Outemu Tom vs. Jerrzi Poseidon
An in-depth look at the Outemu Tom and the Jerrzi Poseidon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, and the Jerrzi Poseidon, a linear switch. The Tom switch is best known for its tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump when pressed, while the Poseidon switch is known for its smooth and consistent feel with linear actuation. The Tom switch is categorized as a tactile switch, which is great for typists who prefer a noticeable tactile bump for each key press. On the other hand, the Poseidon switch falls under the linear switch category, making it ideal for gamers who need quick and smooth actuation without any tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Tom and the Jerrzi Poseidon feature different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The Tom utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Poseidon's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. However, both switches offer translucency in their housing, making them ideal for RGB lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Tom incorporates nylon to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to other plastics. Similarly, the Poseidon also features POM for its bottom housing, offering a similarly deep and muted sound experience. Despite the different housing materials used for the top and bottom of the switches, both the Tom and the Poseidon aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound profile for users to enjoy.
With the top and bottom housings playing a significant role in the overall sound profile of a switch, users can expect distinct differences in sound and feel between the Outemu Tom and the Jerrzi Poseidon. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when a key is released. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate of the Tom or the softer POM of the Poseidon, both switches offer varying auditory experiences that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, it is evident that the Tom has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Poseidon's lighter 40 grams. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, making it difficult to assess the difference in resistance when fully pressing the keys. In terms of weight, the Poseidon would be considered lighter due to its lower actuation force, which may appeal to individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. On the contrary, the Tom's higher actuation force may be favored by those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the actuation force plays a significant role in determining the typing experience for each switch, whether it be a lighter touch or a more forceful push.
Travel distance
The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for users who value fast response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance of these switches for quick key presses during intense gaming sessions. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user. Ultimately, whether you choose the Tom or Poseidon switch will come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Poseidon has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poseidon for $3.59.
The Outemu Tom comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is known for its relatively quiet operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch is also known for its quiet sound profile, providing a similar level of noise reduction during typing sessions. Both switches offer a noise level that is suitable for office or shared spaces, allowing for a quieter typing experience overall.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Outemu Tom tactile switch is praised for its tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback with each key press, offering a tactile typing experience that is preferred by many enthusiasts. In comparison, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, providing a consistent and linear feel that is ideal for fast typists and gamers. These two switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their feel, catering to different preferences for tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch both offer unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Tom switch provides a tactile typing experience with a quiet sound profile, the Poseidon switch offers a smooth and linear feel that is also accompanied by a quiet operation. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and typing style, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches on a variety of boards and keycaps will allow you to determine which one best suits your personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a more pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a satisfying bump while typing, the Outemu Tom switch might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke without a tactile bump, the Jerrzi Poseidon linear switch could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing feel and sound that aligns with your personal preferences and requirements.
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