Outemu Silent White vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the Bsun Tomcat present two compelling options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Silent White, while boasting a mysterious allure with no standout characteristics detailed, typically attracts those who prefer a quieter typing atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat excels with its uniquely designed Ly stems that provide a notably smooth typing experience, combined with a resonant sound profile that some users may appreciate for its auditory feedback. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, the choice between the two ultimately hinges on the desired auditory experience and typing feel. 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
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 White and Bsun Tomcat switches share a significant similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material ensures a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and ability to resonate well. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially for users interested in RGB lighting, as it allows light to pass through effectively. With both switches employing polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a similar experience in terms of sound clarity and visual integration when utilizing lighting features.
In contrast, the two switches diverge in their bottom housing material, with both the Silent White and Tomcat incorporating nylon. As a classic choice for switch housings, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This property allows nylon to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp auditory experience compared to the top housing. The differences in bottom housing material between the two switches mean that while the top end of the sound profile will be consistent, the sensation and sound at the bottom-out point will be influenced primarily by the nylon used in both switches.
Consequently, although the Outemu Silent White and Bsun Tomcat switches have different characteristics in their bottom housing materials, they provide a cohesive auditory experience thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housing. This combination allows users to enjoy both the clarity of the higher frequencies from the polycarbonate while still experiencing the richness of the sound produced by the nylon bottom. Therefore, even with their specific variations in sound profile due to the different bottom materials, users can anticipate harmonious results when typing on these switches, as the combined qualities effectively balance the impacts of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar level of pressure required to trigger keystrokes on both switches. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Silent White requiring 60 grams to fully bottom out, while the Tomcat has a lighter bottom out force of 54 grams. This means that while the actuation experience is consistent across both switches, the Silent White may provide a slightly more substantial feel during bottoming out, which could be favorable for those who prefer a stronger feedback when pressing keys fully down. In terms of overall weight, the Outemu Silent White is the heavier option due to its higher bottom out force, making the Tomcat the lighter choice, ideal for users who favor a gentler typing experience for extended usage sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Silent White has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, whereas the Tomcat features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Silent White, you'll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, which is often favored by gamers seeking quick response times. Conversely, the Tomcat's greater travel distance may provide a more substantial and gratifying keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a deeper typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, as the Silent White's shorter travel distance offers quicker actuation, while the Tomcat's longer travel distance delivers a more pronounced tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent White 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
The Outemu Silent White linear switch tends to produce minimal sound due to its design, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels need to be kept low. While specific sound characteristics of the Silent White are not noted, it can be inferred that its quieter nature aligns well with typical expectations for silent switches. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is recognized for its resonant sound profile, providing a more pronounced acoustic feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a little auditory stimulation while typing. Ultimately, both switches will interact with various factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material, which can influence the final sound produced.
Regarding the feel, the Silent White linear switch doesn’t have specific characteristics detailed, leaving it somewhat ambiguous. However, the Bsun Tomcat stands out with its Ly stems, which are designed to offer a super smooth typing experience. This suggests that the Tomcat may provide a more refined touch sensation that could enhance the overall tactile experience while typing. If the Silent White switch has a comparable smoothness, users can expect a satisfying experience, although definitive feel comparisons are difficult without more information on the Silent White's characteristics.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent White linear switch leans towards a quieter performance, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offers a more resonant sound with its well-regarded smoothness. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Silent White would be favorable, whereas the Tomcat is likely to provide auditory satisfaction alongside a smoother tactile feel. For those interested in experimenting, both switches can deliver satisfying results depending on personal preference and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, consider your specific preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and prefer a more muted typing experience, the Silent White may be the better option, particularly if you're in an environment where noise control is a priority. However, if you seek a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 54 grams and are drawn to a notably smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile, the Tomcat switch would serve you well. The Silent White is ideal for those prioritizing a steady, controlled feel without the concern for audible feedback, while the Tomcat excels for users who enjoy a slick typing sensation paired with a more dynamic acoustics experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value a heavier, quieter switch or a lighter, more responsive one that enhances the tactile journey.