Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switches can greatly influence your overall typing experience. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches present a unique option for those seeking a quiet yet tactile feel, characterized by a satisfying "thocky" sound that provides pleasant auditory feedback. These switches are factory-lubed and boast a distinctive translucent jade yellow housing, making them a visually appealing choice as well. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches deliver a smooth linear typing experience, featuring Ly stems that ensure seamless keystrokes without the tactile bumps found in traditional switches. While the Tomcat may lack the tactile feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade, it compensates with a resonant sound profile that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer quiet tactile sensations or a smoother, more linear 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 Yellow Jade Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Bsun Tomcat, distinct differences emerge, particularly regarding the top housing. The Silent Yellow Jade employs nylon for its top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. This characteristic allows nylon to absorb more sound, delivering a muted auditory experience that can be perceived as warmer and more rounded. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, which is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a brighter auditory feedback when typing. These differences in material composition underscore the stark contrast in sound profile that each switch offers, catering to varying preferences among typists.

Interestingly, when both switches are examined from the perspective of their bottom housings, similarities arise. Both the Silent Yellow Jade and the Tomcat feature nylon for the bottom housing, which is a classic choice in mechanical switches. The nylon bottom housing inherits the same properties of sound absorption that contribute to a deeper and rounder sound profile. As such, when typing on either switch, both will yield a similar tactile feel and sound experience when the key is fully pressed down, as the nylon effectively absorbs sound and dampens noise. This comparable foundation in the bottom housing allows users to experience consistent feel and auditory feedback even when the top housings differ, encouraging a cohesive typing experience.

Ultimately, the combined effect of having different materials in the top housing versus similar materials in the bottom housing leads to an intriguing interplay. The Silent Yellow Jade’s nylon top muffles sound for a softer typing experience, while the Tomcat’s polycarbonate top sharpens sound for a more pronounced auditory response. However, the focus on nylon for the bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differences in top materials, the bottom-out feel will remain consistent, offering a fulfilling typing experience across both switches. For those seeking a warmer, muted auditory experience, the Silent Yellow Jade would be preferable, whereas those who desire a more acute and crisp feedback might lean towards the Bsun Tomcat, yet either will provide a satisfying tactile foundation due to the use of nylon in their bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Silent Yellow Jade requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which positions it on the medium-heavy side of the spectrum. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. As a result, typists and gamers seeking a less strenuous keypress may find the Tomcat more comfortable for extended use, while those who prefer a more substantial feedback and tactile experience may lean toward the heavier Silent Yellow Jade. In summary, the Tomcat is the lighter option, making it better suited for long typing sessions, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a stronger push feel for those who favor a more robust tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a notable difference arises. The Silent Yellow Jade has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Tomcat features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a longer travel. This distinction could affect your typing and gaming experience, where the shorter travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade may provide quicker responsiveness and potentially faster reaction times—great for gaming enthusiasts. Conversely, the Tomcat's longer travel distance might be more satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. Thus, your choice would depend on whether you favor a quicker response or depth in the keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a notably muted experience paired with a satisfying thocky sound profile. This unique combination allows for a softer auditory feedback when typing, reducing the typical clicking noise associated with mechanical keyboards while still delivering a rich and deep sound upon activation. This makes it ideal for environments where quiet operation is preferred without sacrificing the pleasure of auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a resonant sound profile, though specific descriptors for its sound are not provided. While the Tomcat may not be as quiet as the Silent Yellow Jade, it still delivers a smooth experience that is appreciated by many users.

In terms of feel, the Silent Yellow Jade switch is characterized by a sharp tactile response, offering a pronounced tactile bump with each keystroke. This intensity ensures that typists receive clear feedback, which can enhance typing accuracy and speed. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the feel of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, making it challenging to make a direct comparison. However, linear switches are typically known for their smooth operation throughout the keypress without tactile feedback, which contrasts with the distinct feedback of the Yellow Jade.

In conclusion, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and Bsun Tomcat linear switch each present unique qualities catering to different preferences in sound and feel. The Silent Yellow Jade stands out for its combination of muted thocky sound and sharp tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who value a quieter yet satisfying typing experience. Meanwhile, the Tomcat linear switch promises a smooth experience with a resonant sound but lacks the tactile feedback detail provided by the Yellow Jade. Ultimately, while both switches can lead to enjoyable typing experiences, they target different user preferences depending on whether one favors tactile feedback or smooth linear action.

Conclusion

In closing, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're looking for a switch that provides a medium-heavy feel with a satisfying tactile feedback, while also maintaining a quieter typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade would be an excellent choice. Its thocky sound and sharp tactile bump cater well to those who enjoy a more pronounced sensation when typing, making it ideal for both office environments and gaming sessions where stealth is a priority. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted keypress experience, the Bsun Tomcat switch is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force and incredibly smooth Ly stems, the Tomcat excels in reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, which can be a significant benefit for those who type frequently or engage in extended gaming marathons. In essence, your decision should reflect not just your sound and tactile preferences but also how you intend to use your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silent Yellow Jade Tactile

$3.10 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more