Outemu Silent Yellow Jade vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) presents a fascinating contrast of typing experiences. The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is celebrated for its quiet, tactile feedback, providing a satisfying "thocky" sound that enhances the tactile experience without being overly noisy—ideal for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued typing environment. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a linear switch experience characterized by its buttery-smooth keystrokes and resonant sound profile, making it a favorite for gamers and typists who appreciate uninterrupted key presses. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Silent Yellow Jade for users seeking a tactile and quieter operation, and the Tomcat for those who crave smoothness and speed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Yellow Jade and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize contrasting materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Silent Yellow Jade employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture. This material works to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio experience during typing. Such properties lead to a duller and rounder sound profile that is often favored by users looking for a quieter keyboard experience. In stark contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound when typing. This stark difference in material choice results in distinct auditory experiences, making each switch unique in terms of the acoustic feedback it provides.
However, the bottom housings of both the Silent Yellow Jade and Tomcat (Heavy) are made from nylon, unifying their output in terms of sound profile at the bottom-out point. Nylon is widely recognized for creating a deeper, more muted sound, which means that regardless of the contrasting sound profiles created by their respective top housings, both switches will possess a similar auditory quality when it comes to the bottoming out. This shared material in the bottom housing leads to a consistent and pleasing experience at the key's point of impact, showcasing the inherent quietness and smoothness that nylon can deliver.
In summary, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) showcase differing sound characteristics due to their top housing materials, they converge in sound profile for their bottom housings. The nylon composition of the bottom housing ensures a consistent deeper sound when keys are pressed down, while the varied top housings dominate the acoustic realm during the release of the key. As a result, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with nuances and preferences that hinge on the user's auditory inclination, making these switches complementary options depending on individual sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, though their bottom out forces are quite close. The Silent Yellow Jade requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams, making the Silent Yellow Jade the lighter option for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. In terms of bottom out force, the Silent Yellow Jade reaches 65 grams, slightly exceeding the Tomcat's bottom out force of 64 grams. This means that both switches provide a medium-heavy feel, catering to users who enjoy a substantial typing experience, but the Silent Yellow Jade's overall lighter actuation force may make it more suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Tomcat (Heavy) will offer a bit more resistance for those who prefer that tactile push.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch offers a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Silent Yellow Jade the shorter option, providing a quicker actuation that can appeal to gamers seeking enhanced responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance may be preferable for those who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing, offering a heartier depth compared to its shorter counterpart. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences—if you value speed and quick responses, the Silent Yellow Jade is a solid pick; however, if you favor a more traditional feel with greater tactile feedback, the Tomcat (Heavy) may be the better option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade comes in at $3.10, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch delivers a notably quiet typing experience due to its design, which is aimed at minimizing noise while still providing a satisfactory tactile feedback. The sound profile can be characterized as a "thocky" sound, which is pleasant without being overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for those who work in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch produces a resonant sound profile, likely due to its linear design, resulting in a smooth but more pronounced acoustic presence when typing. While both switches can produce distinctive sounds, the choice of keyboard and keycaps can significantly influence the overall auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade offers a punchy tactile bump that enhances the typing experience without causing excess noise, making it great for users who appreciate a physical feedback without the typical sound associated with tactile switches. The tactile sensation is designed to guide your fingers without a harsh snap, providing a satisfying and controlled typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems, which provide a super smooth and linear typing experience, devoid of any tactile bump. This creates an entirely different feel, focusing on fluidity and consistency with each keystroke, which can be preferable for gamers and those who favor rapid typing without interruption.
The Outemu Silent Yellow Jade and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches cater to different preferences, showcasing the diversity in mechanical keyboard switches. The Silent Yellow Jade excels in delivering a quiet yet tactile experience, ideal for quieter environments, while the Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on providing smoothness and resonance, appealing to those who prioritize uninterrupted keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal typing habits and the acoustic environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a quiet and tactile experience, particularly in environments where noise is a concern, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent option. Its satisfying "thocky" sound and punchy tactile bump can make typing feel engaging while minimizing distractions for yourself and others around you. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a tactile feedback while typing or gaming but need to keep the noise level low. On the other hand, if you prioritize a super smooth and linear typing experience without the tactile bump, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the way to go. With its silky feel and resonant sound profile, this switch can enhance fast-paced gaming or typing, providing a seamless flow that some typists and gamers may prefer. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the satisfying tactile feedback of the Silent Yellow Jade or the fluid motion of the Tomcat (Heavy), each switch brings its own unique strengths to your mechanical keyboard setup.
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