Outemu Milk Tea vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options, such as the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch. The Milk Tea switch is preferred by those who appreciate tactile feedback without being overly loud, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming environments where precision and subtlety are valued. In contrast, the Tomcat switch is celebrated for its Ly stems, which provide a remarkably smooth typing experience, coupled with a resonant sound profile that enhances the acoustic satisfaction of each keystroke. While the Milk Tea switch offers a delightful tactile bump for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel, the Tomcat appeals to users who prioritize fluidity and speed in their key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Outemu Milk Tea and Bsun Tomcat switches demonstrate both similarities and notable differences that significantly influence their sound profiles. For the top housing, the Milk Tea switch utilizes a newer material known for its bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks, while the Tomcat employs polycarbonate. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Both top housings ultimately aim to produce clear audio feedback when typing, but they achieve this through different acoustic characteristics. The Milk Tea's material may create a more resonant clack, while the Tomcat emphasizes crispness, which can create a diverse experience for users seeking specific auditory feedback.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Milk Tea and Tomcat switches use nylon, a classic material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity means that regardless of the top housing differences, the overall bottom-out sound and feel of the two switches will share a level of consistency. Nylon’s softer texture absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which helps to create a smoother typing experience. Therefore, while the top housings may introduce contrasting sound profiles—light and resonant versus sharp and crisp—the bottom nylon housings will contribute a grounding depth that combines with the top to form a harmonious auditory experience.
Overall, the combination of different top housing materials with a common nylon bottom housing leads to an intriguing contrast in the typing experience of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Bsun Tomcat. The acoustics created by the top housing will largely affect the key release sounds, while both switches will deliver a similar depth upon key presses due to the nylon's properties. This blend of sound and feel results in a unique signature for each switch, making them appealing to different preferences while also highlighting the influence of the housing materials at both ends of the switch. The result is two versatile options for enthusiasts looking for varied tactile and auditory feedback.
Weight
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that both switches require the same amount of force to register a keystroke, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of actuation. However, the comparison diverges when it comes to bottom-out force; while the Tomcat has a bottom-out force of 54 grams, the Milk Tea switch does not have this measurement available. Therefore, we cannot conclude anything about its bottom-out ability. Consequently, the Tomcat switch offers a heavier feel overall, making it better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with added resistance. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch's lack of bottom-out force data suggests it may be lighter in that aspect, catering to those looking for a feel that may facilitate longer typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we observe a distinct difference. The Milk Tea switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Tomcat switch offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch provides a more substantial depth during key presses, which some users may find more satisfying and traditional for typing. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance caters to users who prefer quicker response times, making it a popular choice among gamers. Ultimately, if you enjoy a deeper feel when typing, the Milk Tea switch would be the preferable option. However, if rapid activation is your priority, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance would better suit your needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Milk Tea 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
The sound profile of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch is not explicitly described, leaving it somewhat ambiguous in this context. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch produces a resonant sound, which can be pleasing to the ear during typing. It's worth noting that sound is also influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, meaning both switches could potentially yield similar sound results depending on the overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Tea switch does not have a specified description, making it difficult to evaluate its tactile feedback. The Tomcat switch, however, stands out for its Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness is often highly sought after by users who prefer a seamless sensation with each keystroke. Depending on individual preferences, the tactile nature of the Milk Tea may not provide the same level of satisfaction as the Tomcat switch.
In summary, while the sound characteristics of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch remain undefined, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is recognized for its resonant sound profile. When comparing the feel, the Tomcat excels with its smooth typing experience, while the lack of information about the Milk Tea means its feel could vary significantly. Ultimately, if a smooth typing experience is what one is seeking, the Tomcat may be the more reliable choice, while the Milk Tea's performance in this area remains uncertain.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, your choice should primarily depend on your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a noticeable bump without excessive force—ideal for typing and enhancing precision—the Milk Tea switch would be an excellent choice, especially if you prefer a quieter option. However, since specific details regarding the sound and feel of the Milk Tea were not provided, it's essential to consider how that fits into your personal preferences. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and satisfying linear typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force, the Tomcat switch is your go-to. With its Ly stems that enhance smoothness and a pleasant resonant sound profile, it's great for gamers who benefit from a fast and seamless keypress without any interruption. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you desire that tactile sensation or the fluidity of a linear switch.