Outemu Spring Breeze vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Spring Breeze and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Spring Breeze, a clicky switch, is designed to provide audible feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists who relish the satisfying sound and tactile sensation that accompany their inputs. This can enhance the enjoyment of typing and create a more engaging workspace. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a linear switch with Ly stems, prioritizes a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. This design makes it perfect for gamers or users who prefer swift, seamless key presses without the distraction of clicking noises. While both switches have their unique appeals based on desired feedback and sound levels, it's crucial to examine their characteristics more closely to determine the best match for your typing style and usage needs. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Spring Breeze and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a clear distinction can be observed in their top housing compositions. The Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft plastic properties. This construction absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. This material is stiffer and produces a sharper, crisper sound profile, contributing to a clearer and more resonant auditory feedback. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, elevating the aesthetic presence of the switch, while the nylon’s characteristics emphasize a warm and muted sound, demonstrating a fundamental difference in their audio output.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches utilize nylon, which results in a shared characteristic between the two models. Both the Spring Breeze and Tomcat (Heavy) benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, generating a deeper, fuller sound when typing. Since nylon is inherently softer, it absorbs sound effectively and minimizes the intensity of the bottom-out noise. This similarity ensures that despite the difference in the top housings, both switches maintain a consistent sensory experience in terms of the sound produced at the bottom of the switch. Consequently, users of either switch can expect a pleasant typing experience owing to the beneficial qualities of nylon in the bottom housing.

Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches highlights the impact of design choices on user experience. While the Spring Breeze leans into the warmer and muted acoustic properties of nylon in both top and bottom housings for a cohesive sound profile, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a contrast with its polycarbonate top that accentuates brightness and clarity. The differentiation in the top housing translates to how the switches perform during typing; the Spring Breeze may provide a subdued experience, while the Tomcat (Heavy) delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, with both switches sharing nylon in their bottom housing, they each retain a common thread of deeper sound quality when bottoming out, resulting in a reliable yet distinct typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Spring Breeze features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during prolonged usage. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) boasts a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel under their fingers. This difference in weight means that the Spring Breeze will be less fatiguing for longer sessions, while the Tomcat provides a firmer feedback that some users may find more satisfying. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter touch and a more comfortable typing experience, the Spring Breeze is the way to go, whereas the Tomcat is ideal for users who prefer a stronger push.

Travel distance

The Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, a better choice for users who appreciate a more satisfying and involved key press, often preferred for typing or a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its shorter travel distance, is designed with gamers in mind, allowing for quicker key response times that can enhance gameplay. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) is the way to go, while the Spring Breeze is better suited for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a defined auditory character, which can make it less appealing to those who seek a distinct acoustic signature in their typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile, which adds a certain richness to the keystrokes. This inherent sound quality can enhance the overall typing experience, providing an auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. However, it’s essential to remember that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced significantly by the keyboard design and the choice of keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Spring Breeze lacks a specified tactile feedback characterization, making it challenging to determine its typing sensation. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is particularly celebrated for its Ly stems, which contribute to a super smooth typing experience. This smoothness is often appreciated by typists who prefer a more seamless keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps or clicks, providing a fluid action that can enhance typing speed and comfort during extended use.

Overall, while the Outemu Spring Breeze may appeal to those who prefer a quieter switch without emphasized sound characteristics, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch offers a distinct auditory profile along with a notably smooth feel. Depending on user preference, if one is seeking an enhanced audible experience and smooth keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) is likely the better choice. If sound and feel are less critical, the Spring Breeze might serve satisfactorily, albeit without the engaging qualities found in the Tomcat.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter key feel and enjoy the tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze may be your ideal choice, especially for general typing tasks or casual gaming sessions where you want some auditory feedback without excessive force. Its 55 grams bottom-out force makes it easier on the fingers during extended use. Conversely, if you seek a more substantial feel and prioritize smoothness in your typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is likely to be the better fit. Its 64 grams bottom-out force coupled with its Ly stems offers a satisfying resistance that many typists and gamers appreciate, providing both control and responsiveness in more demanding scenarios. Thus, the choice ultimately boils down to your personal preference regarding switch feel and sound profile; choose Spring Breeze for a lighter, clicky experience or Tomcat (Heavy) for a heavier, smoother touch.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Spring Breeze Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more