Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. TTC Gold Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Pink stand out as excellent options for different typing preferences, even among linear switches. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, combined with a bright sound profile that adds a distinctive auditory element to usage. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy a quieter, yet still responsive, typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink switches are among the lightest available, with a mere 37g actuation force, making them particularly appealing for users who prioritize speed and efficiency. These switches provide a fast and effortless typing experience, complemented by a clacky sound that offers feedback to users, making them perfect for rapid typing or intense gaming sessions. Both switches have their unique charm—whether you prefer the smoothness and brightness of the Bumblebee or the lightness and lively feel of the Gold Pink. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Pink, one can observe distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which produces a deeper, more muted sound. This specific material is known for creating an exceptionally pleasing auditory experience, often favored by those who prefer a softer and less resonant typing sound. In contrast, the Gold Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This difference not only affects the auditory feedback but also dictates how each switch behaves, with the Gold Pink likely offering a crisper response during typing.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, characteristic of nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The richness of sound produced by nylon helps to enhance the overall typing experience in both the Bumblebee Linear and Gold Pink. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound feel, users can expect a similarly deep and round auditory feedback when pressing the keys on either switch. While their top housing materials create distinctly different sounds, the shared nylon bottom helps bridge the auditory experience, ensuring that both can deliver a satisfying typing feel to enthusiasts who appreciate depth.
Overall, while the Bumblebee Linear and TTC Gold Pink differ significantly in their top housing materials, their nylon bottoms unify their overall sound profiles. Users can expect the Bumblebee Linear to provide a more muted and deeper sound due to its POM top, while the Gold Pink offers a brighter response with its polycarbonate top. Nevertheless, because both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, they will elicit that familiar deeper sound upon bottoming out, ensuring that despite the nuances in sound quality and response, both switches can deliver an enjoyable and consistent typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Pink is lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Gold Pink switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a softer feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier Bumblebee Linear may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience due to its slightly firmer feel. Although both switches are categorized as light, the Bumblebee offers a bit more resistance than the Gold Pink, resulting in noticeable differences in the overall typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Bumblebee Linear features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Gold Pink switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer of the two. This difference in travel distance can impact the feel and responsiveness of each switch; gamers may lean towards the Bumblebee's shorter travel distance for quicker response times, while those who prefer a more substantial depth may find the Gold Pink's 4 mm travel to be more satisfying. Thus, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for either quick responsiveness or a deeper, more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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 noted for its bright sound profile, offering a lively acoustic experience that ensures auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Pink switch produces a clacky sound, which adds a unique character to each keystroke. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, such as the keyboard build and keycap material. Therefore, while both switches deliver distinct audible experiences, they serve different preferences in sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, emphasizing uninterrupted key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Pink is designed to be one of the lightest switches available, with a 37g actuation force that ensures a fast, effortless experience. Characterized by descriptors like buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, the Gold Pink switch delivers a gentle and comfortable typing sensation that minimizes finger fatigue, making it ideal for extended use. While the Bumblebee Linear offers a smooth touch, the Gold Pink excels in providing a lighter, more vivid typing experience that feels appealingly dynamic.
Overall, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Bumblebee is perfect for those who appreciate a smooth and bright auditory experience, whereas the Gold Pink appeals to users looking for a lightweight and lively typing sensation with a clacky sound. Despite their differences, both switches can be enjoyable based on individual user preferences, making them solid choices for those venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Pink linear switch, consider your typing habits and preferences. If you prefer a slightly heavier and more polished typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, offers a smooth, bright sound profile that enhances feedback while minimizing fatigue, making it a solid choice for those looking for a balanced feel and sound. On the other hand, if you're after a fast, feather-light typing experience, the Gold Pink switch, with its remarkably low actuation force of 37 grams, is ideal for rapid input and gaming. It provides a "buttery" feeling with its clacky sound that adds an enjoyable liveliness to your keystrokes. In essence, choose the Bumblebee Linear for a more robust and smooth experience, while the Gold Pink is perfect for those who want an effortless, quick-response feel.
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