Kailh Box White V2 vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options emerge: the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear. The Kailh Box White V2 is renowned for its clicky nature, delivering a satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click sound with each keystroke, ideal for typists who enjoy sensory stimulation and clear keypress confirmation. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear offers a completely different experience, characterized by its smooth actuation and minimal resistance, providing a silent typing environment that appeals to gamers and those who prefer a fluid keystroke without interruptions. While the Box White V2 excels in offering feedback that some users find motivating and expressive, the Bumblebee Linear shines for its unobtrusive performance and ease of use during long 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
When considering the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches, we see a clear dichotomy in their sound profiles due to the choice of materials for the top housing. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This type of housing allows for more clarity and resonance, making it particularly favorable for setups utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM top housing that yields a deeper and more muted sound quality. While the Box White V2's sound is bright and pronounced, the Bumblebee Linear's sound is characterized by a pleasing depth, showcasing how the choice of material inherently influences the auditory experience of each switch.
However, when we shift our focus to the bottom housings, both switches use nylon, creating similarities in their auditory characteristics. Nylon’s softer composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound waves and resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. Thus, despite the differences in the top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches equally evokes that classic switch experience. When the bottom-out sound is produced, both switches will generate a more substantial and rounded acoustic result, owing to this shared nylon material. Therefore, even though the overall sound profiles differ between the two switches due to their top housings, they can achieve a similar depth and fullness in sound because of their identical bottom housing.
In summary, the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches provide contrasting auditory experiences primarily due to their differing top housings, while sharing commonalities with the nylon bottom housings. This combination showcases how sound profiles can be influenced distinctly by the choice of materials in a switch's construction. Consequently, while users might experience vastly different auditory characteristics when pressing and releasing the keys, the inherent qualities provided by the nylon housing ensure that both switches maintain a robust foundation of sound, allowing for a fuller auditory experience, even with varying top-end dynamics.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch share the same actuation force and bottom out force, both measuring 45 grams for actuation and 50 grams for bottom out, which categorizes them as light switches. This similarity in force means that users will experience a comparable keystroke performance, making either switch suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. For those who favor a lighter switch for comfort during long periods of use, both options are equally appealing. However, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find that neither switch meets their preference, as both provide a light tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users can expect a similar feel and performance when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. The equal travel distance ensures that both switches will provide a comparable typing experience, allowing users to achieve consistent results in terms of actuation depth. While the Box White V2 offers a tactile click feedback, the Bumblebee Linear delivers a smoother experience, but in terms of travel distance, they are perfectly aligned.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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
The sound produced by the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch is characterized by a crisp and distinct audible click, making each keystroke satisfying and pronounced. This sound is particularly appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback of mechanical switches, as it enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch has a bright sound profile, but lacks the pronounced click that the Box White V2 provides. This makes the Bumblebee Linear quieter and more subtle in sound, creating a less intrusive typing environment, which some users may prefer, especially in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Box White V2 offers a tactile feedback that lets users feel the actuation point clearly, providing a more interactive experience with each keystroke. This tactile sensation is coupled with the click sound, making it suitable for typists who enjoy the reinforcement of physical feedback while typing. On the contrary, the Bumblebee Linear switch is designed to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience without any tactile bump or click. This linear feel means that key presses are more straightforward and uninterrupted, allowing for fluid typing that some users may find more comfortable, especially for gaming or extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. If you thrive on tactile feedback and pronounced acoustic responses, the Box White V2 will likely appeal to you. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and quieter typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear switch is an excellent choice. Ultimately, your selection should align with your personal typing style and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile response with a clear auditory feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Box White V2 is an excellent option for you. Its crisp click sound and light actuation force of 50 grams can provide a satisfying and engaging feel, making it particularly enjoyable for typists who appreciate a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without the noise of a click, the Bumblebee Linear switch would be more suitable for you. This switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, also with a 50-gram bottom out force, making it ideal for gaming or work environments where silence is key. In summary, your choice should reflect your desired balance between tactile feedback and auditory experience versus smooth, quiet performance.
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