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Aflion Blush vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear

An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush 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 Aflion Blush and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear both offer distinct experiences, despite being classified under the same linear category. The Blush switch is acclaimed for its longer, two-stage spring, which contributes to an impressively smooth, full, and snappy typing feel, paired with a unique poppy sound signature characterized by low-pitched, creamy, silky, and buttery qualities. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a tactile response that still maintains a level of quiet elegance. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear switch boasts an exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a brighter sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. While both switches provide the fundamental benefits of linear switches, such as minimal tactile feedback and smoothness, their distinctive sound and feeling profiles cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

N/A

Actuation force

45g

Bottom-out force

58g

Bottom-out force

50g

Pre-travel

N/A

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.30 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

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Dual-stage stainless steel spring

Spring

21mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, notable differences arise, particularly in their top housings. The Blush employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material’s stiffer nature contributes to clearer and more resonant audio characteristics, which are particularly advantageous when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM top housing, which is celebrated for creating a deeper, more muted sound. This distinction is critical; where the Blush delivers a vibrant auditory experience, the Bumblebee Linear offers a softer sound that tends to appeal to users seeking a more subdued auditory profile.

Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which serves as the common ground that shapes their overall sound experience. Nylon is well-regarded in the mechanical switch community for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory effect. Both the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear benefit from nylon’s sonic qualities, ensuring that the bottom-out sound is rounded and pleasant, further complimenting the switches' performance. This similarity in the bottom housing guarantees that both switches will exhibit a deeper resonance, irrespective of the differing auditory characteristics presented by their respective top housings.

Users can expect that the combination of these materials will yield distinct sound profiles when using the Blush and Bumblebee Linear switches. The polycarbonate top of the Blush will enhance the clarity and sharpness of each keystroke, ideal for those who prioritize detailed auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Bumblebee Linear’s POM top will create a more muted sound, perfect for users wanting an understated typing experience. Ultimately, while the shared nylon bottom creates a full-bodied sound across both products, the unique qualities of the top housings enable a diverse range of auditory experiences, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers alike.

Weight

When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch to the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force, while its bottom out force is recorded at 58 grams, indicating a medium resistance feel. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that, for typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch, the Bumblebee is the more suitable option, as it allows for easier actuation and less finger fatigue during extended use. The Blush, while having a higher bottom out force, does not provide specifics on its actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare that aspect. Overall, users inclined toward a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Blush, whereas those seeking comfort in longer typing sessions are likely to prefer the Bumblebee's lighter feel.

Travel distance

The Aflion Blush linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Blush is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who seek faster response times due to the reduced distance required for the switch to activate. Conversely, the Bumblebee, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel, which some users might find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Aflion Blush would be the ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper key press, the Bsun Bumblebee is likely the better fit for you.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.

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 comparing the sound profiles of the Aflion Blush and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches, the Blush switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound signature, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that can be pleasing and soothing during typing. This contrasts with the Bumblebee Linear, which offers a bright sound profile; however, details about its specific sound characteristics are not provided. It's important to note that the sound experience may vary based on the keyboard build and the keycaps used, so personal preference plays a significant role in the overall auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush switch stands out with descriptors such as creamy, silky, and buttery. These attributes suggest a typing experience that is extraordinarily smooth and enjoyable, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys without resistance. Although the Bumblebee Linear is noted for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience as well, no specific descriptors are detailed, leaving a gap in the comparison of tactile uniqueness between the two switches.

In conclusion, while the Aflion Blush switch offers a detailed and rich sensory experience in both sound and feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear presents a brighter auditory profile that may appeal to those who prefer a sharper sound when typing. Both switches cater to smooth typing experiences, but the Blush specifically promises a more luxurious feel with its creamy and buttery qualities. For newcomers trying to choose, they may find satisfaction in either switch, but the Blush might provide a more nuanced and texturally rich experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a switch that provides a medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and enjoy a smooth, creamy, and buttery typing experience, the Blush is an excellent option. Its longer two-stage spring delivers snappy feedback, making it a solid choice for both typing and gaming. Additionally, the low-pitched sound signature offers a satisfying auditory experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and prioritize an exceptionally smooth and bright typing sensation, the Bumblebee Linear is your go-to switch. It’s perfect for extended typing sessions where minimal resistance is desired, allowing for ease of use and comfort. Thus, consider your typing preferences—whether you enjoy a more pronounced feel or lean toward a lighter, airy touch—as this will guide you to the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.

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