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Outemu Silent Green vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Green and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often face the dilemma of choosing the right kind for their typing needs, and two popular options are the Outemu Silent Green and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both linear switches. The Outemu Silent Green is designed for those seeking a quieter experience, and while it lacks a defined signature, it provides a smooth and steady keystroke that can enhance focus in noise-sensitive environments. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) stands out for its Ly stems, delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience coupled with a resonant sound profile that can add character to your keystrokes. While the Silent Green is excellent for a serene typing atmosphere, the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback in their mechanical typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

55g

Bottom-out force

60g

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

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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a significant similarity in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice enhances their acoustic properties, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucence of the polycarbonate housings allows for an aesthetically pleasing RGB lighting effect, making both switches visually appealing when backlit. This similarity ensures that users can expect a clear and resonant sound experience with the key presses, contributing to a more engaging typing experience.

However, the bottom housings of the two switches present a stark contrast. The Silent Green also utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which promotes the same bright sound profile, allowing for a seamless acoustic transition between the top and bottom of the switch. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This discrepancy results in differing acoustic realities: while both switches will deliver crisper highs when a key is released due to their polycarbonate tops, the Silent Green offers a consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. In comparison, the Tomcat (Heavy) will present a more pronounced tonal depth when pressed down, giving it a unique characteristic within the typing experience.

The impact of these materials manifests distinctively while typing. With the Silent Green's uniform polycarbonate construction, users can expect a balanced auditory response throughout their keystrokes, from the initial press to the release. On the other hand, the combination of polycarbonate tops on the Tomcat (Heavy) and nylon bottoms results in a more nuanced sound experience: the crisper top end contrasts with the deep, rounded sound provided by the nylon bottom. This difference fundamentally alters the typing dynamics, making the Silent Green ideal for those seeking consistency in sound quality while the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to individuals who prioritize a fuller auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. Therefore, while similarities in top housing materials point to a certain sound performance through clarity, the use of contrasting materials in the bottom housing underscores how distinct auditory experiences can be achieved even within the same switch family.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences in weight and feel emerge. The Silent Green features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger push with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This disparity means that typists or gamers who favor a lighter switch may find the Silent Green more comfortable for extended use, as it allows for less hand fatigue during lengthy sessions. Meanwhile, those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might prefer the heavier Tomcat switch, which provides a solid tactile feedback. Ultimately, while both switches offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, the Silent Green leads with reduced actuation and bottom out forces, catering to those seeking a lighter touch.

Travel distance

The Outemu Silent Green linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Silent Green provides a deeper press, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming, as it offers a more substantial feedback. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy)'s 3.6 mm travel distance caters more to those who prefer quicker response times, typical of modern gaming setups that benefit from a faster actuation. Given these specifications, if you favor a more responsive experience, you would likely gravitate towards the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), while those who appreciate a full-depth keystroke might prefer the Outemu Silent Green. Thus, the Silent Green is the longer travel option at 4 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is the shorter option at 3.6 mm.

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 (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 Silent Green linear switch's sound profile is relatively subdued, emphasizing a quieter operation that caters well to those in need of a less disruptive typing experience. It is designed specifically to minimize noise, making it suitable for environments where sound can be a concern. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch produces a more resonant sound, which adds a distinctive character to its auditory feedback. This acoustic quality may appeal to users who appreciate a more reverb-rich typing experience, but it's important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard construction and the keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Silent Green switch offers a smooth keystroke that operates without tactile feedback, providing an uninterrupted and seamless typing experience. This quality is ideal for those seeking fluidity in their keystrokes without the interruption of tactile bumps. The Tomcat (Heavy) switch, however, boasts Ly stems that contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience, likely providing a similarly smooth action but possibly with a heavier actuation force due to its designation as "heavy." Users who prefer a solid and weighty feel while typing will likely find satisfaction in this variant.

In conclusion, both the Outemu Silent Green and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Silent Green prioritizes quiet operation, making it excellent for noise-sensitive environments, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more pronounced sound experience with an exceptionally smooth feel thanks to its specialized stems. While each switch serves a distinct purpose, users can expect smooth keystrokes from both, albeit with different auditory and tactile signatures. Ultimately, the choice will depend on individual priorities regarding sound and typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Green linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch should ultimately depend on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you find yourself in a quiet space, such as an office or shared environment, the Silent Green might be the better option for you, thanks to its medium actuation force of 60 grams that provides a balanced feel and minimizes noise, making your typing experience more discreet. However, if you appreciate a slightly firmer feel and a more pronounced sound profile when typing, the Tomcat (Heavy) may suit your needs better with its heavier 64-gram bottom-out force. Its smooth Ly stems and resonant sound can enhance the satisfaction of each keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more tactile experience. In essence, if you're after a quieter and more subtle typing experience, lean towards the Outemu Silent Green; for a louder and smoother performance with a firmer touch, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would be the way to go.

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