Everglide Aqua King (V3) vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Aqua King (V3) is celebrated for its frictionless feel, akin to gliding across a freshly resurfaced ice rink, making every stroke feel surprisingly smooth and effortless. Characterized by its subdued, creamy, and polished touch, this switch is ideal for those who prioritize a magical typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch boasts an exceptionally smooth typing feel coupled with a bright sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback along with their tactile interactions. Both switches cater to different preferences—one favors a silky, frictionless experience while the other combines smoothness with an engaging sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The materials used in the housing of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches distinctly frame their sound profiles and overall performance. The Aqua King (V3) utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound signature. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a more resonant audio experience that is heightened when RGB lighting is utilized, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) material for its top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This divergence in materials is pivotal as it directly influences the acoustic output during typing, creating a noticeably different auditory experience between the two switches.
Examining the bottom housings further highlights the contrast in construction. The Aqua King (V3) retains its polycarbonate material in the bottom housing as well, which continues the trend of producing a clear sound with each keystroke. This consistency across the housing materials contributes to a unified sound profile that emphasizes sharpness irrespective of the key's action. On the other hand, the Bumblebee Linear employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Consequently, while the Bumblebee Linear may present a unique auditory experience overall, the soft nature of its nylon bottom housing dampens the sound, reflecting a distinctly different tactile and auditory feedback when compared to the Aqua King’s polycarbonate build.
In practical terms, while the housing materials inherently define their sound signatures, there's a nuanced balance at play. Both switches demonstrate varying sound characteristics based on their top and bottom materials. For users seeking deeper sound profiles, the Bumblebee Linear will provide satisfaction with its combination of POM top and nylon bottom, resulting in its signature muted tone. Conversely, the Aqua King (V3) offers a cohesive and crisp audio experience that is rooted in the duality of its polycarbonate construction. Ultimately, despite their differences, both switches harness their individual materials to achieve results tailored to specific preferences in sound, allowing enthusiasts to select based on their desired auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aqua King (V3) features a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams, compared to the Bumblebee Linear’s lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users may find the Aqua King to provide a bit more resistance during typing, which can create a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier switch. In terms of bottom out forces, the Aqua King (V3) also has a higher weight, bottoming out at 62 grams, while the Bumblebee Linear bottoms out at 50 grams. This further reinforces the Aqua King as the heavier option overall, making it potentially less suitable for prolonged use if one prefers a lighter typing experience. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear's lighter actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to typists and gamers who desire quicker key presses and reduced finger fatigue during extended sessions. Overall, if a user is looking for a softer keystroke, the Bumblebee Linear would be the better choice, while the Aqua King (V3) might satisfy those seeking a sturdier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Aqua King (V3) linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, it is clear that the Aqua King (V3) has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Bumblebee Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference between these two switches may influence user experience; those who favor a more responsive feel might prefer the Bumblebee Linear's shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker key presses, making it particularly appealing for gamers. Conversely, users who enjoy a deeper key press may find the Aqua King (V3) more satisfying due to its fuller 4 mm travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Aqua King (V3) has an MSRP of $7.18 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua King (V3) for $5.44.
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 Everglide Aqua King (V3) is characterized by a subdued auditory profile, which lends itself to a dampened, yet still noticeable sound when the keys are pressed. This subtle sound signature makes it a great choice for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred, as it strikes a balance between being audible and unobtrusive. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear does not have a specific sound profile described; thus, it’s unclear how it would compare in terms of noise. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound experience is influenced by a range of factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which can moderate the sound characteristics of any switch.
In terms of feel, the Aqua King (V3) delivers an exceptionally creamy and frictionless typing experience, akin to ice skating on a freshly resurfaced rink. This switch is versatile, boasting descriptors such as silky, polished, and buttery, all contributing to a typing sensation that is smooth and effortless. The design and likely internal lubrication create an environment where every keystroke feels fluid. Conversely, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear lacks a specific description regarding its feel. Without this information, one would need to rely on the subjective experience of others or direct testing to gauge how it compares in terms of smoothness or resistance.
In conclusion, while the Everglide Aqua King (V3) clearly shines with its refined auditory and tactile qualities, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is less defined, particularly regarding its sound and feel. The Aqua Kings provide a creamy, frictionless experience that is appealing for those seeking a high-performance linear switch with a quieter profile. Without the same level of clarity on the Bumblebee's characteristics, those considering it would be best served by individual experimentation or seeking firsthand accounts to determine if it aligns with their typing preferences. Ultimately, it's essential to remember that personal sensitivity to sound and feel plays a pivotal role in the experience of mechanical switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Everglide Aqua King (V3) and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a typing experience that feels luxurious and effortless, with a medium activation force that strikes a good balance, the Aqua King (V3) is likely the better choice for you. Its creamy, frictionless feel provides an almost magical typing sensation, akin to ice skating, making it particularly appealing for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where fluidity is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a lower activation force for faster key presses or if you enjoy a brighter sound profile, then the Bumblebee Linear is the way to go. Although it may not be as refined in feel as the Aqua King, its smooth typing experience is also adequate for both typing and gaming, especially when you desire a lighter touch. Thus, your choice should align with the weight and feedback you find most comfortable, ensuring your keyboard setup feels just right for your needs.
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