Outemu Tom vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Tom and the Bsun Tomcat present two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Outemu Tom, a tactile switch, offers a feedback-rich experience that allows typists to feel each keypress, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate pronounced keystrokes and enhanced typing accuracy. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat features linear stems designed for a super smooth typing experience, perfect for gamers and those who prefer a quieter, more fluid keystroke without the interruption of tactile bumps. While the Tom excels in providing tactile feedback, the Tomcat shines with its resonant sound profile and smooth operation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a seamless typing feel. 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 Tom Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the Outemu Tom and the Bsun Tomcat feature similar top housing materials made from polycarbonate, which effectively influences their acoustic profile. The shared use of polycarbonate gives both switches a sharper and crisper sound, engaging users with a sound profile that is both clear and resonant. Being a stiffer plastic, polycarbonate allows for a more pronounced sound signature, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the top housing to create an aesthetically pleasing effect that enhances the visual appeal of the keyboard.

In contrast, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softness results in a sound-absorbing quality that contrasts with the sharper sound generated by the polycarbonate top housing, allowing for a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound. This natural sound variation means that while the top housings provide a bright and clear auditory cue, the nylon bottom works to create a harmonious balance, absorbing some of the higher frequencies and producing a deep resonance during typing. Thus, when users engage with these switches, they can appreciate the interplay between the defined crispness of the polycarbonate top and the soft absorption characteristics of the nylon bottom.

Ultimately, although the Outemu Tom and the Bsun Tomcat are constructed from the same materials, each housing's contribution to the overall switch experience remains distinct yet complementary. The polycarbonate top ensures that users enjoy a brilliant and clear typing sound, enriched by RGB illumination, while the nylon bottom provides a more mellow sound feel that adds depth to the auditory experience. This duality in sound design underscores the effective marriage of materials, highlighting how the tactile and auditory experience of typing can be sculpted based on the unique qualities of both the top and bottom switch housings.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces, with the Tom requiring an actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Tomcat's lighter 45 grams. This implies that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch would likely gravitate towards the Tomcat, making it a more comfortable option for prolonged use. However, the Tom does not have an available bottom out force measurement, which makes it difficult to assess how its overall resistance compares against the Tomcat's bottom out force of 54 grams. Nonetheless, the Tomcat presents itself as a medium-light switch, offering a more forgiving feel during heavy typing sessions or gaming marathons. Given that the Tom has an unknown bottom out force, we cannot definitively compare this aspect, but the Tom's heavier actuation force suggests it may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push feel. Thus, for those prioritizing lighter switches for comfort, the Tomcat is the more suitable choice, while those seeking weightier feedback might prefer the Tom.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, they differ slightly, with the Tom featuring a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Tom can be advantageous for those who prioritize responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. In contrast, the Tomcat's longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience when typing. Ultimately, if you lean towards speed and responsiveness, the Tom is the better option, but if you value a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Tomcat is more suited to your needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Tomcat linear switch is known for its resonant sound profile, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience while typing. However, the sound characteristics of the Tom switch remain unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison. It's important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the choice of keycaps and the keyboard's construction, but the distinct acoustic nature of the Tomcat adds a layer of richness to the typing experience.

Looking at the tactile feedback and typing experience, the Tom switch has no specific attributes detailed, which leaves its feel open to interpretation. Conversely, the Tomcat linear switch is designed with Ly stems that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This suggests that users will enjoy a continuous feel without the tactile bumps often associated with non-linear switches. Therefore, while the Tom's physical characteristics are unexplored, the Tomcat distinctly offers a user-friendly sensation perfect for those who prioritize smoothness over tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch present contrasting profiles, particularly in sound and feel. While the Tomcat boasts a resonant sound and a super smooth typing experience thanks to its Ly stems, details about the Tom switch's sound and feel remain unspecified. Ultimately, if your preference leans toward a rich auditory experience and a smooth action, the Tomcat is a strong candidate, while the Tom leaves the potential for exploration.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it's important to consider your personal typing style and the preferences you have for feedback while typing. If you favor tactile feedback and enjoy feeling a distinct bump in your keystrokes, the Outemu Tom switches would likely serve you well, especially if you appreciate a quieter operation. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience without tactile interruptions, the Bsun Tomcat linear switches are an excellent choice. Their medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams ensures a responsive feel, making them ideal for fast-paced typists or gamers who want fluidity in their keystrokes. Additionally, if you're drawn to a keyboard that offers a pleasant sound profile without the pronounced clicks of tactile switches, the Tomcat's resonant sound may enhance your typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value tactile feedback or a smoother, quieter experience, as both switches cater to different preferences and can significantly influence your overall keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more