Outemu Silver vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options are the Outemu Silver and the Bsun Tomcat. The Outemu Silver is often favored for its quick actuation and responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat is renowned for its Ly stems, which provide a remarkably smooth typing experience, along with a unique resonant sound profile that can enhance the auditory pleasure of typing. While both switches cater to linear preferences, the Outemu Silver excels in speed, making it perfect for high-paced gaming scenarios, while the Tomcat offers a more refined tactile sensation, ideal for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a resonant experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Silver and Bsun Tomcat utilize similar materials for their top and bottom housings, which is notable given the impact these choices have on sound profiles and overall performance. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is thanks to polycarbonate’s relatively stiff composition that allows for a clear and resonant sound profile. Relying on the aesthetic advantages of polycarbonate, both switches facilitate enhanced RGB lighting visibility due to their translucency. This similarity in how the top housing contributes to the acoustic experience indicates that users can expect comparable auditory results when typing or gaming with either switch.

In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Outemu Silver and Bsun Tomcat is made of nylon, a material recognized for its ability to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller audio profile while typing. Nylon's softer plastic nature imparts a more subdued and rounded sound compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. Consequently, this divergence in material composition between the top and bottom housings means that while the upper sound response is affected by the polycarbonate’s clarity, the lower registers of the audio experience are largely influenced by the nylon's capacity for sound absorption. This interplay highlights how each housing plays a critical role, ensuring that the overall auditory experience remains rich and well-rounded.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Outemu Silver and Bsun Tomcat means that users can anticipate a cohesive and layered sound experience. Both switches harness the benefits of their respective materials to deliver a unique typing sensation: the polycarbonate top enhances the upper frequencies, whereas the nylon bottom enriches the overall depth of the sound profile. As a result, while the two switches feature distinct materials, they effectively complement each other, providing a balanced auditory profile that caters to both clarity and fullness in sound. Therefore, even with the same materials used in different housings, users will be able to achieve similar results in terms of sound quality and overall switch performance.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Silver and Bsun Tomcat linear switches, both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent keystroke trigger for users, making them comparable in terms of responsiveness. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly; the Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Bsun Tomcat is lighter at 54 grams. This difference means that while both switches require the same force to register a key press, the Outemu Silver necessitates a greater force to fully bottom out, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Outemu Silver is considered medium-heavy, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the lighter Bsun Tomcat, categorized as medium-light, is ideal for extended usage and prolonged gaming sessions.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, a distinct difference is evident. The Outemu Silver boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning closely with the traditional travel distance, while the Bsun Tomcat features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that for users who prioritize rapid response times, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, allowing for quicker actuation during gaming or fast-paced typing. Conversely, those who prefer a deeper engagement with a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Outemu Silver. Ultimately, if you seek a more responsive experience, the Tomcat’s 3.6 mm travel distance would be the better choice, whereas the Silver's 4 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, the Silver's auditory characteristics remain unspecified; thus, it cannot be accurately described in this regard. In contrast, the Tomcat switch features a resonant sound profile, which contributes a distinct auditory experience that can enhance the overall typing environment. It’s important to note that the sound perception of a switch is influenced by various external factors like the keyboard frame and keycap materials, meaning that both switches could sound different depending on the setup.

In terms of feel, the Silver switch lacks a defined sensation, leaving its tactile characteristics ambiguous. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch is noted for its Ly stems, which are engineered to provide a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness translates to an effortless keystroke, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a fluid typing experience without any distracting tactile feedback.

Considering the available information, while the Outemu Silver linear switch is not well-defined in terms of sound and feel, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch clearly stands out with its resonant sound and exceptionally smooth typing feedback. If you're looking for a switch that delivers a pleasant auditory experience and superior smoothness, the Tomcat is a compelling option. Without specific information about the Silver, it’s difficult to recommend it over the Tomcat, but both switches could work well depending on user preferences and the specific keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more robust typing experience with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Silver switch might be the better choice for you, offering a firmer feel that some typists find satisfying and conducive to longer typing sessions. On the other hand, if you are after a lighter touch, the Tomcat, with its 54-gram bottom-out force, can provide a more effortless and smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems that enhance the feel and sound profile. The Tomcat is particularly well-suited for gaming or fast-paced typing, where rapid key presses are essential. Overall, if you value medium-heavy resistance and a firmer feedback with less emphasis on a sound profile, go for the Silver. Conversely, if you want a lighter, smoother switch that excels in both typing and a distinctive sound, the Tomcat will likely be your best option. Choose what aligns best with your needs, and you’ll greatly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

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Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more