Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular linear options are the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Bsun Tomcat. The Outemu Silent Ocean, while lacking standout features, offers a unique, quiet typing experience that caters to users looking to minimize noise in shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat is celebrated for its Ly stems, delivering an exceptionally smooth keystroke that enhances overall typing fluidity, creating a resonant sound profile that many users find satisfying. Both switches present compelling reasons for selection, whether you prioritize a tranquil environment with the Silent Ocean or a buttery-smooth experience with the Tomcat. 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 Silent Ocean Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Silent Ocean and the Bsun Tomcat both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a shared audio experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material’s stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant output, making it ideal for users who enjoy the clarity provided by such attributes. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, particularly for those who appreciate RGB lighting effects. As both switches employ the same top housing material, users can expect similar auditory experiences when engaging with either product, particularly in terms of the sound made upon key release.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the Silent Ocean and Tomcat switches is made from nylon, another shared characteristic that further influences the overall acoustic profile of both switches. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed down. This not only affects the tactile feedback but also contributes to the distinct bottom-out sound. Thus, while the top housing promotes a clear and crisp sound during key release, the bottom housing shapes the deeper auditory experience during the act of typing. Users of both switches will appreciate this balance of sound qualities, highlighting the harmony achieved by the combination of polycarbonate and nylon.

By utilizing the same materials for both the top and bottom housings, both the Silent Ocean and Tomcat exhibit a well-rounded sound profile that leverages the benefits of each material. The coupling of polycarbonate and nylon ensures that the sharpness from the top complements the depth from the bottom. This synergy allows users to enjoy a consistent experience across both switches while enabling them to express personal preferences through RGB lighting and typing feel. Whether reaching for the Silent Ocean or the Tomcat, switch enthusiasts can anticipate a satisfying auditory and tactile experience stemming from the effectiveness of the materials employed in their construction.

Weight

The Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, they diverge significantly when it comes to their bottom out forces. The Silent Ocean switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy, while the Tomcat switch has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This difference in bottom out force means that while both switches offer a similar tactile experience when the key is pressed just enough to register an action, the Silent Ocean's heavier bottom out may appeal more to users who prefer a substantial feel and feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the lighter bottom out of the Tomcat switch can provide a more comfortable experience over long durations, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. Therefore, users will find that the Silent Ocean feels heavier overall, while the Tomcat offers a softer and lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm, often considered traditional and ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. In contrast, the Tomcat has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who prefer quicker response times, such as gamers. This difference in travel distance highlights a key contrast in user experience; the longer 4 mm of the Silent Ocean may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the 3.6 mm of the Tomcat allows for faster key presses. For those who prioritize responsiveness, the choice between the two clearly leans towards the shorter travel distance of the Tomcat; however, if a deeper, more deliberate key press is preferred, the Silent Ocean would be the better option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is noted for its distinctly quiet operation, catering to users who prefer a subdued typing experience that minimizes distractions. This acoustic property makes it an appealing choice for environments where noise can be an issue. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switch exhibits a more resonant sound profile, lending a unique auditory character to each keystroke. While the Tomcat's sound might add personality to the typing experience, it’s important to remember that the overall sound perceived can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Silent Ocean is recognized for its smooth actuation, allowing for effortless key presses. It prioritizes a gentle typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without user fatigue. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch stands out with its Ly stems, which provide a notably super smooth typing experience, enhancing the feeling of fluidity with each keystroke. Both switches tend to deliver a satisfying linear feedback, albeit with different nuances in their tactile character as a result of their unique designs.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches each have their own distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Silent Ocean excels in quietness and smoothness, making it ideal for discreet usage, while the Tomcat offers a resonant sound profile alongside a silky experience due to its specialized stem design. Ultimately, the choice between them would depend on whether one prioritizes a silent typing experience or a more dynamic auditory feedback paired with exceptional smoothness.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force. If you lean towards a heavier, more substantial feel when typing, the Silent Ocean with its 65-gram bottom-out force would be the ideal pick, especially if you enjoy a more tactile engagement with your keyboard. However, if you prefer a lighter touch to reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, the Tomcat's 54-gram force is an excellent choice, allowing for extended use without strain. Additionally, the Tomcat is renowned for its smooth typing experience due to the Ly stems, making it particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming or frequent typing, while the Silent Ocean's characteristics may appeal to those who appreciate a more focused and deliberate typing style. Finally, if sound is a significant factor for you, remember that the Silent Ocean remains relatively quiet, ideal for office environments or shared spaces, whereas the Tomcat offers a resonant sound profile that some might find satisfying, adding to the overall experience. Thus, consider your priorities in typing experience, sound, and actuation force before making your final decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more