Outemu Silent Grey vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is celebrated for its quiet operation and pronounced tactile bump, offering a satisfying feedback that is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile sensation without disturbing their surroundings. This makes it a superb choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise suppression is vital. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch leans towards a linear design, featuring smooth Ly stems that facilitate an effortless keystroke and a resonant sound profile, appealing to gamers and typists who favor an uninterrupted flow for fast-paced activities. While the Silent Grey prioritizes a tactile, muted experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) emphasizes fluidity and speed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Silent Grey and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in very similar auditory characteristics. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound when the keys are pressed. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them particularly favorable for users who want to utilize RGB lighting. Consequently, when considering aesthetics and sound during gameplay or typing, users can expect a similarly vibrant and articulated auditory experience from either switch.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches are made from nylon, which introduces another layer of sound characteristics. The softer nature of nylon leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and resulting in a more muted auditory response. This contrasts sharply with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. As the bottom housing significantly influences the feel and bottom-out sound of a key press, both switches will give users the same cushioned and rounded sound, creating a complementary audio experience when typing or gaming. The shared use of nylon means that these switches will provide a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring that both switches deliver a consistent, enjoyable experience.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings in both the Outemu Silent Grey and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) allows for a well-rounded switch experience. Users will enjoy a harmonious blend of high-pitched clarity from the polycarbonate top and deeper tones from the nylon bottom. This synergy between the two materials contributes to a balanced soundscape, where the sharpness of the top housing's resonation is softened by the characteristics of the nylon bottom housing. As such, players and typists looking for switches with complementary sound profiles and tactile feedback will find both the Silent Grey and Tomcat (Heavy) appealing choices.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it's evident that both switches are designed with distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Silent Grey has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Tomcat's 55 grams, making it a more favorable choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces are quite close, with the Silent Grey at 65 grams and the Tomcat at 64 grams, indicating that while the Silent Grey requires slightly less force to actuate, both switches provide a similar resistance when bottoming out. Overall, users seeking a softer touch might gravitate towards the Silent Grey, while those who appreciate a firmer push would prefer the Tomcat (Heavy). The minimal differences in bottom out forces suggest that the overall typing experience in terms of feedback will be relatively similar, particularly for those focused on the feel of bottoming out.

Travel distance

The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Silent Grey measuring 4 mm and the Tomcat (Heavy) at 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent Grey the longer travel distance of the two, which may provide a more substantial tactile feedback for users who appreciate a deeper press. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel that can enhance gaming performance. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Silent Grey may be favored by those seeking a more pronounced typing experience, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) aligns with gamers desiring quicker key actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the hearty depth of a longer travel distance or the rapid response of a shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is renowned for its quiet operation, delivering a typing experience with minimal auditory distraction. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, such as offices or shared spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch presents a more resonant sound profile, which may introduce a more noticeable auditory feedback during typing. However, it is worth noting that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material, so personal preferences and setups can lead to varied results.

When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey offers a pronounced tactile bump that adds a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke, making it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a tactile switching experience while typing. The smooth keystroke further enhances this quality, allowing for a comfortable and fluid typing experience. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is characterized by its Ly stems, which provide an exceptionally smooth typing action devoid of any tactile feedback. This linear feeling allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, appealing to users who favor a sleek and fluid typing experience.

In summary, the Outemu Silent Grey switch is an outstanding option for those prioritizing a quiet and tactile typing experience, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) caters to users who prefer the smoothness of a linear switch with a more resonant sound profile. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value tactile feedback or seamless, linear motion in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your specific needs and preferences will play a crucial role. If you're in an environment where noise control is important, such as in an office setting or shared space, the Silent Grey's quiet operation combined with its satisfying tactile feedback makes it an excellent choice. The pronounced bump provides a clear indicator of activation without being disruptive, ideal for typists who appreciate a more deliberate feel while maintaining tranquility. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and a resonant sound profile for a more immersive typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is likely to suit you better. With a linear action that maintains a fluid keystroke, these switches excel in fast-paced gaming or heavy typing sessions where you want minimal resistance and noise. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you value a tactile response with quiet operation or a completely smooth and resonant typing experience, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more