Huano Acacia vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear stand out as excellent linear options, each offering unique benefits to enhance your typing experience. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a satisfying typing experience right out of the box. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a smooth feel with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Bumblebee Linear switch shines with its exceptionally smooth keypresses and bright sound profile, appealing to users who appreciate a more auditory feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you're looking for a light, quiet action or a more pronounced auditory experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, a distinct difference is noted in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is a stiffer plastic that results in a sharper and crisper sound when a switch is activated. This transparency of polycarbonate also aids in light diffusion for RGB lighting, making it visually appealing in illuminated setups. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM is known for its smoothness and durability, yet it lacks the crispness offered by polycarbonate, leading to a pronounced variation in auditory feedback when typing on each switch.
Both switches share a common material in their bottom housing: nylon. This material is regarded as a classic choice for switch housings due to its sound-absorbing qualities. The nylon bottom housing facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile in both the Acacia and the Bumblebee Linear, offering a consistent typing experience despite the differences in the top housings. Since the bottom housing is pivotal in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of a keypress, users can expect a similar sensation and auditory experience when bottoming out on either switch. The foundational properties of nylon ensure that while the top housings diverge in character, the overall responsive behavior remains akin for both switches.
When considering the complete sound experience of these switches, the disparate top housing materials enrich the overall dynamics but do so in distinctly different ways. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia produces a brighter, more resonant sound during release, while the POM top of the Bumblebee Linear offers a more refined muteness. However, the consistent nylon bottom housing ensures that users enjoy a full-bodied sound profile when they press the key down, aligning both switches' performance in this regard. Ultimately, while the top materials cater to different auditory preferences, the nylon bottoms create a cohesive thread in the experience offered by both the Acacia and Bumblebee Linear.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means both switches require an identical amount of force to register a keystroke, leading to a comparable typing experience in that regard. However, their bottom-out forces differ, with the Acacia reaching 55 grams while the Bumblebee only requires 50 grams to bottom out. This difference indicates that the Acacia has a heavier feel overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the lighter bottom-out force of the Bumblebee makes it a better choice for those who desire a more effortless keystroke, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Therefore, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option, whereas the Acacia is slightly heavier due to its higher bottom-out force.
Travel distance
The Huano Acacia linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Acacia's shorter travel distance may be the better choice, as it allows for faster key presses, which is particularly beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile experience, the Bumblebee's travel distance of 3.6 mm offers a bit more depth without being overly long. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, the Acacia provides a marginally quicker response due to its shorter travel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for either a snappier action or a more deliberate feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39, whereas the Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99.
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 Huano Acacia linear switch is largely characterized by its subdued auditory profile. This quieter nature can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a more subtle typing experience, reducing potential distractions in shared environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a notably brighter sound, contributing an energetic auditory background that some typists find satisfying. It's important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by additional factors, such as the keyboard's build and the material of the keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Acacia linear switch excels with its medium-light weight, allowing for comfortable typing across extended sessions. The switch's generous factory lubrication aids in providing a smooth keystroke, while the minimal stem wobble enhances the tactile precision, making it straightforward to register each keypress without distraction. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, likely offering a similarly appealing feel when engaging with the keys. Both switches cater to users who appreciate a linear typing experience, yet the Bumblebee might edge out slightly in the smoothness department, depending on individual preferences.
In conclusion, both the Huano Acacia and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches present unique attributes that can appeal to different users. While the Acacia leans towards a quieter sound and a smooth feel backed by its factory lubrication, the Bumblebee Linear shines with a brighter sound profile and exceptional smoothness. Ultimately, whether one prefers the Acacia or the Bumblebee will hinge on personal preference regarding sound and the nuanced feel of each switch during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard experience. If you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a bottom-out force of 55 grams, the Acacia might be your ideal choice. Its medium-light weight combined with generous factory lubrication ensures a satisfying feel right from the start, perfect for those who enjoy a more controlled keystroke without excessive resistance. Additionally, if minimal stem wobble is foundational for your typing or gaming comfort, the Acacia excels in providing that stability. On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys a lighter bottom-out force at 50 grams and values an exceptionally smooth keypress, the Bumblebee Linear would be well-suited for your needs. With its bright sound profile and fluid actuation, this switch is ideal if you prioritize a fast and responsive feel, making it an excellent option for both gaming and typing at high speeds. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a slightly firmer touch with the Acacia or a lighter, quicker response with the Bumblebee Linear.
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