Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HMX Caramel Pudding
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Caramel Pudding can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth actuation and vibrant sound profile, making it ideal for users who prioritize a quiet yet satisfying keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the HMX Caramel Pudding switches offer a resonant, clacky sound signature that many typists and gamers find exhilarating, while also providing an impressively smooth typing feel. Both switches cater to a preference for linear actuation, but they differ in auditory feedback and user experience. While the Bumblebee Linear enhances a tranquil workspace with its bright but subtle sounds, the Caramel Pudding stands out for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience while typing. 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 needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Nylon
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
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Caramel Pudding switches both incorporate nylon housing materials for their bottom housings, which helps foster a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon, a softer plastic, in both switches facilitates sound absorption, thereby creating that characteristic duller and rounder auditory experience typical of this material. This feature is shared by both switches, ensuring similarities in the acoustics when typing, as the bottom housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch. As a result, users can expect a comparable auditory sensation from both switch models, emphasizing their affinity for producing a rich, muted sound.
Conversely, the top housings of the two switches diverge in material choice, with the Bumblebee Linear featuring a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, while the Caramel Pudding utilizes a nylon top housing. The POM material in the Bumblebee Linear contributes to a sound profile that is also deeper yet more unique than that of the Caramel Pudding, primarily due to its mechanical properties. POM is recognized for its rigid structure, which can enhance the clarity of certain sounds while muting others. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Caramel Pudding further deepens and rounds the sound profile, echoing the characteristics of the bottom housing. Thus, while both switches might produce a similar bottom-out experience, the sound profile when releasing a key will differ based on the material of the top housing.
In essence, while both the Bumblebee Linear and the Caramel Pudding share the advantage of nylon in their bottom housings, leading to a similar typing feel, their differing top materials will influence the overall auditory experience. The POM top housing of the Bumblebee Linear may produce a slightly brighter and more varied sound upon key release, whereas the nylon top of the Caramel Pudding reinforces the deeper sound profile generated by the bottom housing. This unique combination of materials not only separates their acoustic qualities but also impacts user experience, allowing enthusiasts to choose between a more distinct sound or a consistently muted auditory environment depending on their switch preference.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended usage such as long work sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Bumblebee Linear measuring 50 grams and the Caramel Pudding at 52 grams. This means that while both switches feel similar during the initial actuation, the Caramel Pudding has a slightly heavier bottoming out experience, providing a more substantial feedback upon key press completion. Consequently, interpreters of tactile feedback might prefer the Caramel Pudding due to the extra weight during bottoming out, while those seeking a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Bumblebee Linear. In summary, although both switches have the same actuation force, the differences in their bottom out forces create distinct typing sensations for users.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same travel distance with either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches provide a similar tactile response and actuation feel, making them suitable options for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. Since the travel distances are identical, users will not notice a difference in how far they need to press down to actuate a key, allowing for a comparable performance between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Caramel Pudding has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Caramel Pudding for $2.99.
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 produces a bright sound profile that contributes to an engaging auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch is characterized by a resonant and clacky sound signature, making it distinctively more prominent and lively. While each switch has its own auditory personality, it’s essential to remember that the final sound experienced is influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so overall sonic results may vary.
When it comes to feel, both switches excel in delivering a smooth typing experience; the Bumblebee Linear is well-regarded for its exceptionally smooth action, which facilitates effortless keystrokes. Similarly, the Caramel Pudding switch also promises an exquisitely smooth type feel, allowing for a fluid and comfortable typing session. Thus, users can expect a refined tactile experience from either switch, making them equally suitable for long typing sessions or gaming throughout.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Caramel Pudding linear switches each bring their unique sound aesthetics to the table—with the Bumblebee being bright and the Caramel Pudding undeniably clacky—they both offer outstanding smoothness in their typing feel. Depending on your preferences for auditory feedback and the ambiance you wish to create, either switch can deliver satisfying results. With similar smoothness, both are excellent choices for anyone looking to enhance their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Caramel Pudding linear switch, your preference and typing style should guide your decision. If you favor a lighter actuation force and seek an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a brighter sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who prefer a swift and effortless keystroke, great for typing long documents or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier feel coupled with a resonant, clacky sound signature, the Caramel Pudding switches may be more suited to you. With a 52-gram bottom-out force, they offer a bit more resistance, perfect for typists who appreciate tactile feedback while still enjoying smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort and the auditory experience you desire, whether you lean towards the bright and light feel of the Bumblebee or the medium-light yet clacky Caramel Pudding.
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