Kailh Box Royal vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear switches can significantly affect your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its sharp, binary tactility that delivers a pronounced feedback upon actuation, making it an excellent choice for typists seeking a more aggressive feel and a higher-pitched sound profile. This distinct tactile sensation can enhance typing precision, particularly for those who appreciate a pronounced response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience devoid of tactile bumps, catering to users who prefer a seamless motion when typing. Its bright sound profile adds a unique auditory quality, making it attractive for those who enjoy a quieter yet fluid typing experience. While the Box Royal is ideal for those who thrive on tactile feedback, the Bumblebee Linear provides a comfortable gliding action for extended typing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$6.25 per 10

$2.99 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, the differences in their top housing materials reveal distinct sound profiles characteristic of each switch. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's relatively soft nature, allowing it to absorb sound effectively, leading to a rounder acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which also yields a satisfying sound but with its own unique qualities. The POM material tends to produce a more muted tone, but it similarly delivers a deeper sound profile. Thus, while the compositions differ, both switches aim for a rich auditory feedback, albeit through varying acoustic properties.

Delving deeper into their bottom housings highlights a notable similarity between the two switches. The Box Royal features a nylon bottom housing, known for its sound-absorbing qualities, which further enhances the deeper sound signature of the switch. Likewise, the Bumblebee Linear's bottom housing is also made from nylon, boasting the same benefits that contribute to a fuller auditory experience during key presses. The recurring use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings emphasizes its effectiveness in delivering a consistent sound experience. This shared material choice provides both switches with a level of compatibility in terms of sound dampening and overall feel during typing, regardless of the differences present in their top housings.

Ultimately, when it comes to performance and the resultant typing experience, the interaction between the different housings plays a crucial role. For both the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, while the top and bottom housings are distinct, the sound profiles they generate can ultimately converge to deliver a rich and satisfying typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound, while the differing top materials influence the release sound. Therefore, even though the top housings differ, users of either switch can expect a similar sound profile that combines depth and fullness, resulting in an overall pleasing auditory feedback when typing.

Weight

The Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar ease of triggering keystrokes with both switches. However, they differ significantly in their bottom out forces; the Box Royal has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Bumblebee Linear has a considerably lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This disparity in bottom out force indicates that the Kailh Box Royal switch provides a more substantial typing experience, making it more suitable for users who prefer a heavier feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear switch, with its lighter bottom out force, is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions and quick, responsive gaming. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the heavier bottom out of the Box Royal makes it the more robust option, whereas the Bumblebee Linear is better for users seeking a swift and easy keystroke feel.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is identical, measuring at 3.6 mm each. This means that when pressed, both switches will provide a similar tactile experience and feedback, as the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same for both. As a result, users can expect uniformity in their typing or gaming experience, regardless of which switch they choose, since the actuation distance will feel quite alike.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch produces a high-pitched and crisp auditory feedback that enhances its sharp pressing experience. This sound profile means that users who prefer a more elevated and less bass-heavy audio feedback will find the Box Royal to their liking. In contrast, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, the specifics of its sound are less detailed. However, it can be inferred that a linear switch generally tends to produce a less pronounced sound than tactile counterparts. This more subdued auditory output aligns seamlessly with users who favor a quieter typing experience.

In terms of feel, the Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by its sharp and aggressive tactile bump, providing an unmistakable feedback with every keypress. This strong tactile response ensures that typists can easily discern each actuation, making it ideal for those who value precision and responsiveness. Conversely, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, being linear, offers a smooth typing experience without a tactile bump. Users can expect effortless and uninterrupted keystrokes, which could be especially appealing to gamers or those who prefer fluid typing, as there is no feedback to interrupt the motion.

In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch excels in delivering a pronounced auditory and tactile experience, making it suitable for users who appreciate clear feedback and sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch promises a smooth and bright typing experience that caters to those who prefer a quieter and uninterrupted keystroke. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the choice ultimately hinges on individual typing styles and sound preferences—if you seek pronounced feedback, go for the Box Royal; if you prefer a smoother ride, the Bumblebee Linear will serve you well.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feedback and prefers a firmer keypress, the Box Royal is undoubtedly the better choice for you. Its sharp, aggressive tactility and high-pitched sound will provide an engaging and responsive experience, ideal for both typing and gaming if you thrive on feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with less resistance, the Bumblebee Linear is likely to suit you better. With its light 50-gram actuation force and seamless keystrokes, you'll enjoy a fluid typing experience that’s perfect for extended use or fast-paced gaming. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness – both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different types of users.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more