Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Brown Pro often reflects personal preferences in typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth operation, providing a seamless keystroke without any tactile resistance, which makes it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a consistent and uninterrupted flow while typing. It features a bright sound profile, adding a lively character to each press. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a tactile experience that focuses on subtle feedback, featuring a gentle bump that allows users to feel when a key has been actuated without the distraction of pronounced sound. This makes it well-suited for those who prefer a quieter, more subdued typing environment while still enjoying the nuanced feedback of a tactile switch. Ultimately, choosing between these two options comes down to whether you value the smoothness of a linear switch or the subtle tactility of a tactile switch. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Brown Pro, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that is known for producing a unique sound profile that leans towards deeper tones, providing a muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by a sharper and more resonating sound profile. This difference can be attributed to the inherent properties of the materials—POM’s pliability leads to a softer sound, while polycarbonate's rigidity produces a clearer, crisper auditory response. As a result, users interested in a more subdued typing experience may favor the Bumblebee Linear, while those looking for a more pronounced sound might lean towards the Gold Brown Pro.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a shared choice in material: nylon. Both the Bumblebee Linear and the Gold Brown Pro leverage nylon for their bottom housings, which is celebrated for absorbing sound and offering a deeper and fuller acoustic profile. This commonality in material choice means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be similarly rich and rounded for both switches, despite their differing top housings. Consequently, users who appreciate the classic characteristics of nylon will find both options appealing when it comes to bottom housing performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience across both models.
Overall, the combination of differing top housings and identical bottom housings leads to a nuanced yet cohesive sound experience in both switches. The Bumblebee Linear promises a deep, muted sound from its POM top housing while still benefiting from the nylon bottom, resulting in an enriched auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro offers a sharper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top, also supported by the fuller notes yielded from nylon at the bottom. Even with their different approaches to top housing materials, users can expect a balanced performance owing to the shared nylon base, making each switch suitable for various auditory preferences while retaining some overlapping acoustic qualities.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lightweight feel when typing or gaming. This means that both switches require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, which can contribute to longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a slightly firmer feel when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the TTC Gold Brown Pro is unavailable, leaving a gap in comparative information regarding the overall typing experience when the key is fully engaged. Given these details, the Bumblebee Linear is the heavier option when considering bottom out force, making it slightly more substantial than the Gold Brown Pro, whose force characteristics at bottom out remain unknown. Overall, for those preferring a lighter switch, both will deliver similar actuation results, but the Bumblebee Linear provides a firmer bottom out experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minor, but it can significantly impact the typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear's shorter travel distance makes it ideal for gamers seeking faster response times and more immediate actuation. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may find preferable for typing due to the added depth and feedback. Therefore, if you value a rapid response, the Bumblebee Linear switch is the better choice, while those who appreciate a more tactile and hearty typing experience might lean towards the Gold Brown Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 its bright tonal quality, which provides an energetic auditory backdrop during typing sessions. This bright sound can create a lively atmosphere that may appeal to users who enjoy a slightly louder, more expressive experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a distinctly subdued sound signature. Described as thocky and low-pitched, it delivers a deep and satisfying "thud" upon actuation. This makes it a great choice for environments where minimal noise distraction is desired, allowing typists to remain focused without being overwhelmed by their keystrokes. The Gold Brown Pro’s neutral sound profile ensures versatility, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize fluid key travel. This linear switch lacks any tactile bumps, allowing for unhindered keystrokes that glide effortlessly down and up. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch provides a more nuanced typing feel characterized by its gentle tactile bump. This mild tactile response allows typists to engage with their keyboard without overwhelming sensory inputs. Its polished and silky finish contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience, while the subtle resistance of the keypress ensures that the tactile feedback remains present but not intrusive, striking a balance that benefits both casual and intense typing tasks.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee switch excels in delivering a bright and lively sound alongside a smoothly linear feel, perfect for users who enjoy a more expressive experience. Meanwhile, the Gold Brown Pro’s thocky, low-pitched sound combined with a gentle tactile response makes it suitable for those who seek a more understated typing atmosphere. Choosing between them comes down to personal preference – whether you prefer the engaging brightness and smoothness of the Bumblebee or the subtlety and refined tactility of the Gold Brown Pro, both switches provide quality experiences tailored to distinct typist lifestyles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you are someone who enjoys a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Bumblebee Linear will serve you perfectly, especially if you appreciate a bright sound profile that adds a bit of flair to your keystrokes. These switches are ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing, allowing for rapid key presses without resistance or distraction. On the other hand, if you prefer a more nuanced feedback with subtle tactile sensations, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its low-pitched, thocky sound and mild tactile bump are suited for environments where you wish to keep noise to a minimum while still enjoying a comfortable yet responsive typing experience. This switch is perfect for typists who need to remain focused on their tasks without the intrusive sounds of more audible switches. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactile feedback and subdued sound – choose based on what complements your typing style and working conditions best.
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