Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Aflion Carrot
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Aflion Carrot switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Aflion Carrot. The Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, ideal for users who favor a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke. Its bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, making it a fantastic choice for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot switch offers a fun tactile experience with its long, two-stage spring that provides a uniquely bouncy feel. With a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, the Carrot switch is designed for those who appreciate a tactile feedback as they type, enhancing their overall experience. While the Bumblebee caters to those seeking smoothness and clarity, the Carrot emphasizes tactile sensation and a lively sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Aflion Carrot, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is celebrated for creating a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This characteristic results from POM's ability to absorb some sound vibrations, leading to a more pleasant, albeit subdued auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate facilitates clearer sound transmission, making it ideal for users who prefer a brighter auditory experience, particularly when enhanced with RGB lighting due to its translucency.
Shifting to the bottom housings, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Aflion Carrot feature nylon materials. As a classic choice for switch housings, nylon contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that exhibits a soft and absorbing quality. This shared characteristic indicates that despite differences in their top housings, the two switches do possess similar traits in terms of sound output at the bottom. As nylon effectively dulls sounds, both switches will yield a rounded bottom-out feel, promoting a satisfying tactile experience. Thus, while the top housing dictates distinct sound profiles, the uniformity in the bottoms ensures a cohesive auditory feedback across both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of a POM top housing in the Bumblebee Linear and a polycarbonate top housing in the Aflion Carrot highlights the nuanced sound preferences catered to by each switch. The POM's muted resonance contrasts sharply with the polycarbonate's brightness, making the Bumblebee ideal for those seeking a more subdued typing experience, while the Aflion appeals to users desiring clarity and sharpness. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches offers a commonality that contributes to a unified sound experience, ensuring that regardless of the top material differences, users will enjoy a beautifully rich and rounded typing sensation when bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, several key differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bumblebee Linear features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Carrot switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Aflion Carrot the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Bumblebee Linear provide a more substantial feel, which may cater to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Carrot offers a softer keypress compared to the Bumblebee Linear’s stronger feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch, we find that the Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Carrot offers a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, the Carrot's longer 4 mm travel can provide a more pronounced tactile feel, which many users find satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to individual preference: those who favor quick key presses may opt for the Bumblebee, whereas those who enjoy a deeper feel may prefer the Carrot.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Carrot has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Carrot for $3.57.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is known for delivering a bright auditory experience, characterized by its clear and pronounced acoustics. This switch typically produces a sharp sound that can be crisp and lively, making it an engaging choice for typists who appreciate auditory feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Aflion Carrot switch has a more complex sound profile, featuring a mid-pitched, firm tone that can be described as clacky and high-pitched. This clacky sound lends itself to an energetic typing experience, while the high-pitched notes make it crisp and distinct—ideal for users who prefer a sound that stands out but is still manageable in shared environments.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid key presses devoid of tactile bumps or interruptions. This smoothness is ideal for users who prefer linear switches for gaming or rapid typing, as it allows for continuous motion. Conversely, the Aflion Carrot switch boasts a uniquely bouncy tactile feel, enhanced by its long, two-stage spring that provides both a lively rebound and snappy response. With characteristics like being stepped and feathery, the Carrot is designed to provide a more dynamic feedback sensation, making key presses feel more alive and engaging, which can be particularly enjoyable for those who value tactile feedback.
In summary, while the Bumblebee Linear offers a smooth and bright sound experience paired with seamless key feel, the Aflion Carrot switch delivers a more pronounced, high-pitched auditory experience complemented by its bouncy and snappy tactile responses. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a smooth typing experience with a bright tone or a more tactile engagement with fresh sound qualities. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring users can tailor their mechanical keyboard setups to their desired experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Aflion Carrot tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences regarding typing feel and sound. If you appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a lightweight actuation force and a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice. It excels in providing a seamless experience, making it particularly ideal for tasks that require rapid key presses, such as gaming or typing long documents, where minimizing finger fatigue is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, the Carrot switch stands out with its bouncy tactile feedback and a fun, lively response. The snappy and mid-pitched sound profile appeals to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. So, if you favor a tactile experience that feels both playful and responsive, the Carrot would be the way to go. Ultimately, your choice should align with how you prioritize the tactile sensation and sound in your keyboard experience.
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