Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Flaming Purple stand out as two intriguing options, each offering unique qualities for typists and gamers alike. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a seamless and responsive keystroke without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple is notable for its resonant, bassy character, delivering a poppy undertone with each keystroke that adds a delightful auditory depth. With a bottom-out force of just 47g, it provides an effortlessly light touch, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer a swift typing feel. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their distinct sound qualities and tactile sensations may sway your decision. 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
47g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Flaming Purple employ distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differing sound profiles and typing experiences. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top, known for creating a deeper, more muted sound profile. This characteristic makes it an appealing choice for users who favor a subtle auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Flaming Purple uses a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, enhancing the clarity and precision of each keystroke. The differences in material consequently lead to unique auditory experiences, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their personal sound preferences.
Both switches, however, share the same nylon bottom housing material, which significantly influences the overall typing experience. Nylon is lauded as a classic choice due to its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material in the bottom housing ensures that both the Bumblebee Linear and Flaming Purple deliver a muted, rounded sound during bottom-out, effectively balancing out the more pronounced characteristics introduced by their differing top housings. As a result, while each switch has its unique defining qualities through the top housing, the uniformity of the nylon bottom housing ties the two together, offering a consistent foundation for sound and feel.
In examining the overall dynamics of the switches, it becomes clear how the combination of different top housings and a common bottom housing can result in a rich and varied typing experience. The interaction between the POM top of the Bumblebee Linear, which leans towards a more muted auditory result, and the bright, resonant polycarbonate top of the Flaming Purple presents a fascinating contrast. Users seeking a mild, less intrusive sound profile may find their preference in the Bumblebee Linear, while those who enjoy a sharper auditory response could gravitate toward the Flaming Purple. Nevertheless, with both switches featuring nylon on the bottom, the deeper, rounded sound remains a common thread, allowing for a spectrum of experiences that can appeal to a wide range of typists.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch are both light options, with the Bumblebee having an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Flaming Purple boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams. This means that the Flaming Purple is marginally lighter overall, making it potentially more suitable for users who prioritize extended typing sessions or lighter key presses for gaming. However, the Bumblebee offers a slightly stronger push feel at the bottom out phase, providing a more substantial experience for those who prefer a definitive tactile feedback upon pressing the key down completely. Both switches are categorized as light, ensuring users can enjoy a comfortable typing experience regardless of their choice, though the Flaming Purple may appeal more to those seeking ease of use.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in similar keypress experiences for users. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will provide almost identical feedback and responsiveness when pressed, making them equally suitable for tasks that require precision and speed. This uniformity allows for a consistent typing or gaming experience, regardless of which switch is utilized. Thus, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of feel and performance when opting for either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 renowned for its exceptionally bright sound profile, which adds a lively character to the auditory experience of typing. This brightness likely makes each keypress feel more prominent, keeping the interaction engaging. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch presents a more resonant and bassy sound signature, leaning slightly towards the lower frequencies. This unique auditory flair results in a richer, more immersive typing experience, characterized by a poppy undertone that stands out without being overly aggressive. The choice between these two in terms of sound will largely come down to personal preference—those seeking a crisp brightness might favor the Bumblebee Linear, while those preferring a deeper, more resonant sound might lean towards the Flaming Purple.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, ensuring that every keystroke is fluid and uninterrupted. However, specific details about the physical feedback provided by the switches remain unspecified. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is designed to deliver a feathery, easy-to-press sensation, with a light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue and promotes comfort during extended typing sessions. The silky nature of the Flaming Purple enhances this experience, providing a seamless interaction with the keyboard. Because of these qualities, while the full range of tactile feedback for the Bumblebee Linear switch isn't detailed, the Flaming Purple's characteristics position it as a highly comfortable option.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and TTC Flaming Purple linear switches offer distinctive auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Bumblebee shines with its bright sound, ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke audio, while the Flaming Purple captivates with its resonant, bassy tones that deliver deeper sound engagement. In terms of feel, the Bumblebee's smoothness presents a compelling typing experience, while the Flaming Purple emphasizes comfort with its light, feather-like actuation. Depending on what you value—sound profile or typing feel—both switches can provide excellent performance, making them great candidates for any mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth and bright typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear switch with its slightly heavier 50g bottom-out force might be more appealing, especially if you enjoy a more lively auditory feedback in your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for something even lighter and more effortless, the Flaming Purple switch with its 47g bottom-out force is ideal for those who need to type for extended periods with minimal strain on their fingers. Its unique bassy and resonant sound profile adds an engaging auditory element that can make typing feel more dynamic. In summary, if a smooth, bright sound and moderate resistance define your ideal typing experience, go for the Bumblebee, while the TTC Flaming Purple is perfect if you want an ultra light touch paired with a unique sound character. Ultimately, consider what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you, as both switches provide excellent performance in their own right.
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