Outemu Silent Green vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience. The Outemu Silent Green switch, a linear switch, is designed for those who appreciate a quiet, distraction-free environment, making it ideal for office settings or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch also falls under the linear category but is renowned for its incredibly smooth actuation due to its Ly stems, which provide a distinct feel and sound that enhances the overall typing experience. While the Silent Green prioritizes stealth and subtlety, the Tomcat offers a resonant sound profile that many users find appealing. Both switches cater to different preferences, and your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize silence or a tactile, enjoyable typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Silent Green and the Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which bestows them with similar sound attributes. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances the crispness of key presses, making them ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound, ensuring a consistent acoustic experience across both switches. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective diffusion of RGB lighting, which adds a visual dimension to the gaming or typing experience. Therefore, if users desire vibrant lighting effects alongside tactile feedback, both switches deliver satisfactory performance in this regard.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches diverge in their material composition, which subsequently influences their acoustic characteristics. The Silent Green opts for polycarbonate while the Tomcat features nylon. This difference is crucial; polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, promotes a sharper sound, resonating well with the qualities of the top housing. In comparison, the nylon bottom housing of the Tomcat absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience that can lend itself to a more muted and rounded feel during typing. This distinction means that the Silent Green might resonate more crisply with each keystroke while the Tomcat's nylon may deliver a softer, more absorbent response.
When considering the overall typing experience, the impact of these materials becomes more evident. While the top housings of both switches share similar properties that enhance clarity and sound brightness, the bottom housings significantly contribute to the overall auditory profile. Thus, pressing the Silent Green will produce a higher-pitched sound, complemented by the same characteristics in the top housing, while typing on the Tomcat will feel fuller yet duller due to the nylon's absorptive qualities. Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch shapes their individual experiences, providing users with distinct auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we find some similarities and differences in their force characteristics. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar effort when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Silent Green registering at 60 grams while the Tomcat is lighter at 54 grams. This indicates that the Silent Green provides a heavier feel overall, requiring more force when fully pressed down, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat's lighter bottom out force makes it more suitable for prolonged usage, as it requires less effort to reach the end of the keystroke, benefiting users who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the heavier Silent Green might be better for those seeking a firmer feel, whereas the lighter Tomcat could be preferred for comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Silent Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional and deeper feel that many users appreciate for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. While both switches offer a linear experience, the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat provides a more abrupt action, which some may find preferable, while others may appreciate the more gradual movement of the Silent Green. Therefore, the Silent Green is the longer option, while the Tomcat is the shorter one, allowing users to choose based on their preference for depth versus responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Green 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
When comparing the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Silent Green has no specific sound profile attributed to it, making it challenging to assess its acoustic qualities. In contrast, the Tomcat switch is known for producing a resonant sound profile, suggesting it offers a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. It's essential to remember that the overall sound experience of any switch can greatly depend on the keyboard's construction, including the choice of PCB, case, and keycaps.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Silent Green lacks a specific description of its tactile feedback, making it difficult to determine its level of satisfaction during use. On the other hand, the Tomcat features Ly stems designed for a super smooth typing experience, indicating a focus on reducing friction and ensuring seamless key presses. This smoother action likely contributes to a more enjoyable typing session, potentially making it more appealing for users who prioritize a fluid keystroke.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Green does not have defined sound and feel characteristics, the Bsun Tomcat excels in offering a resonant sound profile and a notably smooth typing experience. If you favor a switch with substantial auditory feedback and an ultra-smooth keystroke, the Tomcat would serve you well. However, if you prefer a more neutral and possibly quieter option without specific auditory or tactile descriptors, the Silent Green could be suitable for your needs, allowing for similar outcomes in terms of user experience, albeit with a different emphasis on sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you favor a slightly heavier feel during your typing or gaming sessions, the Silent Green's 60-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying and controlled response that some users find particularly comfortable. Additionally, if sound dampening is a priority for you and you desire a quieter experience, the Silent Green is designed to minimize noise during operation, making it a suitable option for shared workspaces or late-night gaming. Conversely, if you seek a light switch with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Tomcat's 54-gram actuation is ideal for you. This switch is characterized by its Ly stems, which contribute to a very fluid keystroke, perfect for fast typists or gamers who require quick response times. Furthermore, if you appreciate a resonant sound profile that adds an auditory dimension to your typing experience, the Tomcat will likely be your pick. Therefore, align the switch choice with your specific typing style, sound preferences, and desired tactile feedback to ensure you select the one that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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