Outemu Milk Tea vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a linear switch, offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Milk Tea switch, although not highlighting a specific trademark feature, provides a satisfying tactile bump that many typists enjoy, promoting accurate keystrokes without the jarring feel of a clicky switch. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its Ly stems, delivering a super smooth typing experience characterized by a resonant sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and those seeking a quieter yet fluid keystroke. While the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea switch can enhance typing accuracy, the smoothness of the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to speed and fluidity. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
64g
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 of the Outemu Milk Tea and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches showcase a thoughtful design philosophy that impacts the auditory experience of typing. Emphasis on sound quality is evident in both switches, although they differ primarily in their top housing materials. The Milk Tea features a newer material known for its bright sound signature, providing resonant clacks that can enhance the typing experience through a vivid auditory feedback. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinction indicates that while both switches aspire to deliver satisfying sound when typing, the Milk Tea leans into a brighter resonance, whereas the Tomcat takes the path towards a clearer and more precise audio experience.
Despite their variations in top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, a classic choice that contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile. The characteristics of nylon allow for sound absorption, resulting in a rounder, subtler auditory feedback that contrasts with the more pronounced sound produced by their respective top housings. This consistency means that while each switch has a distinct sound signature arising from their top housings, the deeper sounds generated during key presses will remain similar due to the nylon bottom used in both models. The solid foundation provided by the nylon bottom housing underlines how the profundity and feel during typing are maintained across both switches.
Overall, when discussing the implications of having different top housing materials, it becomes clear that the resultant sound profiles will be a balance between both the top and bottom housings. The Milk Tea's resounding clack combined with the mellow undertone of its nylon bottom will create an engaging auditory experience that is lively and thrilling. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) will encapsulate a sharper and clearer output thanks to its polycarbonate top, while still benefiting from a rich depth provided by the common nylon bottom. Both switches, therefore, achieve an intricate balance of sound, enabling users to enjoy an effective typing experience through their unique yet complementary housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Milk Tea has an actuation force of 45 grams, which makes it the lighter option, potentially offering a more comfortable typing experience for longer sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer push. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch is unknown, while the Tomcat (Heavy) reaches a bottom out force of 64 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when fully pressed down. For individuals seeking a responsive yet lighter touch for extended use, the Milk Tea is more suitable, whereas, for users who desire a stronger tactile feedback with a more forceful press, the Tomcat (Heavy) would be a better choice.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it longer than the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm may influence the overall feel of each switch during use. Gamers often gravitate towards shorter travel distances for quicker response times, and in this case, the Tomcat switch might be preferred for those prioritizing responsiveness. However, for users who enjoy a more tactile experience and a deeper press, the Milk Tea switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Milk Tea offers a more substantial depth compared to the Tomcat switch.
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 (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
The Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offer distinct auditory experiences. The sound profile of the Milk Tea switch remains unspecified, which means that its acoustic feedback might be neutral or adaptable, depending on the keyboard configuration and other factors like keycaps. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is characterized by a resonant sound profile, which suggests that it is engineered to produce a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This difference highlights how the Tomcat switch may offer a more engaging auditory experience, while the Milk Tea's sound could be more subdued or tailored to personal preference.
When it comes to the feel, the specific tactile quality of the Milk Tea switch isn't provided, leaving a gap in understanding its tactile feedback during use. However, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is known for its Ly stems, which are designed to create a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness typically translates to a seamless keypress without the tactile bumps often found in tactile switches. Therefore, users seeking a fluid typing experience may gravitate towards the Tomcat (Heavy), while the Milk Tea's feel in comparison remains less defined.
In summary, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific sound and feel descriptors, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is recognized for its resonant sound profile and exceptionally smooth keypress thanks to its Ly stems. For users who prefer a more audible and engaging experience, the Tomcat switch is likely the better choice. Conversely, those who prioritize a potentially more subdued auditory feedback may find the Milk Tea appealing, but exact comparisons on feel and sound will require personal exploration.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking. If you favor a tactile feedback experience that provides a satisfying bump with each keypress, the Milk Tea switch might be your ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a softer touch and a quieter typing experience. However, if you appreciate a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a firmer bottom-out force, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch would be more suitable for you. Its 64g actuation force and resonant sound profile cater well to those who enjoy a more pronounced and heavier feel while typing or gaming. In summary, opt for the Milk Tea if you prioritize tactility and quieter operation, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is perfect for a smoother, more robust typing experience that enhances your overall gaming or typing sessions.