Bsun Tomcat vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing or gaming experience. The Bsun Tomcat switch, celebrated for its Ly stems, offers a remarkably smooth typing experience accompanied by a resonant sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch shines with its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it an ideal option for gamers and typists who value speediness and responsiveness. While both switches fall under the linear category, catering to users seeking a seamless keystroke without tactile bumps, their distinctive traits present compelling reasons for selecting one over the other. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
When considering the housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches, one notable point of similarity is the use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches leverage this material to achieve a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant quality that is particularly enhanced when the switches are equipped with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the plastic allows for an appealing light diffusion. This commonality suggests that both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience when pressed, providing users an engaging typing experience accentuated by brightness.
In contrast, the two switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The Tomcat features a nylon bottom housing, known for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This characteristic allows it to absorb more sound and results in a more rounded audio signature when a key is bottomed out. The Yellow Silver also employs nylon for its bottom housing, mirroring the Tomcat's capability to provide a warm sound profile. Because both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent feel and sound quality from this aspect of their respective designs, enhancing the overall typing experience.
While the top housings of both switches complement each other in their sound quality owing to the polycarbonate composition, the similarities extend to the bottom housing as well, where nylon provides a cohesive auditory experience. When typing on either switch, users will experience the bright clarity from the polycarbonate top combined with the lush depth from the nylon bottom. This harmonious balance between the materials helps create an enjoyable typing experience irrespective of the switch's branding, suggesting that, while the aesthetic and certain performance characteristics may differ, the core acoustic qualities offered by the materials employed ensure satisfying results across the board.
Weight
The Bsun Tomcat and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches exhibit similar actuation forces, with both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, which caters well to users looking for a medium-light typing experience. However, when it comes to bottom-out force, the Tomcat has a slightly lower force at 54 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 55 grams. This marginal difference indicates that while both switches offer a similar initial resistance, the Yellow Silver feels a tad heavier when fully pressed down. Therefore, the Tomcat is the lighter option, providing a comfortable feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Yellow Silver, being slightly heavier, may appeal more to users who prefer a more substantial push when bottoming out. Overall, both switches deliver comparable actuation experiences, making them suitable for users who thrive on lighter switches, but the slight variance in bottom-out forces might sway preferences based on tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Tomcat switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver. The difference in travel distance can significantly impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch; gamers who prioritize quick actuation may prefer the Tomcat for its quicker response time. Conversely, the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, which some users appreciate for its depth and feedback. Therefore, if you value speed in your gaming or typing experience, the Tomcat will likely deliver a more responsive performance, while the Yellow Silver may be better suited for those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Tomcat 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 linear switch produces a resonant sound profile, which can add a distinct character to the typing experience. This resonant quality may attract users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, potentially enhancing the tactile satisfaction of each keystroke. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound level that is suitable for a wide range of environments. This neutrality means it can seamlessly fit into both professional and casual settings, making it more versatile for different users, especially gamers and typists looking for minimal distraction.
When it comes to feel, the Tomcat switch is best known for its Ly stems, which provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness can help facilitate faster typing, making it appealing for users who prioritize fluidity in their key presses. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver is recognized for its light actuation force, which encourages quick response times. This switch is tailored for those who appreciate speed and responsiveness, making it easier to execute swift key presses while gaming or typing.
Overall, both the Bsun Tomcat and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches bring different qualities to the table. The Tomcat excels with its resonant sound and super smooth feel, creating an engaging typing experience, while the Yellow Silver offers a neutral sound and a lightweight actuation force, enhancing speed and overall versatility. Users can choose based on their personal preferences for sound and feel, but both switches ultimately aim to improve the typing or gaming experience in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you value a supremely smooth typing experience paired with a more resonant sound profile, the Tomcat might be your best choice. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a slightly softer feel and a tactile feedback that enhances comfort during long typing sessions. Conversely, if you're seeking speed and responsiveness for gaming, the Outemu Yellow Silver could be the way to go. Its neutral sound profile and slightly lighter actuation force provide the perfect balance for both gamers and typists, making it versatile for various environments — from quiet offices to bustling homes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and resonance or speedy actuation and versatility, as both switches have their unique strengths tailored to different types of users.