a thocky sound profile that many enthusiasts find appealing. This resonant sound combines well with their fully nylon construction, giving a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. In comparison, the Bsun Tomcat switches also feature a resonant sound profile, but the specific characteristics of their sound may differ due to their use of Ly stems. Ultimately, the auditory experience of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard plate, case material, and keycap set, making them both potentially pleasing options for auditory enjoyment.

When it comes to feel, the Cold Plum switches stand out with their smooth keystroke, creating an enjoyable and distinct typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat switches emphasize a super smooth typing experience through their Ly stems, which may provide a more linear and effortless keystroke. Although both switches prioritize smoothness, the Cold Plum's emphasis on a unique typing experience may cater to those looking for a specific tactile enjoyment, while the Tomcat's focus on fluidity could appeal more to users seeking a streamlined performance.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Cold Plum and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer distinct advantages, particularly in their sound and feel profiles. While the Cold Plum is characterized by its thocky sound and smooth keystrokes, the Tomcat provides a super smooth typing experience with its Ly stems. Ultimately, users can expect enjoyable and satisfying results from either switch, with the selection largely depending on personal preference for sound and feel nuances.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, consider your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a more tactile experience with a satisfying, thocky sound profile that enhances your typing enjoyment, the Cold Plum might be the better choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams requires a bit more pressure, making it ideal for those who prefer deliberate keystrokes and a robust feeling beneath their fingers. On the other hand, if you desire a lighter touch that promotes faster typing and a super smooth keystroke, the Tomcat’s medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams could be more suitable. The Ly stems in the Tomcat switches offer fluidity and resonate with a distinct sound, ensuring a different auditory and tactile pleasure. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the weight you prefer, and the kind of feedback and sound that brings you joy while using your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more