Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your typing experience, the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear are two noteworthy linear options, each with its unique characteristics. The Dareu Aqua is celebrated for its super light actuation force of just 37g, which caters to those who prefer a feather-light touch. Its sound signature offers a distinctive blend of chirpy and clacky tones, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy auditory feedback during their typographical tasks. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear focuses on delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While it also boasts the linear switch design, it presents a brighter sound profile that may attract those looking for a clear, uninterrupted keystroke without the additional auditory nuances of the Aqua. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter, more textured experience or a smoother, cleaner keystroke. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. This quality is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows for enhanced illumination effects. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear's top housing is made of POM (Polyoxymethylene), a material known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This softer and less resonant acoustics offers a unique auditory experience, appealing to users looking for a more subdued and less intrusive typing sound.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, which share similar acoustic properties. Nylon is recognized for its soft texture, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, typing on both the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. This similarity in bottom housing material means that while the two switches may diverge in their top housing characteristics, the overall experience when pressing down on the keys remains relatively consistent. The nylon composition softens the sound and feel during typing, contributing to a more pleasant experience regardless of the distinctive qualities brought forth by the top housing materials.
When considering the overall performance of the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, it's clear that the interaction between the top and bottom housings yields a unique result for each switch. The polycarbonate top of the Aqua shines with its resonant capabilities, enhancing the clarity of sound upon releasing the key, while the POM top of the Bumblebee Linear offers a more muted response. However, both switches share the nylon bottom's characteristic sound dampening, leading to an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, a user’s choice between the two may come down to their personal preferences regarding the tonal qualities associated with different top materials, as well as the visual effects desired from RGB lighting setups.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch, a distinct difference in actuation force is immediately noticeable. The Aqua switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams, whereas the Bumblebee Linear requires a firmer 45 grams to actuate. This difference suggests that the Aqua switch may be more suitable for extended typing sessions, as it allows for easier key presses that can reduce fatigue. However, the Bumblebee Linear compensates with its defined bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a level of resistance at the end of the keystroke, providing a more substantial typing experience favored by users who prefer a heavier feel. Since the bottom out force of the Aqua switch is unavailable, we cannot make a direct comparison there, but it implies that users of the Aqua switch might not experience the same degree of resistance at the bottom of the key press. Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter switch for comfort during long use, the Aqua is the better choice, while the Bumblebee offers a heavier feel for those who appreciate a more tactile response.
Travel distance
The Dareu Aqua linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, the Aqua switch offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. In contrast, the Bumblebee, with its shorter 3.6 mm distance, caters to gamers and users who favor quicker actuation and faster response times. Thus, if you value a more sensitive touch, the Bumblebee would be the better choice, while the Aqua would be ideal for users seeking a more traditional, hearty typing experience. Overall, the Aqua is the longer option at 4 mm, while the Bumblebee is the shorter one at 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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 Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a unique blend of chirpy and clacky tones. The chirpy quality introduces a slight squeak, while the clacky aspect provides a crisp and bright percussive sound during keystrokes. This distinctive sound signature makes the Aqua an engaging choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile. While specific descriptors for the Bumblebee's sound signature weren't provided, the overall impression leans toward a clean and pleasing auditory experience. The discrepancy in acoustic details suggests that while both switches may create an engaging soundscape, the Aqua offers more character with its unique chirpy and clacky tones.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch is characterized by its easy-to-press and feathery nature. Requiring only a light actuation force of 37g, it allows for minimal resistance during key presses, promoting a comfortable typing experience that significantly reduces finger fatigue over long sessions. Its extremely light touch makes it particularly appealing for users who engage in tasks requiring extensive typing or gaming. The feel of the Bumblebee Linear switch, however, is less defined in the provided details. Without specific descriptors available for the Bumblebee, one can’t make direct comparisons regarding the tactile feedback and overall typing comfort. Nonetheless, it is implied that the switch also provides a pleasant typing experience, potentially aligning with the Aqua in promoting effortless keystrokes.
In summary, both the Dareu Aqua and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches offer desirable qualities for typists and gamers alike. The Aqua distinguishes itself with its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile, along with an extremely light and comfortable feel that minimizes finger fatigue. While the Bumblebee Linear also promises a smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile, its specific sensory characteristics remain largely undefined. Choosing between the two may ultimately come down to sound preferences and the personal typing experience desired; however, both options cater to users looking for comfort and performance in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that offers a remarkably light actuation force of just 37 grams, making it effortless to type or game for extended periods, then the Aqua is your go-to option. Its unique chirpy and clacky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience, which can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a lively keyboard. This switch is ideal if you want minimal resistance and a playful sound, making it a good fit for casual users or those who enjoy long typing sessions without experiencing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile experience with a consistent bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Bumblebee Linear will likely suit you better. While it may feel a bit heavier compared to the Aqua, its smoothness and a bright sound profile can enhance your typing precision and satisfaction, making it an optimal choice for gamers or individuals focusing on performance. In closing, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use—whether you lean toward a light, cheerful option like the Aqua or a robust, smooth click from the Bumblebee Linear, each switch has its distinct advantages tailored to different typing experiences.
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