Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dustproof Purple, known for its tactile feedback, invites typists who appreciate the satisfying “bump” that indicates a keypress, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its linear design and Ly stems, providing a super smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. This switch is particularly favored by gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, more fluid experience without the tactile interruption. Both switches have their advantages, depending on the user's typing style and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The housing materials employed in both the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches reveal a striking similarity that underpins the auditory characteristics of each switch. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a choice that facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness inherent in polycarbonate not only enhances the sound clarity and resonance but also provides the necessary translucency for RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing as well. Since both switches share this key feature, users can anticipate a comparable performance when it comes to light diffusion and sound projection at the top end, ensuring that they both deliver an enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who prioritize RGB aesthetics.
On the flip side, the bottom housing materials present an opportunity for contrast; however, both the Dustproof Purple and the Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon as well. This classic switch housing material is associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition. As a result, when users type on switches that feature nylon in their bottom housings, they can expect a rounder and more subdued sound upon bottoming out, which contrasts the crispness delivered from the polycarbonate top. This shared nylon bottom housing inevitably contributes to creating a uniform auditory experience between the two switches, indicating that despite their individual designs, they offer comparable results in sound texture due to the uniform material choice.
When pressed, the combined effects of both housing materials—polycarbonate at the top for clariity and nylon at the bottom for richness—create a unique sound signature while maintaining balance. If one switch's top housing emphasizes the sharpness of key releases, the other’s bottom absorbs and mellows the sound during key presses, making them work in tandem effectively. The aesthetic and functional choices of material in both the Dustproof Purple and the Tomcat (Heavy) mean that while they may appeal to different user preferences for sound texture and visual appeal, users can expect a delightful blend of clarity and fullness from either switch, thanks to the strategic pairing of polycarbonate and nylon across their housings.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces of 55 grams, making them equally suited for users preferring a moderate typing experience. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Dustproof Purple at 65 grams and the Tomcat (Heavy) at 64 grams, indicating that the Dustproof Purple requires a marginally greater effort to fully press down. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, catering to typists who enjoy a more substantial push feel, which can be particularly satisfying during extended typing sessions. While both options offer a balanced choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback, the Dustproof Purple is the heavier switch overall due to its slightly higher bottom out force; conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) is lighter in this regard, though only by a gram. Ultimately, users can expect a similar actuation feel from both switches, making either a viable option depending on whether they prefer that extra weight at the bottom out stage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it is clear that the Outemu switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This distinction in travel distance can have significant implications for the typing experience. Switches like the Dustproof Purple, with a 4 mm travel distance, cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke, providing a satisfying depth that some may prefer for typing or general use. In contrast, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) is better suited for users who desire quicker response times, often favored by gamers for its more immediate feedback. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on personal preferences: if you seek responsiveness, the Tomcat would be the way to go, whereas those who appreciate a more robust feel may lean towards the Outemu switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Purple 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
The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch has a sound profile that hasn’t been specifically detailed, making it difficult to characterize its acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted for producing a resonant sound profile, which can enhance the auditory experience while typing or gaming. It's worth noting that the acoustic quality of both switches will also depend on factors such as the keyboard's construction, the material of the keycaps, and the environment in which they're used.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch lacks specific descriptors to gauge its tactile feedback effectively. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is highlighted for its smooth typing experience, featuring Ly stems that contribute to a fluid keystroke. This distinction suggests that if a user prioritizes a consistently smooth feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) might be the more appealing choice over the less-defined tactile experience of the Dustproof Purple.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch presents an ambiguous profile in terms of both sound and feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offers a clear advantage with its resonant sound and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. For those seeking a specific auditory and tactile quality, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a more assured experience, whereas the Dustproof Purple’s uncharted qualities may require more extensive personal testing to determine if it suits one’s preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you desire a tactile feedback that helps with typing accuracy, the Dustproof Purple might be your ideal choice, especially if you appreciate a bit of resistance with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This switch is suited for those who want to feel a clear distinction when actuating keys without a significantly loud sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quiet experience for tasks such as gaming or extended typing sessions, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) could be the perfect fit due to its Ly stems that provide a remarkably smooth typing experience and its resonant sound profile. Both switches have similar bottom out forces, yet they cater to different tactile needs—choose the Dustproof Purple for a more tactile experience and the Tomcat for a fluid linear action. Ultimately, assess your typing habits and environment to decide which switch aligns best with your preferences.
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