Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, with two contenders worth considering: the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Glory Yellow. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize auditory feedback and fluid keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, being the heavier option in their lineup, provide a satisfying keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, ideal for users who favor a bit more resistance in their typing. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on your typing style and sound preference—while the Bumblebee Linear caters to those seeking a lighter, more melodic touch, the Glory Yellow is perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches, it's important to note the differences in their top housing construction. The Bumblebee features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound profile. This sound tends to be deeper and more muted compared to switches made with harder plastics, partially due to POM's superior acoustic properties. In contrast, the Glory Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing. While still contributing to a fuller sound profile, nylon tends to produce a more subdued auditory experience because it can absorb sound more effectively without adding the resonant qualities that POM might provide. As a result, the sound produced by the Bumblebee can be perceived as richer and more distinct, while the Glory Yellow will offer a consistently rounded and subdued sound.
On the other hand, both the Bumblebee Linear and Gateron Glory Yellow switches feature nylon for their bottom housing. This shared characteristic means that they will deliver similar sound profiles in the lower part of their mechanism. Nylon's softer material provides a significant degree of sound absorption, enhancing the overall typing experience by generating a duller and rounder sound when keys bottom out. Thus, when pressing these switches, users can expect a comparable depth and fullness from the bottom housing irrespective of their top housing materials. The dramatic contrast between POM and nylon in the upper housings of these two switches is tempered by their shared bottom housing.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different materials in the upper and lower housings of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron Glory Yellow creates unique auditory and tactile experiences for typists. The distinct sound profiles elicited from the two switches will largely depend on the material of the top housing, while their bottom-out characteristics will remain consistently aligned due to the shared nylon composition. Therefore, while users might note differences in sound when typing, the overall feel and experience remains influenced by the nylon bottoms, offering some degree of consistency across both models despite their contrasting top materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, it's clear that their actuation forces differ, with the Bumblebee Linear requiring 45 grams to actuate, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Glory Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial feel during typing. Both switches have a bottom out force measurement, but the Bumblebee Linear’s bottom out force is 50 grams, while the Glory Yellow's bottom out force is unknown. This absence of data for the Gateron switch prevents a complete comparison in that aspect. For users who prefer a softer typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is an ideal choice for longer typing sessions, whereas the Glory Yellow will cater to those who enjoy a firmer push. As each switch caters to different preferences, individuals should consider their typing style when making a selection.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron Glory Yellow linear switches have distinct travel distances, with the Bumblebee Linear measuring 3.6 mm and the Glory Yellow extending to 4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be advantageous for gamers seeking quick response times. In contrast, the Glory Yellow's longer travel distance of 4 mm delivers a more substantial typing experience, offering a different tactile sensation that some users may prefer for its depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: those who favor agility in their keystrokes may lean toward the Bumblebee, while those who appreciate a more pronounced travel feel might opt for the Glory Yellow.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Yellow has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Yellow for $4.19.
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 profile of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by a notably bright tone, which adds a certain liveliness to the typing experience. This can create a more engaging auditory feedback during use, appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced sound from their mechanical keyboards. In contrast, while the sound of the Gateron Glory Yellow is not explicitly detailed, it aligns with the common qualities of linear switches, which typically produce a softer, more muted sound compared to clicky or tactile options. It's important to note that the overall sound can vary depending on the specific keyboard build, including factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth movement throughout the keystroke, enhancing overall comfort and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This fluidity can significantly contribute to a satisfying experience. Conversely, the Glory Yellow offers a smooth keystroke as well, paired with a pleasing travel distance that can provide a sense of satisfaction and control while typing. Both switches emphasize a linear style that promotes a consistent experience from top to bottom without any tactile bumps or significant resistance.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron Glory Yellow switches offer smooth typing experiences that are enjoyable in their ways. While the Bumblebee Linear is distinguished by its bright sound profile, the Glory Yellow's sound description remains more ambiguous, yet its linear nature suggests a softer auditory experience. The feel of both switches is likened to a smooth keystroke, making them suitable for those who prefer uninterrupted travel. Ultimately, newcomers can expect similar typed results in terms of usability and smoothness, while sound perception may differ based on other factors like keyboard construction and personal preference.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow switch, your decision will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light touch and enjoy a smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear switch would be an excellent choice. It’s ideal for those who tend to type quickly and want to minimize finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier keystroke with a satisfying travel distance and a smooth feel, the Gateron Glory Yellow switch may better suit your needs. This switch can provide a more tactile feel, which is often preferred by gamers or typists who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keys. Consider these factors carefully—lightness and sound with the Bumblebee versus pleasing weight and smoothness with the Glory Yellow—as you make your final decision.
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