Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Huano Caramel Latte
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Huano Caramel Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Huano Caramel Latte are two alluring options that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an attractive choice for those who favor a quiet and fluid keystroke without a tactile bump. Meanwhile, the Huano Caramel Latte offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom-out and a notably bright, clacky sound, delivering a satisfying typing experience that many users find pleasurable, especially for long periods of use. While both switches excel in providing a seamless linear feel, their distinctive acoustic characteristics can significantly influence your overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Huano Caramel Latte, a notable contrast can be found in the top housing. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. This softer sound character is a direct result of POM's properties, which absorb impact and vibrations effectively. In contrast, the Caramel Latte is equipped with a POK (polyketone) top housing, which provides a smoother feel and contributes to a clackier sound profile. Despite the differences in sound characteristics—deeper and muted for the Bumblebee and smoother with a sharper tone for the Caramel Latte—both materials aim to enhance the auditory experience of typing in their unique ways.
Both switches share a common feature in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. This shared material leads to similarities in the sound profile when typing, as nylon is inherently a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches can deliver a consistent bottom-out feel and sound quality due to the uniform use of nylon in this part of the construction. Consequently, while the top housings contribute distinct sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing acts as a unifying element that provides a cohesive acoustic response in both switches.
Ultimately, the performance of each switch is influenced by the interaction of the top and bottom housings. The Bumblebee Linear's POM top housing provides a muted and deep sound, while the Caramel Latte’s POK top material introduces a sharper and clackier response. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that regardless of the variances in top housing materials, users can expect a rich auditory experience complemented by the damping qualities of nylon. This combination allows each switch to deliver a unique typing experience while still sharing characteristics that round out their performance in terms of sound.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning both require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a similar tactile experience for typing. However, they differ in their bottom out forces; the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it feel lighter upon bottoming out, while the Caramel Latte’s bottom out force is slightly higher at 55 grams, giving it a medium-light weight feel. This difference means that the Bumblebee Linear switch is essentially lighter overall, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, whereas the Caramel Latte's heavier bottom out can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer touch. Thus, while the actuation forces are identical, the varying bottom out forces can influence user preference based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar keystroke feel when pressed. This uniform travel distance means that users can expect consistent performance in terms of key actuation and feedback, enhancing the typing experience. As both switches have equal travel distances, there is no shorter or longer option between them; instead, they will both engage at the same depth, making them comparable in this respect.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Caramel Latte has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Latte for $2.75.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback with every keystroke. This characteristic enhances the typing experience, adding a lively element to each action. Meanwhile, the Huano Caramel Latte switch also features a bright, clacky sound profile, which similarly contributes to a more engaging soundscape during use. Both switches emphasize a bright auditory quality, meaning that regardless of which you choose, you will experience a lively typing environment. However, the exact sound will still depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so users will need to consider those elements in their final setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear is well-regarded for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, ensuring that there's seamless travel with no tactile bumps to disrupt flow. This makes it particularly appealing to users who prioritize speed and fluidity in their typing. On the other hand, the Caramel Latte also promises a super smooth typing experience, with a medium actuation force of 50g at bottom out, helping to maintain consistency and comfort during extended use. Both switches deliver on smoothness, so users can expect a similar experience in terms of keystroke fluidity, whether opting for the Bumblebee or the Caramel Latte.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches provide a smooth and engaging typing experience, enriched by their bright sound profiles. While both offer exceptional qualities that cater to a similar audience of typing enthusiasts, the choice may ultimately come down to personal preference or specific use case scenarios. If you value a lively auditory feedback and an effortless feel, you won't go wrong with either switch, though your overall setup will influence the final experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Huano Caramel Latte linear switches, it's important to consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a remarkably smooth typing experience and an engaging bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear could be the right choice for you. This switch is excellent for rapid typing and gaming, where speed and comfort are essential. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier switch that still maintains a smooth feel but offers a bright, clacky sound profile, the Caramel Latte might be more suitable. Its medium-light bottom out force provides a balanced actuation, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing without compromising on comfort. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs—whether you seek lighter, speedy keystrokes or a more tactile experience with noticeable feedback.