Outemu Purple vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Purple and Bsun Tomcat cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. This can enhance typing accuracy and a more engaged feel while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat is known for its linear characteristics, featuring Ly stems that ensure a super smooth typing experience, devoid of any tactile resistance. This makes it ideal for gamers or individuals seeking a quiet and uninterrupted flow during fast-paced typing sessions. While the Outemu Purple offers tactile feedback that some users find satisfying, the Bsun Tomcat's seamless keystrokes can create a resonant sound profile that many find appealing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Purple Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Purple and the Bsun Tomcat, one notable similarity is found in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing of both switches. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's relative stiffness. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also plays a crucial role, enhancing the RGB lighting effects for users who prefer visually appealing keyboards. Since both the Outemu Purple and the Bsun Tomcat employ the same top housing material, users can expect a similar auditory experience and aesthetic appearance when using these switches.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic choice in switch housing materials. Nylon’s softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This contrasts with the polycarbonate top, wherein the materials work together to create a balanced sound experience. While the polycarbonate top enhances the crispness of the sound, the nylon bottom ensures that the lower frequencies are richer and more rounded. The different characteristics of these materials highlight the overall acoustic experience, with the nylon bottom impacting the bottom-out sound and feel more significantly.

The combination of these housing materials provides a well-rounded experience for users, highlighting the strengths of both the polycarbonate and nylon. The varied impact of the different materials on the sound profile means that users will notice the distinct characteristics of each when typing. While the Outemu Purple and Bsun Tomcat may utilize different attributes in their housing construction, the results in terms of auditory and tactile feedback can be similarly enjoyable. The design philosophy behind these switches capitalizes on the interplay between the sharper top sound produced by the polycarbonate and the deeper, fuller sound provided by the nylon, ultimately enhancing the overall experience of using these switches in gaming or typing scenarios.

Weight

The Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present a notable comparison in actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Bsun Tomcat requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Tomcat is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for extended use during typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. However, the Outemu Purple does not have an available bottom out force, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall feel when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Tomcat’s bottom out force is specified as 54 grams, categorized as medium-light, indicating a more substantial push feel when bottoming out compared to the ambiguous bottom out of the Purple. Consequently, while both switches function well for different preferences, the Tomcat offers a more quantifiable feedback experience with its specified forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it is clear that the Purple has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Tomcat measures 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a preference for a more pronounced key press with the Purple, catering to users who enjoy that deeper, tactile feedback often associated with more traditional switches. On the other hand, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm aligns with the growing trend among gamers who favor quicker responses and faster actuation. As a result, users prioritizing speed and responsiveness may gravitate toward the Tomcat, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Outemu Purple tactile switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have any specific standout characteristics, making it somewhat neutral in audio profile. However, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, providing a more pronounced audio experience during key presses. It's important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, such as the type of board and keycaps used, which will affect the overall auditory feedback during typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple switch is recognized for its tactile feedback, allowing typists to feel a noticeable bump when the switch actuates. This tactile feature is appealing for those who prefer a clear indication of key actuation. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is engineered with Ly stems, promoting an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This means while the Purple will provide that tactile feedback that some users crave, the Tomcat offers a gliding sensation that may be favored by those who prefer linear switches without any tactile interruption.

In summary, the Outemu Purple switch delivers a tactile feedback experience, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offers a smooth and resonant sound profile. When considering these qualities, users may want to choose based on whether they prefer the tactile sensation of the Purple or the silky linear operation of the Tomcat. Both switches, while distinct in their profiles, can cater to different typing preferences, allowing newcomers to explore their personal comfort in mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Outemu Purple may be the ideal choice for you, particularly for tasks that benefit from noticeable actuation points, such as typing or coding. However, keep in mind that specific sound and feel characteristics are not available for the Purple switch, so if you are sensitive to these aspects, you might want to try it out first. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and quieter keystroke, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch should be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams makes it easier on your fingers, especially during long typing sessions, while the Ly stems provide an exceptionally fluid experience. Additionally, the Tomcat's resonant sound profile contributes to a satisfying auditory experience without the distraction of clicky feedback. Therefore, your choice ultimately hinges on whether you value tactile feedback or a seamless linear action in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Purple Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more