Outemu Silent White vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the Outemu Silent White and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are two linear mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Silent White, though not widely recognized for specific characteristics, is designed for users seeking a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to its unique Ly stems, and offers a resonant sound profile that can provide satisfying acoustic feedback during use. While both switches offer a linear feel that eliminates tactile bumps, the choice between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize quiet operation or a more pronounced auditory 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

Outemu Silent White Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

Both the Outemu Silent White and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, a material renowned for its stiffness and clarity. This shared characteristic means that both switches are designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. As polycarbonate is inherently translucent, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of each switch when RGB lighting is employed, allowing vibrant colors to shine through. Because of the identical materials used in the top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience while typing, particularly in terms of the sound produced when a key is released.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a classic choice that significantly influences the overall sound profile. Nylon is softer than polycarbonate, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. It absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounder acoustic quality. With both the Silent White and Tomcat (Heavy) featuring nylon at the bottom, the overall sound production of both switches will have an analogous impact, particularly during the actuation and bottoming-out phases of key presses.

When evaluating the combined effects of both housing materials in the Silent White and Tomcat (Heavy), there is a clear interactive dynamic at play. The polycarbonate top housing heightens the sharpness of sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing creates a warmer, rounder tone during key presses. Since both switches balance these characteristics similarly, they are expected to deliver a well-rounded typing experience, marrying the crispness of their top with the depth of their bottom, despite each individual switch's unique branding. Thus, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound and feel, even if they opt for one model over the other.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent White linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Silent White operates with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch that may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This increased force offers a more substantial typing experience, which may attract users who appreciate a firmer key press. Thus, the Silent White is the lighter option, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier one, catering to different preferences depending on the desired typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Silent White switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prioritize quicker response times and a more immediate feedback when typing or gaming, the shorter travel distance of the Silent White may be more suitable for you. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial, tactile feel to your keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its longer travel distance might be the better choice. Overall, the Silent White offers a more responsive, albeit somewhat abrupt, experience, while the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a deeper, more deliberate key press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent White switch is known for its muted acoustics, designed to minimize noise during typing, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments or those who are easily distracted by keyboard sounds. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch features a resonant sound profile, providing a deeper tone that can be more pronounced, depending on the build of the keyboard. It’s important to keep in mind that both switches' sound characteristics can vary significantly based on the mechanical keyboard they are mounted on and the keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Silent White switch does not have any particular notable features mentioned, which suggests it may fall into a more standard linear switch experience, characterized by a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps or actuation points. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch boasts Ly stems that facilitate a super smooth typing experience, likely providing a more refined sensation as fingers glide over the keys. This smoothness is often preferred by typists looking for fast and fluid keystrokes without any tactile distractions.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent White and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to different user preferences—one leaning towards a quieter operation and the other towards a more resonant and smooth experience—they both offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing dynamics of a mechanical keyboard. Depending on your priorities, whether it’s a stealthy typing experience or a satisfying sound, either switch can meet specific needs effectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a quieter experience and a more moderate actuation force, the Silent White switch with its 60 grams bottom-out force is an excellent choice, especially for quieter settings like shared workspaces or home offices. Its muted sound profile makes it ideal if you're sensitive to noise or prefer a calmer typing environment. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more tactile typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Tomcat (Heavy) with 64 grams of bottom-out force and its smooth Ly stems could be more appealing to you. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes and would not mind a more resonant sound profile, making it a good option for gaming or typing tasks where feedback is essential. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, lighter experience with the Silent White or a more pronounced tactile experience with the Tomcat (Heavy).

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more