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Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HMX EVA

An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX EVA are two impressive options that each offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth feel, making it a favorite among typists seeking a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke, as well as its bright sound profile that adds a bit of auditory excitement to your typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX EVA draws inspiration from the striking colors of the Evangelion Unit-01, delivering a resonant sound signature alongside a silky smooth typing experience that appeals to both gamers and typists looking for a touch of aesthetic flair. While both switches share the advantages of linear designs—such as quiet operation and minimal tactility—each caters to slightly different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

45g

Actuation force

42g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

48g

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

T2

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-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX EVA, one notable difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is noted for producing a unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to traditional models. In contrast, the EVA utilizes a nylon top housing, a material renowned for its classic qualities that yield a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This distinction creates varied tonal characteristics during keystrokes, as the POM top will provide a sound that's less resonant, while the nylon top enhances the auditory experience by absorbing sound waves more effectively.

Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which presents a notable similarity between the two models. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by its inherent softness, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics, thus creating a duller and rounder auditory effect. This shared material ensures that both the Bumblebee Linear and the HMX EVA deliver satisfying typing experiences that minimize sharp or excessive sounds typically associated with harder materials. As a result, users can expect nuanced sound profiles even with distinct top housing materials.

Ultimately, while the differing top housings contribute uniquely to the overall sound experience, it's important to recognize how they work in conjunction with the nylon bottom housings. The bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, while the top housing influences the auditory feedback upon releasing a key. Therefore, despite their individual characteristics, both switch types can yield comparable results in terms of sound quality and typing satisfaction, making them appealing options for users who prioritize acoustics in their mechanical keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for users seeking comfort during extended typing sessions. The Bumblebee Linear has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the EVA switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the EVA switch requires less force to actuate compared to the Bumblebee, making it the lighter option overall. However, both switches are on the lighter end of the spectrum, which may appeal to users looking for a softer typing experience. In summary, while both switches are light, the HMX EVA is marginally easier to press, leading to potential for similar results in typing comfort, yet ultimately favors those preferring a lighter touch.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX EVA linear switches have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of travel when pressing down on either switch. As a result, the tactile feedback and the overall key press experience will feel very similar when using either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, players and typists can expect comparable performance, making it difficult to differentiate between the two based solely on travel distance.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA 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 is noted for its bright sound profile, which lends itself to a more vibrant auditory experience during typing. This character can create a lively atmosphere, particularly suitable for users who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback with their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX EVA switch is praised for its resonant sound signature, which suggests it may produce a fuller, richer auditory experience. It's important to keep in mind that the sound character of both switches can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard case, PCB, and keycap material, so users may find their results vary based on their specific setups.

When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer seamless keystrokes without any tactile bumps. This smoothness can enhance typing speed and fluidity, catering well to fast typists. In contrast, the HMX EVA switch also provides a silky smooth typing feel, making it comparable to the Bumblebee in terms of the overall tactile experience. Both switches aim to deliver a smooth ride while typing, allowing users to glide effortlessly from one key to the next.

In conclusion, while both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX EVA linear switches emphasize smoothness in feel, they diverge slightly in their sound signatures—one being bright and the other resonant. Users seeking a lively, bright auditory feedback might lean toward the Bumblebee, while those preferring a richer sound may favor the EVA. Regardless of choice, both switches facilitate a seamless typing experience, ensuring that users will find a higher level of typing satisfaction with either option.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for feel and sound, as both offer unique qualities suited to different typing experiences. If you prioritize a light and smooth keystroke accompanied by a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is likely the better fit for you. It provides a delightful typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are drawn to aesthetics and a more resonant sound signature combined with a silky smooth feel, then the HMX EVA switch is an excellent choice. Its design inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01 not only delivers in terms of performance but also adds a distinct flair to your keyboard setup. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing and sound are most important to you; whether it's the bright and lively feedback of the Bumblebee or the sleek, resonant experience of the EVA, either switch can enhance your mechanical keyboard journey significantly.

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