Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Bumblebee Linear stand out as two distinct options, each catering to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Aliaz switches are designed for quiet settings, making them perfect for office use. Their medium-heavy actuation weight delivers a solid keystroke feel, providing users with tactile feedback without the accompanying noise. This switch is particularly favored by those who appreciate a polished, muted experience while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches offer an entirely different experience, prioritizing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke. With their bright sound profile, these linear switches are ideal for gamers and typists who seek a swift and fluid action, free from any tactile bumps. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages: the Aliaz for a quiet and tactile feel and the Bumblebee Linear for unhindered speed and smoothness. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches present a notable contrast that significantly influences their auditory and tactile experiences. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, producing higher-pitched auditory feedback, especially beneficial for those who appreciate a crisp keystroke sound. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs a POM top housing, which is equally well-engineered but leans towards a deeper, more muted sound signature. This discrepancy results in a different sensory experience, as the Bumblebee's sound is characterized by a smoother, more rounded tone that diverges from the Aliaz's sharper undertones.
Examining the bottom housing materials reveals further distinctions in their design philosophies. The Gateron Aliaz utilizes polycarbonate for the bottom housing as well, reinforcing its crisp auditory profile from both ends of the switch. This ensures a consistent sound experience, affirming that the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound retain that high-pitched resonance and clarity. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear opts for nylon in the bottom housing, a material traditionally known for its softer properties. This choice absorbs more sound, creating a rounder and fuller auditory experience that complements the muted tones of its POM top housing. These different bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall feel during typing, as they influence how the switch responds at the point of actuation and bottoming out.
In conclusion, the differences in housing materials for the Aliaz and Bumblebee Linear switches lead to distinct yet complementary typing experiences. While both switches have been designed for optimal performance, their varying top and bottom housing materials create contrasting sound profiles. For enthusiasts seeking tailored auditory experiences, the Aliaz’s polycarbonate components yield higher-pitched feedback, while the Bumblebee Linear offers a softer, deeper sound. However, both models allow users to achieve enjoyable typing results by integrating the unique properties of their respective materials, whether that involves the crispness of the Aliaz or the roundness of the Bumblebee Linear. Thus, both switches cater to different preferences, providing an array of auditory textures and tactile sensations for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch to the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, a notable distinction lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear is considerably lighter, with an actuation force of just 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter setup is ideal for users who favor a less strenuous typing experience, especially beneficial during long hours of work or gaming. Ultimately, if you desire a heavier press for a more tactile feel, the Aliaz would be the better option, while those who prefer a lighter touch would find the Bumblebee Linear more accommodating.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the key down, the Aliaz offers a slightly deeper experience, which can be more satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel. In contrast, the Bumblebee's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who prefer quicker response times, providing a more immediate feedback with less travel required. Therefore, if you seek a more responsive typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is the better option, whereas the Aliaz would be preferred by those who appreciate a heartier depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is known for its muted profile, making it an ideal choice for quiet environments like offices. This switch produces a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, which is perfect for those who want a discreet typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a bright sound profile; however, specific details about its sound characteristics are lacking. Due to the differences in sound profiles, the Aliaz would be more suited for users who prioritize quiet operation, while the Bumblebee Linear caters to those who may appreciate a clearer auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, described as both silky and polished. This smoothness enhances the overall typing experience by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished nature of these switches indicates a refined finish, likely due to quality materials or factory lubing, further reducing friction and ensuring a smooth key travel. On the other hand, there is no direct information available regarding the feel of the Bumblebee Linear switch, making it difficult to provide a comparison. However, linear switches typically offer a consistent and unbroken key press, which could lead to a different but still enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, if you are choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches, the decision may largely revolve around your preferences for sound and the type of environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. The Aliaz excels in providing a muted sound and smooth, polished feel, making it great for quiet settings, whereas the Bumblebee Linear, while bright in sound, leaves some qualities about its tactile feel unknown. If you prefer a quiet yet satisfying typing experience, the Aliaz would likely be the safer bet, while the Bumblebee Linear may appeal if you seek a smoother action without taking noise levels into account.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch largely hinges on your specific typing environment and preferences. If you find yourself in a quieter setting, such as an office or a shared workspace, the Aliaz switches are the way to go, thanks to their muted sound profile and tactile feedback that caters to those who enjoy a substantial feel with each key press. The heavier force of 75 grams ensures each keystroke feels deliberate and satisfying, perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced typing experience without the distraction of noise. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and an exceptionally smooth, uninterrupted typing flow, the Bumblebee Linear switch is an excellent choice. With its lighter actuation force of 50 grams, it can reduce fatigue during long typing sessions, making it ideal for gamers or writers who seek rapid key presses and quick response times. So, whether you prioritize a tactile, quieter experience with the Aliaz or the speed and smoothness of the Bumblebee Linear, your decision should align with your personal preferences and typing habits.
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