Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Neo Lavender HE. The Bumblebee Linear, known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and bright sound profile, caters to those who enjoy a seamless and responsive feel during both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, with its clean and low sound, offers a distinctive experience thanks to its Hall Effect technology, making it a favored choice for users of Wooting keyboards seeking precision and durability. While both switches offer unique benefits—smoothness and auditory feedback from the Bumblebee, and a quiet yet responsive feel from the Lavender HE—understanding their individual characteristics is essential to making an informed choice. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
POM
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Neo Lavender HE switches exhibit both similarities and differences that influence their acoustic profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing paired with a nylon bottom housing. The POM (Polyoxymethylene) material is recognized for creating a unique sound that is deeper and more muted, lending a distinct character to each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing and nylon bottom housing, both of which are recognized for their ability to produce a fuller and deeper sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. While the Bumblebee's top housing introduces subtle nuance to its acoustic effect, the Lavender HE’s use of consistent housing material throughout enhances its overall sound absorption and warmth.
Both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, which is instrumental in shaping their sound profiles. In the case of the Bumblebee Linear, the nylon bottom contributes to the deeper, rounder sound experience frequently attributed to this material, ensuring a satisfying bottom-out feel. Similarly, the Lavender HE’s entirely nylon construction carries the same benefits of sound absorption and tactile feedback, which overall results in a plush and rich auditory experience. This commonality not only creates a comparable typing experience but also ensures that users of both the Bumblebee Linear and the Lavender HE will appreciate the smoothness and comfort of the nylon material.
The distinction in the top housing materials further highlights how different plastics can modify the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The Bumblebee Linear's POM top will generate a sound that is nuanced and somewhat muted, enhancing the keystroke’s impact as one releases the key, while the Neo Lavender HE’s uniform nylon housing emphasizes a consistent sound profile throughout both the upstroke and downstroke. Each switch will yield satisfying results for typists; nevertheless, their auditory experiences may diverge slightly due to those housing differences. Ultimately, both switch designs leverage their housing materials to deliver deeply enjoyable typing experiences, even if the character of the sound may vary.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch both offer a light typing experience, with the Bumblebee featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lavender HE has a slightly lighter actuation force at 40 grams but shares the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This similarity in bottom out force means that users will experience the same resistance when pressing the switches all the way down. For those who favor a lighter switch, the Lavender HE is the better choice due to its lower actuation force, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Bumblebee, while still light, offers a bit more resistance during the actuation phase, catering to those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel without sacrificing comfort.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Lavender HE, with its deeper travel distance, could provide a more tactile and satisfying feel for those who prefer a more substantial feedback when pressing keys. If you find that you enjoy a hearty depth to your typing experience, the Lavender HE would be the better choice, while the Bumblebee Linear is ideal for those who favor speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99, whereas the Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch delivers a bright sound profile that can be quite distinctive in a mechanical keyboard setup. This high-pitched characteristic is likely to stand out, providing an engaging auditory feedback that some users might find satisfying while typing. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE switch produces a clean, low sound that emphasizes a more subdued auditory experience. Users seeking a quieter environment might prefer the Lavender HE, especially in shared or public spaces. It’s important to note that the sound of each switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, facilitating rapid and seamless keystrokes that can enhance overall typing speed. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, as a hall effect switch, may offer a different type of smoothness, potentially accompanied by a unique tactile response due to the magnetic mechanism employed. While both switches cater to those who appreciate a linear feel, the specific nuances in actuation and feedback may appeal to different types of users, depending on personal preference.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Neo Lavender HE switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to distinct preferences. The Bumblebee offers a brighter sound and a smooth feel, ideal for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender HE may appeal to those looking for a quieter, more subdued typing sound paired with potentially different tactile nuances. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound character or feel in your typing experience, as both can yield high satisfaction according to your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately boils down to your specific typing preferences and use case. If you prioritize a smooth, seamless experience with a brighter sound profile that adds an engaging character to your typing, the Bumblebee Linear may be the better fit for you. Its light bottom-out force helps reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions, making it an excellent option for both casual use and extended gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a cleaner, lower sound that's less intrusive, coupled with the advantages of hall effect technology that offers durability and consistent performance, the Lavender HE would be ideal. It's uniquely compatible with Wooting keyboards, making it a fantastic choice if you're looking for enhanced responsiveness and reliability. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the vibrant expressiveness of the Bumblebee Linear or the understated precision of the Neo Lavender HE will shape your overall typing experience. Consider how you want your keyboard to sound and feel, as this will guide you in making the right decision for your needs.
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