Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Gold Silver 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 Gold Silver present two compelling options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Its seamless operation provides a consistent feel throughout each keystroke, suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is characterized by rapid responsiveness, featuring a shortened travel distance that creates a decisive and satisfying bottom-out upon each press. This switch’s tangible feedback is complemented by a resonant sound signature, striking the perfect balance between speed and fluidity. While both switches cater to linear switch fans, the Bumblebee offers a lively sound experience, whereas the Gold Silver prioritizes swift action and precision. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and TTC Gold Silver switches both exhibit interesting contrasts and similarities in their housing materials, which ultimately shape their auditory and tactile experiences. The Bumblebee Linear is equipped with a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile that creates a unique acoustic character. Conversely, the Gold Silver switch employs a polycarbonate top housing, recognized for generating a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its sharp resonance, making the auditory experience markedly different from that of the Bumblebee Linear. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing also tends to be translucent, which enhances the visibility of RGB lighting effects, adding to its visual appeal.
As for the bottom housings, both switches share a nylon material that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity means that, regardless of the top housing differences, both switches will deliver a more rounded and rich auditory experience due to the properties of nylon. Because nylon has sound-dampening characteristics, it effectively absorbs sound waves, contributing to a similar bottom-out feel across both switch types. This consistent material choice helps to unify the tactile feedback when keys are pressed, providing a comfortable and familiar experience.
In summary, while the Bumblebee Linear and Gold Silver switches utilize different top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housings serve as a common ground that stabilizes the acoustic characteristics of both switches. The combined effects of the unique top housing materials, however, lead to distinctive sound profiles when keys are released. As such, users can expect an engaging auditory experience from both switches: the Bumblebee Linear emphasizing a deeper tone from its POM top, and the Gold Silver achieving a brighter, more vibrant response with its polycarbonate top. Collectively, these housing characteristics ensure that users can find enjoyment in either switch, depending on their preference for either a muted or a sharper sound profile.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive when triggering a keystroke. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down compared to the Gold Silver switch, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. This makes the Bumblebee Linear a heavier option overall, while the Gold Silver remains less defined in this aspect due to the lack of bottom out force data. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the lightweight actuation force is beneficial for extended sessions. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Bumblebee switch may appeal to those who desire a more substantial tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness, the Gold Silver may offer an edge due to its reduced travel distance, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Bumblebee Linear, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced key press, allowing for a deeper feel that can enhance typing comfort. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, the Bumblebee Linear is the longer option, offering a more substantial experience compared to the Gold Silver.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch boasts a bright sound profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver switch produces a thocky sound that is low-pitched, delivering a deep and rich sound experience characterized by a satisfying "thud" upon actuation. The Gold Silver's audible feedback is designed to underscore the switch's rapid responsiveness, providing a solid sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory characteristics, yet the Bumblebee's bright tones and the Gold Silver's thocky acoustics allow users to select a sound that best fits their preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear is renowned for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it a joy for typists who value fluid key presses. The TTC Gold Silver, however, takes this smoothness a step further with its polished and silky feel that minimizes friction remarkably, creating an effortless transition from key press to release. Additionally, the Gold Silver switch offers a mildly pronounced nature—comfortable for both beginners and seasoned users alike—which gives it an approachable quality without overwhelming the typist. While both switches promise smooth key travel, the Gold Silver stands out due to its refined feel and responsive action.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and TTC Gold Silver linear switches offer distinct yet appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Bumblebee excels with its bright sound and fluid typing experience, while the Gold Silver delivers a resonant, thocky sound paired with an exceptionally polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for sound profile and tactile feedback, as each offers an enjoyable typing experience, albeit in different, yet harmonious ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth and light typing experience with a focus on a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it accessible for long typing sessions without fatigue, ideal for those who value comfort and responsiveness in casual or professional settings. On the other hand, if you are someone who thrives on speed and precision, the TTC Gold Silver may be more appealing to you. Its rapid responsiveness and polished, silky feel provide a tangible closure with each keystroke, enhanced by the thocky, low-pitched sound signature that gives a satisfying auditory feedback. This switch is particularly suitable for gaming or high-speed typing tasks where every second and every keystroke counts. In essence, your decision should lean towards the Bumblebee Linear for a smooth and light experience or the TTC Gold Silver for quick and decisive actions.
Mentioned in this article
