Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch, providing a noticeable bump that signals the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy feedback with each keystroke, enhancing accuracy and preventing inadvertent presses. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth keypresses and a resonant sound profile that delivers a satisfying yet quiet typing experience, ideal for users who prefer seamless strokes without tactile interruptions. The tactile feedback of the Dustproof Brown can help with precision in typing, while the linear smoothness of the Tomcat (Heavy) can lead to faster typing speeds and reduced finger fatigue. 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 Dustproof Brown Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which inherently imparts a similar auditory characteristic to each switch. The stiffer nature of the polycarbonate material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when a key is pressed and released. This characteristic is particularly accentuated when the switches are paired with RGB lighting since the translucency of polycarbonate allows the lighting effects to shine through effectively. Both designs take advantage of these sonic and aesthetic properties, ensuring that users can expect a comparable visual appeal and sound clarity when using either switch.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are constructed from nylon, a classic material known for its unique acoustic properties. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics like polycarbonate. This results in a flatter, more rounded auditory experience as the switch is actuated. Regardless of the differences in material between the top and bottom housings, both switches effectively balance the contrasting properties of the top polycarbonate and bottom nylon materials to deliver a cohesive typing experience.

Given that both the Dustproof Brown and Tomcat (Heavy) share the same construction materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and user experience. The sharper tone generated by the polycarbonate top will harmoniously blend with the deeper sound produced by the nylon bottom, leading to a well-rounded acoustic signature. Thus, regardless of which switch is chosen, the combination of these materials ensures that typists will enjoy a consistent tactile and auditory feedback throughout their typing experience.

Weight

The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer distinct experiences regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Dustproof Brown features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is lighter than the Tomcat's 55 grams, meaning it requires less effort to register a keypress, making it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Dustproof Brown has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Tomcat's 64 grams, providing a comparable experience in terms of final key press resistance. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dustproof Brown is the clear choice, while those who favor a firmer feel might find the Tomcat (Heavy) more to their liking, despite the negligible difference in bottoming out.

Travel distance

The Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile 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 suggests that the Dustproof Brown provides a more pronounced feedback and a deeper keystroke, which may appeal to users who enjoy a tactile experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy), with its shorter travel distance, can offer quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for rapid key presses. Overall, if you prefer a switch with more depth and a traditional feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown would be the better choice, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would cater to those who favor a more responsive, albeit shallower, key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch has a muted acoustic profile that tends not to disrupt ambient environments, making it ideal for quiet workspaces. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch presents a more resonant sound profile, which may offer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. However, it's important to note that the final sound of both switches can significantly be influenced by the keyboard they are mounted on and the type of keycaps used.

When considering feel, the Dustproof Brown provides a tactile experience designed to give users a discernible bump at the actuation point, which helps in typing accuracy without being overly distracting. In juxtaposition, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a smooth linear action due to its Ly stems, resulting in a glide-like typing experience that many users find satisfying, especially for rapid keystrokes. The Dustproof Brown's tactile feedback will cater to those who prefer a more engaging typing sensation, while the Tomcat (Heavy) will appeal to users seeking seamless key presses.

Overall, both switches cater to different preferences among typists. The Outemu Dustproof Brown is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile response along with a quieter operation, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) excites users with its smoothness and a resonant sound, thus better suited for those who favor linear switches. Ultimately, each option provides a unique experience, and the choice between them will depend on whether one values tactile feedback or linear smoothness in their typing routine.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that lets you know when a key is actuated, the Dustproof Brown may suit you well, especially for tasks like coding or touch typing where accuracy is essential. Its medium-heavy resistance at 65 grams provides a satisfying actuation that can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you prefer a bit more force in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you are leaning toward a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would be a better fit. With its 64-gram actuation force and Ly stems, the Tomcat shines in environments where fast and fluid key presses are advantageous, such as gaming or rapid text entry. Moreover, the resonant sound profile adds a layer of auditory satisfaction that some users may find appealing. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a seamless linear action that provides a whisper-quiet performance. In the end, both switches cater to different user preferences, allowing you to select the one that aligns best with your lifestyle and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Dustproof Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more