Outemu Tom vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Tom and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Outemu Tom, known as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump during key presses, which can enhance typing accuracy and offer a satisfying feedback for those who enjoy a more interactive experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a linear switch, is designed for smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists looking for a quieter option that allows for rapid key presses without any tactile resistance. While the Tom excels in providing a sensory experience that engages the user with each keystroke, the Tomcat (Heavy) prioritizes a fluid typing experience, ideal for long gaming sessions or extended writing tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Tom Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.10 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Tom and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share a remarkable similarity in the materials used for their housing, both employing polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of polycarbonate yields a sound profile that is sharply pitched and clear, enhancing the overall auditory experience when typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its crispness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a defined sound while typing. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the translucent nature of polycarbonate, which not only allows RGB lighting to shine through beautifully but also ensures that users experience a visually appealing aesthetic combined with vibrant backlighting.

In contrast, both the Outemu Tom and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is notable for its sound-absorbing characteristics. The usage of nylon leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, contrasting with the sharper tonal qualities of the polycarbonate top. This duality in material composition enriches the overall typing experience, where the bottom housing's softer nature dampens sound for a more rounded auditory output, while the top housing contributes clarity. As both switches employ the same materials, they are likely to produce a comparable acoustic experience, blending the attributes of both housing types to deliver a cohesive sound profile when typing.

When evaluating the impact of these materials on the sensory experience of both switches, it is essential to understand how the different housings influence the overall performance. The nylon bottom housing has a significant effect on the bottom-out feel and sound, providing a smoother tactile experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing's influence is paramount when releasing the key, as it enhances the auditory feedback upon key release. Because both switches follow this similar design philosophy, users can expect a consistent auditory experience: sharpness from the top while maintaining a rounded, deeper sound from the bottom, ultimately culminating in an enjoyable typing atmosphere across both models.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, both options share the same actuation force of 55 grams, making them equal in terms of the effort required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users who prefer a lighter touch will have a consistent experience with both switches when it comes to initiating a keystroke. However, the contrast arises with their bottom out forces: while the Tom’s bottom out force is unknown, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a bottom out force of 64 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This difference indicates that while both switches will require the same force to act on a keystroke, users of the Tomcat will experience a more substantial push feel when bottoming out, potentially leading to fatigue during extended typing sessions. Consequently, the Tom would be the lighter option overall since it lacks a defined bottom out force. In summary, while both switches are equal in actuation, the Tomcat (Heavy) provides a heavier bottom out feel that may appeal to those seeking a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Tom has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Tom switch is the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more substantial depth with its 3.6 mm travel distance, making it a better choice for users who enjoy a more hearty typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and nimbleness, the Outemu Tom would be the better pick, whereas if you prefer a deeper feel, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) would suit you best.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Tom tactile switch has a sound profile that is generally not well-defined, making it difficult to assess its acoustic characteristics. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is noted for its resonant sound, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience while typing. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, plate material, and the type of keycaps used. Therefore, while the Tomcat may offer a more pronounced auditory quality, personal setup choices will play a significant role in the final sound profile of both switches.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Tom switch is characterized by its tactile response, which provides a clear feedback that many typists appreciate. This tactile sensation helps in preventing accidental key presses and can enhance typing accuracy. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch boasts a linear design with Ly stems that promise an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness is often favored by gamers who prefer unhindered keystrokes without any tactile bumps. Therefore, while the Tom is likely more suited for those who enjoy feedback in their key presses, the Tomcat (Heavy) would appeal to users who prioritize smoothness in their typing.

Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Outemu Tom offers a tactile experience that many typists might find satisfying for its feedback, whereas the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) excels in providing a smooth and linear feel that can enhance rapid typing or gaming scenarios. Depending on your needs—whether you seek tactile feedback or a fluid keystroke experience—both switches can serve effectively, but they would yield distinct sensory outcomes based on your personal typing preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Tom tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your specific preferences and typing habits. If you're someone who enjoys a tactile feedback with every keypress and thrives on a slightly bouncy feel, the Tom switch might be the better fit for you, especially if you value a lighter keystroke that requires less force to register. However, if you prefer a more linear and smooth experience with a noticeable heft behind each keypress, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch would be ideal, especially given its 64-gram actuation force. This switch is well-suited for users who appreciate both a robust feel and a resonant sound profile while typing, making it favorable for long sessions of gaming or typing. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize a tactile sensation or smooth linearity in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more