Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offer distinct experiences, catering to different user preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fluidity in their keystrokes. Its bright sound profile adds a unique auditory element, enhancing the tactile experience without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g stands out with its very light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes, making it ideal for gamers or those who frequently type at high speeds. Additionally, the Chiikawa switch's crisp, high-pitched sound adds a charming character to each keystroke. Both switches offer a bright acoustic profile, but they cater to different preferences in typing feel and force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$2.99 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, notable differences in the top housing contribute to distinct sound profiles that characterize each switch. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This material allows for a warmth that is not harsh on the ears, providing a sound that feels unique and pleasing to the user. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and therefore produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisper and more resonant. A transparent material, polycarbonate is especially advantageous in RGB setups, allowing light to pass through more vibrantly, whereas the POM housing lacks this flagship translucent quality.

Both switches share a common bottom housing material made from nylon, which lends each switch a deeper and fuller impact during typing. This similarity means that while the Bumblebee Linear and the Chiikawa - 45g differ in terms of their upper housing sound characteristics, they still converge on the auditory experience provided by the nylon bottom. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, resulting in a more subdued bottom-out experience that contrasts with the top sounds produced by the different materials. As a result, even with their differing top housings, both switches give a unified lower sound profile due to their nylon base.

Ultimately, the separation of housing materials highlights how sound profiles can be influenced by the combination of materials used. While the aesthetics and acoustic resonance differ between the Bumblebee Linear's POM top housing and the Chiikawa - 45g's polycarbonate counterpart, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience in terms of a fuller bottom-out effect. Therefore, whether opting for the muted depth of the Bumblebee Linear or the brighter clarity of the Chiikawa - 45g, the shared nylon bottom provides a solid foundation that guarantees certain auditory qualities persist across both types of switches. This combination further underscores how varying top and bottom materials can create a diverse yet complementary typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch to the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, it is clear that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a similar ease of trigger for keystrokes with either switch, making them both suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without undue strain. However, when it comes to the bottom out forces, the Bumblebee Linear reaches 50 grams while the Chiikawa requires a slightly heavier 51 grams. This difference, although minimal, indicates that the Chiikawa switch offers a marginally firmer feel upon bottoming out. Consequently, while both switches are considered light to medium-light in force, the Bumblebee Linear may be favored by those preferring a lighter feel for prolonged usage, while the Chiikawa might appeal to those who appreciate a touch more resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Overall, the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option, whereas the Chiikawa is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches exhibit the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This identical measurement means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress depth when using either switch, providing a consistent experience in terms of travel distance. Thus, whether one opts for the Bumblebee or the Chiikawa, the key presses will feel nearly the same, delivering equal responsiveness and comfort during typing or gaming activities.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches leans toward a bright and crisp quality. The Bumblebee Linear provides a bright auditory experience, contributing to a lively typing atmosphere. Similarly, the Chiikawa - 45g also features a bright sound profile that is notably responsive, producing a sharp, high-pitched sound upon actuation. Despite these similarities, it's important to note that the ultimate sound will be influenced by other components like the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps, potentially leading to subtle variations in how each switch sounds in practice.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it a favorite among those who prefer a seamless key press. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, enabling a more effortless typing experience that can feel snappy and quick. While both switches share the linear characteristic of no tactile bump, the differences in actuation force and overall smoothness can lead to distinct preferences, depending on whether a user favors a lighter or smoother feel.

In conclusion, while both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offer a bright sound profile, they diverge in their feel, with the Bumblebee Linear focusing on smoothness and the Chiikawa prioritizing a lighter actuation. If you appreciate a lively auditory experience, either switch will serve you well; however, your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prefer the smoothness of the Bumblebee or the lightweight responsiveness of the Chiikawa.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience paired with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent option. Its bright sound profile adds a lively character to your typing, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks where you might appreciate the tactile feedback and audible response. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to extremely light actuation forces and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the right fit for you. Its medium-light bottom out force and very light actuation create an incredibly responsive typing experience, perfect for fast-paced gaming sessions or extensive typing tasks where fatigue might be a concern. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether you value a more pronounced feedback from the Bob Bumblebee Linear or a feather-light touch from the Chiikawa - 45g.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more