Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Dolphin are two compelling options that cater to different preferences and environments. The Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who enjoy a tactile feedback while maintaining a classic linear feel. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switches excel in silent operation, making them perfect for office settings or quieter workplaces where noise levels are a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphins strike a fine balance between precision and tactile satisfaction, appealing to those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. Each switch brings its own unique strengths to the table, whether it's the Bumblebee's lively acoustics or the Dolphin's muted elegance. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Dolphin present a distinct contrast in their sound profiles, even though both switches share the same bottom housing material of nylon. The Bumblebee Linear's POM top housing contributes to a sound that is deeper and more muted, creating a unique auditory experience that emphasizes a rounded tone. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. This difference is crucial for users who have specific sound preferences, as the POM produces a softer sound while the polycarbonate heightens the auditory experience with crisper tones.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which helps align their sound characteristics in a certain manner, contributing to the overall depth and fullness of the sound profile. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound effectively, which results in a more subdued and rounded bottom-out sound for both switches. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a rich and deep keypress experience when bottoming out, thanks to the consistent properties of nylon. The feeling when pressing down on either switch would feel quite satisfying, but the nuances in sound once the key is released would be distinctly different due to the top housings.
Ultimately, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Dolphin showcase how using different top housing materials can impact the sound experience while maintaining a familiar bottom-out feeling due to their shared nylon components. The Bumblebee Linear leans towards a more muted and subdued sound profile, favorable for users looking for a softer keypress experience, while the Dolphin shines in providing a sharper and more resonant auditory feedback that caters to those who appreciate a brighter, clearer sound. Together, they offer different sound profiles while allowing users to still enjoy the classic feel and sound absorption quality that nylon offers.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Dolphin Linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee has a light actuation force of 45 grams paired with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which indicates a heavier feel, while its actuation force remains unspecified. This lack of an identifiable actuation force for the Dolphin might suggest a design that emphasizes resistance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Bumblebee is the lighter option with a more approachable actuation force, while the Dolphin caters to those who prefer a heavier touch, particularly with its higher bottom out force. If both switches had similar actuation and bottom out forces, users could expect analogous typing experiences, but in this case, the differences signal distinct preferences catered to different typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Bumblebee Linear features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dolphin boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Bumblebee switch provides a shorter travel distance, which might appeal to gamers seeking quicker key presses for enhanced responsiveness. On the other hand, the Dolphin switch, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial key press experience for those who prefer a deeper feel in their switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: the shorter Bumblebee for speed and the longer Dolphin for a more traditional, hearty depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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
The sound profiles of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Durock Dolphin linear switches differ significantly. The Bumblebee Linear is noted for its bright sound profile, which can tend to provide a more lively auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Dolphin switches are designed to produce a muted and low-pitched sound, effectively minimizing the noise associated with typical mechanical keyboards. This makes the Dolphins an appealing choice for quieter environments, while the Bumblebee may be better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, although specific details about its tactile characteristics are not available. Conversely, the Dolphin switches are characterized by a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a substantial and satisfying press. They are also polished, indicating a refined finish that contributes to smooth key travel and reduced friction. This combination makes the Dolphin switches appealing to those who enjoy a tactile resistance that aids in precision while typing.
In summary, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Durock Dolphin switches cater to different preferences, especially regarding sound and feel. The Bumblebee Linear offers a bright auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy pronounced feedback, while the Dolphin provides a quieter, more muted sound that’s ideal for workspaces. In terms of feel, the Bumblebee is exceptionally smooth, whereas the Dolphin balances substantial resistance with a polished finish for a satisfying typing experience. Depending on one's environment and typing preferences, each switch offers unique characteristics that can fulfill specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Dolphin linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lightweight switch that delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear’s 50g bottom out force and bright sound profile make it an appealing choice, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming situations where speed and responsiveness are key. However, if you work in a quieter office space or any environment where noise levels are a concern, the Dolphin's muted and low-pitched sound—combined with its medium-heavy actuation force of 62g—provides that desired tactile feedback without the distraction of noise, making it ideal for prolonged typing or focused work. Moreover, the polished feel of the Dolphin switch may appeal to those who appreciate a refined and luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, consider how you balance smoothness, sound, and tactile feedback to select the switch that best aligns with your typing style and workspace needs.
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