Outemu Gold vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Outemu Gold and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch, renowned for its tactile feedback that provides an engaging typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy audible and physical responses with each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted key presses, ideal for gamers or writers who prioritize speed and quiet operation. While the Gold's clicky nature can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, the Tomcat’s smooth performance allows for rapid key actuation without distractions. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
64g
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 Outemu Gold and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch housings, we find that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a similar audio profile characterized by a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant qualities, enhancing the overall auditory experience of the switches. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate benefits users who utilize RGB lighting, as the material allows for better diffusion of light, creating a visually appealing effect. Therefore, users of either switch can expect vibrant RGB illumination paired with a clear sound profile, leading to an engaging and immersive typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, a classic material in the realm of mechanical switches. This decision directly influences the acoustic characteristics of the switches, as nylon tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Compared to the top housing made of polycarbonate, which accentuates the higher frequencies, the nylon bottom housing adds warmth and depth to the sound generated when typing. Consequently, while both switches showcase similar top housing materials leading to crisp sounds, they also provide a distinct tonal experience through their nylon bottoms, highlighting the interplay of each material's characteristics.
In summary, while both the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) employ the same materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—they achieve a harmonious balance of sound by leveraging the strengths of each material. The polycarbonate top contributes clarity and resonance, ideal for an engaging auditory experience, while the nylon bottom offers fullness and warmth that enriches overall typing feedback. As a result, when users engage with either switch, they can expect a blend of high-pitched clarity from the top housing and a deeper, more rounded sound from the bottom, creating a unique typing sound profile that benefits from the quality and compatibility of the materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Outemu Gold features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) demands a heftier actuation force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that many users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Outemu Gold is 60 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly higher bottom out force of 64 grams. Overall, the Outemu Gold is the lighter option, catering to those seeking a more effortless typing experience, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier choice, appealing to users who appreciate a firmer response from their switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it becomes evident that the Outemu Gold has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference can significantly impact the typing experience; the Outemu Gold will provide a more pronounced and hearty feel with its greater depth, making it potentially more satisfying for those who prefer a tactile feedback experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Tomcat (Heavy) lends itself well to faster response times, catering to gamers and users who prioritize quick key presses. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the choice between them hinges on whether one values deeper keystrokes or quicker activation.
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 (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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the distinct characteristics are evident. The Outemu Gold, while lacking a specified description, typically has a clicky sound that can provide an audible feedback to the typist, enhancing the experience for those who prefer a more tactile and audible confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a resonant sound profile that is usually quieter due to its linear nature, which allows for a smooth and consistent keypress without the audible click. This difference makes the Tomcat ideal for users who may appreciate a more subdued typing experience, especially in shared environments where noise might be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold’s characteristics are unspecified, which makes it difficult to give a definitive assessment. However, clicky switches often offer a satisfying tactile bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that many users find enjoyable for typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is known for its Ly stems, promoting an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a seamless and fluid keypress without any tactile bumps or interruptions, catering to those looking for a more consistent and linear feel in their typing.
Overall, while both switches serve different preferences in sound and feel, they cater to distinct typing experiences. The Outemu Gold offers a more auditory and tactile engagement ideal for those who enjoy pronounced feedback, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) caters to users prioritizing smoothness and a quieter sound. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal typing style and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. Each switch provides unique characteristics that can significantly enhance your overall experience based on your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and what type of feedback you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy auditory feedback and a tactile experience while typing, the Outemu Gold may be the right choice for you, as it offers a satisfactory click sound that can enhance the sensation of each keystroke without being excessively loud. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams strikes a balance that is well-suited for typing and gaming alike. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience and prefer a more subdued sound profile, you might find the Tomcat (Heavy) to be more appealing. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 64 grams, this switch offers a solid feel, catering well to those who enjoy a firmer press. The Ly stems contribute to an exceptionally smooth keystroke, which can greatly improve your overall typing comfort and speed. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you favor the clicky feedback of the Outemu Gold or the smooth, linear feel of the Bsun Tomcat, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your specific needs.
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