Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Ice King Linear. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and a bright sound profile, making it a great choice for users who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Ice King Linear excels with its silky smoothness, attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, resulting in a more subdued and creamy feel that many typists may find appealing. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the Bumblebee provides an engaging auditory experience, while the Ice King's polished feel offers quiet proficiency. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer an intriguing comparative analysis, particularly concerning their auditory qualities and tactile feedback. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, known for creating a distinctly pleasing deeper sound profile. This material's characteristics contribute to a more muted auditory experience, which can enhance the typing atmosphere by reducing excess noise, thus making it ideal for quieter environments. In contrast, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, a classical choice that produces a sound profile that is also deeper and fuller. This similarity in auditory impact suggests that individuals seeking a rounder sound might appreciate both switches, though the use of nylon in the Ice King Linear may lead to a sound profile that has a slightly softer edge compared to the more defined sound of the POM housing in the Bumblebee.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Bumblebee and Ice King utilize nylon, which reinforces their shared properties concerning sound absorption. This similarity means that both switches will deliver a more muted sound when bottomed out, allowing for a consistent auditory experience across different keystrokes. As a softer plastic, nylon in the bottom housing is effective at absorbing impact noise, which could appeal to users prioritizing a quieter typing experience. The uniform use of nylon aids in yielding a duller and rounder sound for both models, ensuring that despite variations at the top housing level, the foundational experience remains consistent, creating a deeper and more resonant feedback.
Ultimately, the divergence in top housing materials leads to a subtle yet noteworthy contrast in the overall typing experience between the two switches. The impact of the POM top housing in the Bumblebee Linear may create a unique popping sound on release, while the nylon used in the Ice King likely results in a softer, rounder release sound. Thus, while both switches provide excellent sound absorption thanks to their nylon bottom housings, the hybrid nature of the Bumblebee Linear's POM top and nylon bottom results in a distinct acoustic experience compared to the entirely nylon construction of the Ice King, which offers a consistent approach to sound and feel throughout. Users' preferences may ultimately lead them to favor one switch over the other, based on their desire for either clarity or smoothness in sound.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it ideal for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience—perfect for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Linear requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial typing feel with increased resistance. Therefore, while the Bumblebee is lighter overall, the Ice King offers a firmer feedback, making it suitable for users seeking more resistance. If both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, users would likely experience similar results; however, in this case, the differences highlight the variety in user preferences regarding typing force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, we find that the Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Bumblebee Linear offers a bit more depth in its keystroke, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a marginally quicker response time, making it more favorable for gamers or those who appreciate faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: those who enjoy deeper presses may lean towards the Bumblebee Linear, while those seeking rapid response might opt for the Ice King Linear.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 bright signature, which often contributes to an engaging auditory experience when typing. This is in stark contrast to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, known for its subdued sound quality. The Ice King produces a dampened auditory feedback, making it quieter and more subtle compared to the Bumblebee. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the overall outcome may differ based on the keyboard design and chosen keycaps, which also play a significant role in how sound is perceived during use.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience that is likely to please those who favor fluid key presses. In comparison, the Ice King Linear excels in its silky, frictionless nature, providing a typing experience that feels effortless. The additional descriptors of creamy and polished further highlight the Ice King's refined feel, ensuring minimal resistance and a seamless glide across the keys. While the Bumblebee's smoothness is commendable, the Ice King's multiple attributes suggest an even more luxurious typing sensation, making it ideal for those who seek the utmost smoothness and ease of use.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Ice King Linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bumblebee stands out with its bright auditory profile and smooth typing experience, while the Ice King provides a more subdued sound along with various descriptors that emphasize its silky and polished touch. Although each switch has its unique qualities, both can deliver satisfying typing results that will appeal to newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Ice King Linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a lighter switch that provides an exceptionally smooth feel with a bright sound, the Bumblebee Linear will likely suit your needs. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it an excellent choice for faster typing and gaming sessions, where you prefer a responsive and nimble keypress. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier switch, the 62-gram Ice King Linear may be the better option for you. With its silky, frictionless feel and subdued sound profile, it offers a more controlled and refined typing experience, ideal for long hours of usage without causing fatigue. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the contexts in which you'll be using your keyboard, and whether sound and weight play significant roles in your comfort and enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
