Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Durock Ice King Tactile offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing feel and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize seamless keystrokes without any tactile interruptions. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile sets itself apart by elevating tactile feedback to an art form, presenting a creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced bump that enhances the typing experience for those who appreciate the satisfying feel of tactile response. While each switch has its unique advantages—one favoring speed and fluidity, the other providing a rich tactile sensation—these attributes cater to varied typing styles and preferences. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches, we see a notable distinction in the top housing while both share nylon for the bottom housing. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for creating a unique, deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material that similarly produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. While both switches aim for a rich auditory experience, the Bumblebee Linear's POM top lends a distinctive tonal characteristic that contrasts with the more traditional nylon found in the Ice King Tactile.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both switches exhibit similarities in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This shared material results in a consistent experience for users, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounded and deeper sound profile. When typing on either switch, users will appreciate how the softer nylon effectively dampens sounds, leading to a pleasant auditory experience. Thus, while the top housings of the two switches diverge in material choice, the nylon bottom unifies their sound characteristics, ensuring that both switches provide a satisfying sound and feel during use.
Ultimately, the combination of the unique POM top of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the nylon top of the Durock Ice King Tactile leads to different auditory experiences, though the nylon bottom housing provides a common foundation. The varying impacts of the materials mean that the Bumblebee Linear may offer a distinct and more muted sound when bottoming out, accentuated by the POM's properties, while the Ice King Tactile provides a traditional and full sound profile that aligns with the classic characteristics of nylon. Therefore, users can expect diverse experiences from each switch, influenced by their respective top housing materials yet unified by the familiarity and sound-absorbing benefits of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile exhibits a heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel in their typing experience. While both switches serve distinct preferences, the Bumblebee Linear's lighter forces make it more suitable for prolonged use, whereas the Ice King's heavier specifications provide a firmer response for users desiring a stronger tactile feedback. Therefore, if one is seeking a lighter switch experience, the Bumblebee would be the go-to option, while the Ice King is ideal for those who enjoy a medium-heavy touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Bumblebee Linear offers a bit more depth in its key presses, which could appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile response. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile, with its shorter travel distance, may provide quicker actuation, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking rapid response times. Thus, if you prefer a more responsive feel with less travel, the Ice King Tactile could be the better option. Conversely, if you appreciate a deeper, more satisfying key press, the Bumblebee Linear would be more suitable. Overall, while both switches have relatively close travel distances, the Bumblebee Linear stands out with its longer 3.6 mm travel compared to the 3.5 mm of the Ice King Tactile.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When considering the sound profile, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its bright sound, which likely translates to a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This brightness could make your typing experience feel more lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch delivers a more subdued sound. This dampened auditory feedback offers a subtle sound signature, making the typing experience less intrusive and more suitable for quieter environments. Given that the sound can also be affected by other factors like the keyboard design and keycaps, users may find distinct auditory experiences depending on their specific setups.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is touted for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, marking it as a strong contender for users who prioritize seamless keypresses. However, the Ice King Tactile switch elevates the typing experience by combining multiple tactile qualities. It boasts a silky smoothness that minimizes resistance and friction, creating a fluid keystroke. Additionally, the Ice King features a stepped tactile response, allowing the user to feel a noticeable bump during activation without overwhelming feedback. This nuanced tactility, along with its polished finish, results in a refined experience that is both smooth and satisfying, appealing to those who enjoy a hint of resistance in their keystrokes.
In summary, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers bright sounds and an incredibly smooth feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch presents a more subdued auditory profile coupled with a combination of silky and tactile sensations. If you prefer a lively sound and seamless typing, the Bumblebee is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you seek a more refined tactility with less auditory intrusion, the Ice King would be more suitable. Each switch caters to different preferences, ensuring that both can achieve satisfying typing experiences, albeit through differing characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and purpose. If you prefer a lightweight and exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is an ideal option, especially if you enjoy rapid keystrokes or engage in tasks that require fast, uninterrupted typing, such as gaming or coding. Its bright sound profile adds a layer of aural feedback without being overwhelmingly loud, making it suitable for quieter environments. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more tactile experience that provides a noticeable feedback during typing, the Ice King Tactile may be the better choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and pronounced tactile bump offer satisfying feedback that is particularly beneficial for typing and can enhance accuracy during detailed tasks, such as writing or programming. Additionally, its subdued sound decreases distraction, making it a great option for shared workspaces or quiet home settings. In essence, your selection should align with whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility, depending on the demands of your activities and your subjective typing enjoyment.
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