Outemu Gold vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Tomcat represent two distinct paths for typists and gamers alike. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that provides an audible and tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience reminiscent of vintage typewriters. This switch is particularly appealing for users who appreciate the satisfying sound and feel of each key press, enhancing their overall typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat is a linear switch known for its smooth keystrokes, thanks to its Ly stems that offer an exceptionally silky typing experience without the tactile bump or click, making it a preferred choice for gamers who value rapid key presses and quiet environments. While the Outemu Gold caters to those who thrive on auditory and tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat serves those seeking speed and smoothness for swift gaming responses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Tomcat, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. This shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffness of the polycarbonate material enhances resonance, helping to create a clear auditory experience that reflects well in RGB lighting setups. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate means that users can enjoy vibrant RGB effects, making the aesthetic aspect of the switches quite similar as well.
On the contrary, the bottom housing materials introduce a different auditory experience due to their contrasting characteristics. Both the Gold and Tomcat feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a rounder, less sharp sound compared to the top housing's contributions. These musical qualities are a direct result of the softer plastic in the bottom housing, which provides a pleasant, satisfying tactile feel while typing, common to switches that use nylon.
Ultimately, although the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Tomcat utilize the same materials in their respective housings, the blend of qualities from both the top and bottom housings yields distinct acoustic outcomes. While the top polycarbonate housing accentuates clarity and brightness, the nylon bottom housing softens the impact, presenting a well-rounded typing experience. Therefore, even though they share the same materials, the dual characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon work in tandem to create a distinctive auditory and tactile response, allowing users to achieve similar yet nuanced typing experiences across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This can result in a similar typing experience, as both can facilitate effortless typing during prolonged sessions. However, the bottom out forces reveal a difference; the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it heavier, while the Bsun Tomcat's bottom out force is lighter at 54 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches are equally easy to actuate, the Outemu Gold switch will feel more substantial when pressed down completely, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat is better suited for users who appreciate a lighter switch, promoting comfort and extended typing without fatigue.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold switch offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced tactile feel when pressed down, which some users may find more satisfying or hearty. In contrast, the Tomcat switch, being shorter at 3.6 mm, may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to personal preference; if a deeper travel experience is desired, the Outemu Gold would be the better choice, while the Bsun Tomcat would suit those who prioritize faster keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Gold 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 Gold clicky switch is characterized by a distinct auditory profile that is appealing to many enthusiasts who enjoy the pronounced click that accompanies their keystrokes. This clicky sound not only provides a satisfying feedback upon activation but also enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offers a more muted acoustic signature, producing a smooth and resonant sound profile without the clicky feedback. The linear nature of the Tomcat results in a quieter typing experience, which is often preferable in environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. However, it's important to keep in mind that the overall sound experience can vary greatly depending on the keyboard plate material and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold switch is designed to deliver a tactile experience, providing definitive feedback through its click mechanism, which many users find satisfying and engaging during typing. This tactile quality can enhance typing accuracy for those who prefer a more pronounced response. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switch is known for its incredibly smooth typing experience, attributed to its Ly stems, which glide effortlessly during each keypress. This linear feel can result in quicker keystrokes, making the Tomcat an excellent choice for users who favor fast-paced typing or gaming, as it minimizes friction and avoids the tactile bump that you find in clicky switches.
Overall, the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch cater to different user preferences in terms of sound and feel, creating unique experiences for typists and gamers alike. While the Gold provides a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback through its click mechanism, the Tomcat stands out with its smooth and quieter typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference—if you enjoy the audible feedback and tactile response of clicky switches, the Gold would be ideal; however, if you prefer a seamless and silent typing experience, the Tomcat will be more suitable.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile and clicky feedback that helps you feel each key press—a characteristic often preferred for typing and gaming alike—the Outemu Gold's medium-bottom out force of 60 grams can provide you with that satisfying auditory and physical feedback. This may be particularly beneficial if you thrive on the responsiveness of your keyboard and enjoy the sound that accompanies each keystroke. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and quiet operation, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams offers a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where you want to minimize distraction. The Tomcat's resonant sound profile complements its sleek feel, making it a solid option for those who favor silence without sacrificing quality. In the end, consider what feels best for your personal use: opt for the Gold for tactile enjoyment and audible feedback, or choose the Tomcat for smooth, whisper-quiet performance.
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