Outemu Milk Blue vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct experiences catering to different typing preferences. The Milk Blue is a clicky switch, renowned for providing audible feedback with each keystroke, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy a tactile response and love the sound of their keyboard. This characteristic can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who may find satisfaction in the distinctive "click" that accompanies their commands. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features a linear switch design, which is celebrated for its smooth and uninterrupted keypresses, thanks to its innovative Ly stems. This makes it an ideal option for gamers and users who prefer a quieter operation without the distraction of audible feedback. While both switches have their unique appeals—one emphasizing tactile engagement and sound, and the other prioritizing smoothness and silence—each serves a different need. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.

By the numbers

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share significant similarities, particularly concerning their top housings. Both models utilize polycarbonate for this component, which leads to a comparably sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its clear and resonant acoustic qualities, ensuring users experience distinct auditory feedback when using the keys. Furthermore, the translucence of polycarbonate is advantageous for RGB setups, as it allows light to diffuse effectively, maintaining vibrant lighting effects across the keyboard. Since both switches rely on this material for their top housing, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual aesthetics when utilizing RGB lighting.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches employs nylon, which influences the overall auditory experience differently than the top polycarbonate housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it is a softer material that absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts. This results in a rounder tone, contributing to a more muted bottom-out sound when the key is fully pressed. Both the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) maintain this classic material in their lower housings, ensuring a consistent acoustic performance characterized by their ability to soften and enrich the sound experience during typing.

Ultimately, while the top and bottom housing materials are the same for both the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), the resulting tactile and auditory characteristics are a blend of both components. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes, significantly impacting the sound upon key release, whereas the nylon bottom housing softens the impact on bottoming out. This synergy creates a distinct sound profile that blends the best of both materials—ensuring that even though they warrant unique contributions, users of both switches can experience a harmonized and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Milk Blue switch requires an actuation force of 50 grams, making it lighter than the Tomcat, which necessitates a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams. This difference suggests that the Milk Blue switch may be more suitable for users who prioritize ease of typing during long sessions, while the Tomcat's heavier force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel in their keystrokes. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue switch is unavailable, making it difficult to compare it directly with the Tomcat's bottom out force of 64 grams, which is categorized as medium-heavy. Consequently, while the Outemu Milk Blue might cater to lighter typing preferences, the Bsun Tomcat provides a firmer experience on both actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feedback.

Travel distance

The Outemu Milk Blue clicky 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 makes the Milk Blue the longer switch, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional feel and appreciate the reassuring depth associated with a 4 mm travel. On the other hand, the Tomcat's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to users who prefer quicker actuation times for enhanced responsiveness, often favored by gamers seeking improved performance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference; if you value a more pronounced tactile experience, the Milk Blue is ideal, whereas those prioritizing quicker response times may lean toward the Tomcat switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch stands out with its distinct, sharp click that provides auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile that is generally quieter, producing a more subdued sound without the prominent click. This difference in sound can greatly influence the typing ambiance, as the Milk Blue will emphasize each keystroke, while the Tomcat will create a more muted environment, making it ideal for quieter settings or those who prefer not to disturb others while typing.

In terms of feel, the Milk Blue switch is characterized by its clicky feedback, which not only provides a satisfying tactile response but also reinforces the sound aspect of the typing experience. This tactile bump makes it easier for typists to know when a key has registered without needing to bottom out. The Tomcat (Heavy), on the other hand, offers a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, which allows for a fluid keystroke without any tactile bump or click. This smoothness can enhance efficiency and speed for users who prefer linear switches, as their fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, making for a different typing sensation altogether.

In conclusion, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Milk Blue offers a pronounced auditory and tactile feedback that many find satisfying for typing, while the Tomcat provides a quiet and smooth experience suited for those who prioritize a seamless keypress. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer the engaging feedback of a clicky switch or the slick and quiet nature of a linear switch. Both options have their unique qualities, allowing users to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their tastes.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory response in your keystrokes, the Milk Blue switch may be the way to go. While the specific bottom-out force is not provided, the characteristic clicky feedback can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for typists and gamers who thrive on that immediate sensory gratification. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted flow with substantial resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) is a solid option. With its heavier bottom-out force of 64 grams and Ly stems designed for a super smooth experience, it's ideal for those who favor a quiet environment and value a more linear and consistent feel. Furthermore, both switches can cater to different activities—Milk Blue for typing and gaming where feedback matters, and Tomcat for typing tasks where smoothness and a muted sound profile take precedence. Ultimately, aligning your switch choice with your desired experience will ensure that you enjoy your mechanical keyboard to its fullest.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more