Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron CAP Anniversary

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron CAP Anniversary. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize both tactile fluidity and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary stands out with its innovative CAP structure, providing smooth keystrokes through its unique aerodynamic design. This switch not only enhances smoothness by minimizing resistance with tiny exhaust holes but also ensures stability and reduced wobble thanks to its enlarged, hollowed-out stem post. While both switches fall within the linear category and promise a smooth typing experience, they each cater to different preferences—whether you're drawn to the Bumblebee’s crisp auditory character or the CAP Anniversary’s cutting-edge features. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear

$2.99 per 10

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron CAP Anniversary switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which results in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a deeper, more muted sound. This characteristic can create a satisfying, less intrusive typing experience that many users find appealing, especially in environments where noise control is important. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary switch employs a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer nature. This transparency allows for a more resonant audio experience, especially beneficial for those who prefer a clearer sound when typing. Thus, while both switches provide a unique auditory experience, their different top housing materials lead to contrasting sound profiles.

Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes to their deeper and fuller sound profiles. Nylon is a classic material for switch housing due to its ability to absorb sound effectively; consequently, both the Bumblebee Linear and CAP Anniversary produce a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. This acoustic characteristic is a result of the nylon's softer composition, making both switches feel more akin in this regard. In terms of tactile feedback, both switches offer a similarly plush and subdued typing experience when pressed down, further enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue during long typing sessions.

In conclusion, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron CAP Anniversary switches incorporate a shared nylon bottom housing that impacts the sound and feel similarly during activation, their differing top housing materials—POM and polycarbonate—create distinct sound profiles during key release. Those who prioritize a deeper, more muted sound may lean towards the Bumblebee Linear, while users who prefer a sharper, clearer auditory response might find the CAP Anniversary more appealing. Therefore, even with contrasting top housing materials, the bottom housing lends both switches a common characteristic that allows users to achieve comparable results in terms of sound depth and overall typing feel, while the varying qualities of the top housings cater to different auditory preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch, notable differences can be observed in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use such as long gaming sessions or office work. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who favor a more substantial feel and feedback while typing. Consequently, the Bumblebee is the lighter option, while the CAP Anniversary is the heavier choice, thus allowing users to select between a softer touch versus a firmer typing experience based on their preferences.

Travel distance

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In comparing these two switches, the Bumblebee Linear is the shorter option, making it more responsive for fast-paced gaming scenarios, ideal for users who appreciate quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron CAP Anniversary, with its longer travel distance of 4 mm, offers a more traditional feel, which some users might find more comfortable for typing due to the extra tactile feedback. Consequently, those who prefer a more responsive experience should opt for the Bumblebee Linear, while those who enjoy a deeper key press might lean towards the Gateron CAP Anniversary.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, which can give a lively auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic often allows it to stand out in a crowded room of mechanical switches, providing an engaging experience for users who enjoy audible keystrokes. The CAP Anniversary switch, while its specific sound isn't directly described, is designed with significant thought towards smoothness and aerodynamics, which suggests it may also produce a pleasant sound profile albeit potentially different from the Bumblebee. It is important to consider that the sound produced by either switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard materials, such as the type of board and keycaps used.

When evaluating feel, the Bumblebee Linear is recognized for delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a seamless keypress without any tactile bumps or resistance. In contrast, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a dynamic typing sensation with descriptors like "snappy," "creamy," and "polished." This variety indicates that it not only provides responsiveness for faster typing but also incorporates an effortlessly smooth and refined experience, possibly enhanced by factory lubing and unique design features. Thus, while the Bumblebee's smoothness is noted, the CAP Anniversary potentially elevates the typing experience further with its additional qualities.

Considering both switches, the Bumblebee Linear offers a bright sound and smooth feel, while the CAP Anniversary combines smoothness with responsiveness and a creamy texture to enhance the overall typing experience. While their sound characteristics may differ—with the Bumblebee providing a more pronounced audio output—both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit through slightly different approaches. Ultimately, your choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding sound, feel, and the specific characteristics you value in your mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a light actuation with a smooth and bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice. Its low bottom-out force of 50 grams means you'll be able to type with minimal effort, making it ideal for long typing sessions or if you enjoy a more relaxed keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust feel with a snappy, creamy, and polished typing experience, the Gateron CAP Anniversary switch might be more suitable for you. With its higher bottom-out force of 65 grams, this switch provides a more tactile experience and is particularly advantageous if you desire enhanced feedback while typing. Additionally, the unique aerodynamic design of the CAP Anniversary switch reduces resistance and wobble, making it a great option for users who appreciate stability and precision. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style—whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother experience with the Bumblebee or a more polished, responsive feel with the Gateron CAP Anniversary.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron CAP Anniversary Linear

$4.90

$4.10 per 10

Learn more