Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches plays a crucial role in your overall typing experience, and two notable options are the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Bsun Tomcat, both linear switches that offer unique attributes. The Dustproof Silent Ocean is designed with an emphasis on quiet operation, which makes it an appealing choice for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat boasts Ly stems that deliver a remarkably smooth typing feel, appealing to users who seek fluidity in their keystrokes and a distinctive sound profile during use. While the Dustproof Silent Ocean can provide a tranquil environment, the Tomcat offers an enjoyable auditory feedback alongside a seamless tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, creating a clear and resonant sound overall. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for excellent RGB lighting effects, enhancing aesthetic appeal for users who prioritize visual customization. Because both switches employ this same material for their top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound clarity and lighting effects when using either model.
On the other hand, both the Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Tomcat feature nylon for their bottom housing, which plays a key role in the overall acoustic dynamics of the switches. Nylon is known for its softer composition compared to polycarbonate, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The absorption capabilities of nylon dampen sounds, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that complements the higher frequencies produced by the polycarbonate top. As the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, both switches will exhibit comparable characteristics in terms of how they sound during key presses and releases.
In summary, the similar choice of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and Bsun Tomcat results in a unified sound experience across the two models. Users can anticipate a blend of sharp, resonant high-pitched tones from the polycarbonate tops coupled with the deep, full-bodied sound profiles sigmatized by the nylon bottoms. Regardless of which switch one chooses, the balance of materials ensures an engaging typing experience, characterized by a harmonious interaction between the two housing types.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the Dustproof Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Tomcat’s bottom out force is noticeably lighter at 54 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches offer a similar typing initiation experience, the Dustproof Silent Ocean will feel heavier and more substantial when pressed all the way down compared to the Tomcat. Consequently, those seeking a lighter and more comfortable typing experience for extended periods may prefer the Tomcat switch, while users who favor a stronger push feel may enjoy the heavier feedback of the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Tomcat switch provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness and speed, the Dustproof Silent Ocean would be the better choice, while those who prefer a heartier key press might find the Bsun Tomcat more satisfying. The difference in travel distance reflects these preferences, with the Dustproof Silent Ocean being the shorter option and the Tomcat being the longer.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10, whereas the Bsun Tomcat 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch remains a bit of an enigma, as there isn't a well-defined sound profile attributed to it, making its acoustic characteristics somewhat unknown. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which contributes to a richer auditory experience. However, it’s important to remember that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard construction and keycaps used, so both could yield a variety of acoustic experiences depending on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch lacks specific descriptors related to its tactile or linear qualities, leaving its overall feel somewhat ambiguous. Conversely, the Tomcat switch is celebrated for its Ly stems designed to provide a super smooth typing experience. This focus on smoothness gives the Tomcat a distinct advantage in sensation, delivering a seamless glide as each key is pressed. Therefore, users looking for a comfortable linear feel might find the Tomcat switch superior in this regard.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch presents an unclear profile in both sound and feel, the Bsun Tomcat switch shines with its resonant sound and exceptionally smooth typing experience. For newcomers looking for a more tactile and auditory defined experience, the Tomcat might be the preferable choice. However, if the Dustproof Silent Ocean offers a quieter operation that aligns with your setup, you may still find a satisfying experience, even if its qualities remain largely undefined.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you lean towards a heavier switch with a 65-gram bottom-out force, which can provide more tactile feedback and a sense of security during typing, then the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be the better choice for you. Its design is suited for environments where dust and noise reduction are priorities, making it ideal for quiet workspaces or shared settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keypress for faster typing and agility, the Tomcat's 54-gram bottom-out force, along with its Ly stems that promise a super smooth feel, would likely serve you better. The resonant sound profile of the Tomcat can also add an enjoyable auditory experience, enhancing your typing engagement. In summary, consider the Dustproof Silent Ocean if you want a more deliberate and solid typing experience in a quiet environment, and choose the Bsun Tomcat if you value smoothness and a more responsive feel in your daily typing tasks.