TTC Brother vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining which one suits your typing style best. The TTC Brother clicky switch is renowned for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, offering a tactile and auditory experience that appeals to those who enjoy distinct feedback with each keystroke. With a satisfying crunchy sound signature and a well-defined tactile bump, it caters specifically to clicky switch enthusiasts who relish the sensory satisfaction of typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a completely different experience with its smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing environment without the added auditory distractions of clicks. Known for its bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear allows for rapid typing without the tactile "bump," making it a favorite among gamers and those seeking a seamless typing experience. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences; 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
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Brother and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles. The Brother's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and clarity. This results in a sharper, more pronounced sound profile that lends itself well to RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in material composition fundamentally influences the auditory feedback each switch provides, with the Brother excelling in sharper sound clarity and the Bumblebee Linear favoring a rounded, subtler auditory experience.
Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which contributes similarly to the overall sound profile. Nylon, recognized for its softer characteristics, absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound. While the bottom housing generally influences the bottom-out feel and sound when the key is pressed, its consistent use in both switches means that this aspect of their auditory experience remains aligned. Thus, when the switches are utilized in a keystroke, the nurturing echo of the nylon material resonates in both switches, establishing common ground amidst their differences in top housing material.
When considering the interplay between the top and bottom housings, the TTC Brother and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches present a balanced dichotomy. The polycarbonate and POM top housings provide unique auditory signatures, while the shared nylon bottom ensures that both switches maintain a deep, full sound profile. Users can anticipate distinct auditory experiences during a keystroke—where the Brother offers clarity during the release of the key, and the Bumblebee presents a richer, more muted depth. Nevertheless, the consistent use of nylon across both switches guarantees that they will produce a satisfying and rounded bottom-out sound, leading to enjoyable typing experiences regardless of preference.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, which significantly impact the typing experience. The Brother switch requires an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter and potentially more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions, especially in work or gaming environments. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier and appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. However, while the Brother's bottom out force is unspecified, the Bumblebee's bottom out force is measured at 50 grams. This means that the Bumblebee Linear offers a firmer feedback not just upon actuation but also at full travel, contributing to a more pronounced tactile response. Consequently, users looking for a lighter switch for comfort over extended use may prefer the TTC Brother, whereas those who enjoy a heavier and more tactile experience might gravitate towards the Bsun Bumblebee Linear.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive feel when typing or gaming, the Brother switch may be the better choice, as it provides a shorter distance for quicker activations. Conversely, the Bumblebee switch, with its 3.6 mm travel, offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience. While both switches have relatively shallow travel compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance, the Bumblebee Linear offers a marginally greater distance, making it the longer option of the two. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a deeper feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a distinctly crunchy auditory experience that will surely resonate with fans of clicky switches. Its sound profile is characterized by a clear and crisp feedback that mirrors the delightful sensation of stepping on freshly fallen autumn leaves, effectively conveying each keystroke with precision. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch's sound is not well-defined in the available information, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard chassis and choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch excels with its light actuation force of just 37g, making it easy to press and comfortable during extended typing sessions. The switch's tactile bump is carefully designed to provide a pleasant, gentle resistance that offers clear feedback without overwhelming the user, which can help maintain an enjoyable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bumblebee Linear switch does not provide specific information regarding its feel, so one cannot draw comparisons or conclusions about its tactile sensations. Generally, linear switches like the Bumblebee are often smoother and lack the tactile feedback present in clicky switches, but without further information, specifics remain unknown.
In summary, the TTC Brother clicky switch is highly regarded for its crunchy sound, lightweight pressing strength, and well-balanced tactile feedback, appealing greatly to those who enjoy the stimulation of clicky switches. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch remains somewhat of a mystery in terms of sound and feel. If you're drawn to clicky experiences, the Brother switch would likely suit you best, while the Bumblebee could offer a smooth typing experience, albeit with less certainty about its qualitative attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, particularly regarding desired auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile experience with audible feedback, the Brother is an exceptional choice, characterized by its lightweight 37g actuation force and satisfying crunch as you type. This makes it particularly suitable for those who appreciate the nostalgic feel of clicky switches, whether for typing or gaming, providing an engaging and fun experience without overwhelming your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bumps or noise, the Bumblebee Linear switch, with its gentle 50g bottom out force, is designed to offer a more fluid typing experience. This makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, gaming, or work environments where a quiet, stress-free keystroke is valued. Consider your primary usage—whether you thrive on auditory feedback or favor a more muted, linear response—as you make your decision.
Mentioned in this article
