Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless key press without any tactile feedback. Its bright sound profile enhances the overall auditory experience, catering to those who enjoy a lively keyboard atmosphere. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a different appeal; it's recognized for its gentle tactile bump that provides just enough feedback without disrupting the flow of typing. This switch combines affordability with quality, making it an excellent choice for users who want a satisfying experience without breaking the bank. Additionally, the G Pro's frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, adding to its visual allure. With distinct advantages on both sides, selecting between these two switches ultimately depends on your typing preference—smoothness versus tactile sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches both incorporate nylon as their bottom housing material, which contributes to a similar sound profile when typing. Nylon's characteristics as a softer plastic allows for a deeper and fuller auditory experience, effectively absorbing sound to produce a sound that is rounder and more muted. This shared bottom housing material means that, regardless of their differences in top housing, both switches will elicit a similar bottom-out sound, reinforcing the notion that the bottom housing is crucial for the tactile experience during key presses. Therefore, users should expect a certain consistency in sound quality when engaging with both types of switches, especially at the bottom-out point.
In contrast, the top housing materials between the two switches differ significantly. The Bumblebee Linear features a Polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, known for producing a unique, deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. This creates a distinctive auditory experience that some users may find particularly appealing, especially for those who prefer a richer sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a polycarbonate top housing, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making the G Pro 3.0 an ideal choice for users who appreciate a more resonant sound when they release a key. Thus, the comparison between these two switches highlights not only their differing sound profiles but also the aesthetic implications of using transparent polycarbonate for RGB lighting.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches indicates that users will experience diverse auditory characteristics based on the combination of materials. Since both switches share nylon as their bottom housing, they will consistently yield a fuller sound profile upon bottoming out. However, the variance in top housing materials introduces a contrasting sensory dimension, allowing for distinct sound outputs when releasing the keys. Consequently, users looking for a balance between deeper muted tones and crisper, higher-pitched sounds might find their preferences well catered to by either switch, depending on their choice of top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, distinct differences emerge that cater to varied user preferences. The Bumblebee Linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial for long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial and tactile feedback from their keystrokes. This difference signifies that the Bumblebee is the lighter option, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a firmer push. Consequently, users inclined towards lighter switches may find the Bumblebee more comfortable for extended use, while those who prefer a heavier feel would benefit from the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee switch the shorter of the two, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers who value quick response times. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial keystroke experience that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: if you prefer quick actions and less travel, the Bumblebee is the better option; however, if you appreciate a deeper, more tactile response, you might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 produces a bright sound profile that complements its exceptionally smooth actuation, making it ideal for those seeking a more vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch that provides satisfying auditory feedback without being overwhelming. Although both switches deliver distinct sound qualities, the Bumblebee's brightness contrasts with the G Pro Brown's more subtle auditory cues, providing users with different atmospheres during typing sessions. It’s important to note that an individual’s choice of keyboard and keycaps can also influence the overall sound experience.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Bumblebee Linear provides a notably smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, ideal for users who prefer an effortless keystroke without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is characterized by its easy-to-press nature, which requires minimal force to actuate, allowing for comfortable typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro Brown switch features a mild tactile bump, creating a gentle resistance that adds a sense of feedback while maintaining a low-impact typing feel. The stepped characteristics of the G Pro Brown further provide a subtle differentiation within the actuation, allowing typists to enjoy the sensation of key presses without overly pronounced tactile feedback, which is favorable for those new to mechanical keyboards.
In summary, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown are designed to cater to different preferences, both offer unique qualities worth considering. The Bumblebee's bright sound and silky smoothness present a more lively and fluid typing experience, whereas the G Pro Brown's medium-high pitch sound combined with its easy-to-press, mildly tactile feel strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. Ultimately, your ideal choice may depend on whether you prioritize a lively sound and smooth actuation or a gentle tactile sensation with satisfying auditory cues. Both options provide excellent typing experiences tailored to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches, your choice should largely hinge on your preferences in typing experience and application. If you favor a light typing feel and enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted key press for fast-paced typing or gaming, the Bumblebee Linear switch is your go-to option. Its low actuation force of 50 grams allows for easy keystrokes, making it ideal for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. Additionally, if you appreciate a brighter sound profile that complements your typing experience, Bumblebee might just be the perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a subtle tactile feedback with a medium bottom-out force of 63 grams, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is likely to satisfy your needs. It strikes a balance between a satisfying tactile feel and a nice auditory response, providing you with a more engaging typing experience without overwhelming your flow. This makes it suitable for both typing and casual gaming scenarios, especially if you want a bit of a bump in your keystrokes to guide your fingers. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing style you enjoy most and how you plan to use your keyboard.
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