Akko Botany vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko Botany and Bsun Bumblebee Linear are two stellar options in the realm of linear switches, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to varying typing preferences. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp, lively clacky sound, creating an engaging auditory feedback right out of the box, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic flair. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is complemented by its bright sound profile, making it an attractive choice for users seeking a more subdued yet satisfying tactile response. While each switch boasts unique features that could suit different users, your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prefer the spirited sound and feedback of the Akko Botany or the silky smoothness of the Bumblebee Linear. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches showcase distinct materials in their top housings, which significantly contribute to their sound profiles. The Botany features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This softness allows the material to absorb more sound, creating a duller, rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear is equipped with a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is celebrated for generating a unique and pleasing sound profile that is also on the deeper side, but it is relatively more muted than the lively resonance of nylon. Consequently, these differences in top housing materials give each switch a distinct personality in terms of acoustics, with the Botany favoring a richer sound and the Bumblebee Linear leaning towards a more subdued audio feedback.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in shared qualities that contribute similarly to the typing experience. The inherent properties of nylon ensure that regardless of the differences in top housing, both switches will provide a deep and fuller sound profile on bottoming out. As such, when the keys are fully pressed down, the user will experience a consistent sound character between the two, owing to the nylon bottom housing's ability to absorb sound effectively and deliver that softer auditory impact. This common material ensures a harmonious bottom-out feel, making both options appealing for those desiring a particular auditory signature at the actuation point of a keystroke.
Ultimately, the primary contrasting aspect lies in the top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound during key release, while the bottom housing offers a unified auditory experience when keys are pressed down. Users can expect that the Akko Botany's nylon top will generate a fuller, more resonant sound while lifting their fingers from the keys, whereas the Bumblebee Linear’s POM top will provide a more subtle and muted release. This design dichotomy leads to an interesting blend of similarities and differences, allowing users the choice of distinctive typing experiences, while the shared nylon bottom housing bridges the two switches in terms of overall sound depth and tactile feel at bottom-out.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch to the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, there are key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may influence user preference. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that those who enjoy a more tactile experience might prefer the Bumblebee, as it provides a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Botany switch’s lighter forces may appeal to users seeking comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches maintain a generally light classification overall, but the Botany is the lighter choice, while the Bumblebee offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience an identical amount of key travel from top to bottom, resulting in a similar tactile response and feel. Since the travel distances are equal, users can expect consistent performance across both options, making either switch a suitable choice for those who prefer a 3.6 mm travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch stands out with its crisp, lively clacky sound, providing an engaging auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This cheerful sound profile can invigorate typing sessions, making them feel more dynamic. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch focuses on delivering a bright sound profile that aligns with its smooth operation. The sonic characteristics might not match the Botany’s clackiness exactly, but both switches are associated with satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing environment. It's important to remember that the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also significantly influence the auditory result.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Akko Botany delivers a notable tactile response, making every keystroke feel intentional and interactive. This can lead to greater typing enjoyment and accuracy, especially for those who appreciate a more connected sensation with each press. In comparison, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear is crafted to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It lacks the tactile bump found in some switches, which makes it ideal for those who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes. While the Akko Botany offers a more pronounced feedback mechanism, both switches can result in a comfortable typing experience; the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
In summary, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch have unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Botany emphasizes a lively clacky sound and tactile feedback, creating an energetic typing experience, while the Bumblebee Linear highlights smoothness in both sound and feel for a more subtle approach. Depending on your individual typing style and sound preference, either switch could prove to be an excellent choice for enhancing your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Akko Botany Linear switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing. If you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom out force of 45 grams and are drawn to a lively, clacky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the Akko Botany switch may be the way to go. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory experience while typing, making it perfect for casual typing or even gaming scenarios where the feedback can enhance immersion. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and consistent typing experience with a slightly firmer bottom out force of 50 grams, the Bumblebee Linear switch could be your better option. Its bright sound profile combined with a silky feel can whip you into a smoother workflow, catering effectively to those who do a lot of writing or programming and favor an uninterrupted keystroke. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you want the engaging character of the Botany or the refined mastery of the Bumblebee Linear to suit your unique typing style.
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