Outemu Cream Blue vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cream Blue is renowned for its clicky feedback, making it ideal for typists who enjoy a tactile response and an audible click that enhances the typing experience. Its distinct sound profile can offer a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and silence, thanks to its Ly stems, which deliver a seamless typing experience without the disruptive sound of clicks. This makes the Tomcat ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment or engage in gaming where rapid key presses are essential. Both switches have their unique benefits: the Cream Blue is perfect for those who relish tactile feedback, while the Tomcat caters to individuals seeking a whisper-quiet yet responsive touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Cream Blue and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) highlight contrasting approaches to switch housing materials, specifically in their top housings. The Cream Blue employs a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s inherent softness allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. This material is stiffer, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile that is particularly resonant. Due to its translucency, polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effect in a keyboard, creating an aesthetic visual that complements its acoustical properties. While each configuration offers a unique auditory flavor, the variation in material science creates distinct sound profiles between the two switches.

In terms of the bottom housings, both the Cream Blue and the Tomcat (Heavy) feature nylon, which ensures that their bottom-out feel and sound remain consistent. As nylon is a softer and more absorptive plastic, it generates a fuller sound that aligns with the characteristics associated with the overall auditory experience of each switch. This shared material practically harmonizes the lower-end feedback that both switches provide, leading to a deeper and more rounded sound signature when a key is pressed down. Thus, the choice of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a certain coherence in sound across both switches, even amidst the differences found in their top housings.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Cream Blue and the Tomcat (Heavy) creates an overall distinct user experience. The differing top housings result in unique sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing introduces a commonality that delivers a consistent bottoming-out experience. For users who prioritize a pronounced auditory impact when a key is released, the Cream Blue offers a more muted yet rich sound, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a sharper and brighter auditory cue. Nevertheless, regardless of the variation in aesthetic and sound, both switches are designed to perform effectively and can yield satisfying results for typists and gamers alike, based on individual preferences for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cream Blue switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, but has a marginally lower bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that while both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, the Cream Blue switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to register keystrokes with less effort, which can be beneficial for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Tomcat switch provides a more substantial push feel due to its heavier actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, users seeking comfort during extended use may prefer the Outemu Cream Blue for its lighter actuation, while those desiring tactile feedback and a stronger push may lean towards the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the distinct preferences users may have when choosing switches for their keyboards. The Cream Blue, with its longer travel, offers a more pronounced depth that users who appreciate a more tactile and hearty keystroke might prefer. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor a quicker response time, which is often advantageous for gaming. Consequently, users who opt for the Bsun Tomcat may find their typing experience feels more abrupt, which might not appeal to everyone. In summary, if you're looking for a more substantial keystroke, the Cream Blue is the ideal choice, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is better suited for those who prioritize speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch produces a distinct sound that is known for its clicky feedback, giving a satisfying auditory cue with every keypress. The sound profile is often perceived as sharp and crisp, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. This acoustic quality can be amplified or slightly altered depending on the specific keyboard build and the choice of keycaps; however, it generally maintains its pronounced click sound that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a resonant sound profile that is more subdued compared to the Cream Blue. This switch does not provide the same level of acoustic feedback since it is a linear switch, focusing instead on a smooth and quiet operation that can be preferred in quieter settings or among typists who favor discretion.

In terms of feel, the Cream Blue switch is characterized by a tactile bump alongside its clicky mechanism, which offers a pronounced feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment. This tactile response can engage typists who appreciate knowing exactly when the switch has been activated without needing to bottom out the key. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is celebrated for its super smooth operation provided by the Ly stems, which facilitate a seamless up-and-down motion without any tactile bump. This results in a fluid typing experience that many users find conducive to rapid key presses and gaming, where speed may be prioritized over tactile feedback.

In conclusion, when considering the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, one can expect distinctly different attributes concerning sound and feel. The Cream Blue offers a pronounced click and tactile feedback that appeals to those who value audible and tactile cues, while the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes a smooth and quieter typing experience suited for those who prefer linear switches. If you’re choosing between these two options, you'll enjoy the Cream Blue’s engagement through its sound and tactility, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) will serve well for a softer and more fluid touch on the keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the Cream Blue, with its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, would be the better choice for you. The clicky sound it produces can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a more dynamic feel and enjoy the auditory confirmation of key presses. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, more linear experience with minimal resistance during key presses, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is ideal. With a bottom-out force of 64 grams and its Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, you'll appreciate the quiet operation and fluidity of the Tomcat switches, especially in a work environment or for gaming sessions where focus and fluid motion are key. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you value the satisfying clicks and feedback of a clicky switch or the serene, uninterrupted flow of a linear switch.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Cream Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more