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Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) vs. Outemu Yellow Silver

An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves torn between different options, each offering distinct experiences. The Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch stands out with its Ly stems, which provide a super smooth typing experience complemented by a resonant sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate tactile feedback during typing sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and responsiveness over acoustics. While both switches are categorized as linear, their unique attributes cater to different preferences and use cases—whether you prioritize a satisfying sound during typing or the rapid actuation required for gaming, your choice may come down to these nuances. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

64g

Bottom-out force

55g

Pre-travel

1.95 mm

Pre-travel

1.30 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

No

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

Ly

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Extended spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches exhibit significant similarities that contribute to their overall sound profile and aesthetic qualities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is crucial in determining the auditory characteristics of the switches. Polycarbonate's rigidity leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in the crisp and resonant sounds that typists and gamers often seek. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the ability to showcase RGB lighting effectively, an aspect that both switch designs prioritize. Hence, users can expect similar auditory experiences when using either switch, particularly focusing on the top housing's role in producing bright and clear sound.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and the Outemu Yellow Silver both utilize nylon. This classic material contributes to a deeper, fuller sound quality that complements the high-pitched clarity of the polycarbonate top. Nylon’s softer characteristics allow it to absorb more sound, providing a rounder and more resonant feel during typing. By combining the stiffer polycarbonate top with the softer nylon bottom, each switch achieves a balanced auditory experience, where the top housing creates clarity while the bottom housing adds depth and warmth. This fundamental difference in materials reinforces the unique sound signature that the two switch models present.

Ultimately, while the top housings of both the Tomcat (Heavy) and Yellow Silver switches are identical in terms of material, their bottom housings differ. This distinction underscores the nuanced experiences these switches provide. When a user presses down on either switch, the nylon bottom's qualities contribute significantly to the feel and sound of the bottom-out experience, while the polycarbonate top accentuates the release sound. As a result, even though the top housings are the same, the varying impacts of the separate materials in the bottom housing create an overall harmonious blend of sound profiles that can be effectively compared.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Tomcat (Heavy) has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This distinction affects user preference: those seeking a switch that allows for longer typing sessions may favor the lighter Yellow Silver, while users who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback may prefer the heavier Tomcat. As such, the Tomcat (Heavy) presents a heavier option for those who want a more robust feel, whereas the Yellow Silver offers a lighter touch suitable for extended use.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, the Tomcat (Heavy) features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Tomcat (Heavy) the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking a more responsive keypress, as shorter travel distances facilitate faster actuation. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance at 4 mm may provide a more satisfying and substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

For 10 switches, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40.

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

In terms of sound, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch produces a resonant sound profile that can add a unique acoustic character to your typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver has a neutral sound profile, which means it maintains a balanced auditory presence that caters to both gamers and typists alike. This neutrality allows it to blend well in various environments, whether at home or in an office. Sound quality can also vary based on the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, but the distinct resonance of the Tomcat switch may stand out more than the muted presence of the Yellow Silver.

When it comes to feel, the Tomcat (Heavy) is specifically lauded for its super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems. This smoothness can greatly enhance tactile feedback while typing, contributing to a more satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch is known for its light actuation force, making it responsive and ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions. The combination of its lightweight feel and smooth operation improves speed without sacrificing accuracy, which can be particularly beneficial for typists who favor quick keystrokes.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches cater to different preferences and use cases. While the Tomcat offers a resonant sound profile and a silky smooth feel ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback, the Yellow Silver provides a neutral sound with a lighter actuation force suited for gamers seeking quick responses. Depending on personal priorities—whether they lean towards auditory richness or speed and responsiveness—users can achieve satisfying results with either switch.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate a heftier feel when typing, or if you prefer switches that offer a bit more resistance, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force is an excellent choice. Its smooth Ly stem design contributes to a satisfying tactile experience, making it a great option for typists who enjoy a more deliberate typing style and a resonant sound profile. On the other hand, if you're a gamer or a typist who prioritizes speed and responsiveness over weight, the Outemu Yellow Silver's lighter 55-gram bottom-out force will likely suit you better. With its neutral sound profile, this switch is versatile enough for various environments, making it perfect for both at-home use and in office settings. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a tactile, heavier switch or a faster, lighter one in enhancing your typing or gaming experience.

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