Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch is crucial, and two excellent options to consider are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a quieter, more refined feel during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and silky, seamless action, perfect for users who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback and character in their keystrokes. Additionally, the Lightning Silver V3's unique light diffuser enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to your keyboard setup, while the Bumblebee's straightforward appeal focuses on an effective, smooth performance. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, we can observe distinct differences in their sound profiles stemming from their respective top housings. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for creating a deeper, more muted sound signature. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 employs a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and more resonant sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this crisper audio profile, making it preferable for gamers and typists who enjoy a pronounced keypress feedback. While both materials serve to create enjoyable auditory experiences, the Bumblebee's POM is evidently tailored for a quieter, subdued feel, contrasting the Lightning Silver's vibrant acoustic output.
Examining the bottom housings reveals another layer of differentiation. The Bumblebee Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which further enriches its overall sound profile with a deeper, fuller resonance due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. This results in a rounder audio character that can be pleasing for users who prefer less distraction during typing. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3 incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, amplifying the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, fostering a distinct typing experience with a more pronounced bottom-out sound. Thus, the combination of nylon's softer characteristics in the Bumblebee and polycarbonate's rigidity in the Lightning Silver V3 leads to unique and contrasting auditory experiences when pressing the keys.
Despite the differences in materials used for their top and bottom housings, outcomes can still align under certain circumstances. Users of both switches can periodically achieve similar results by adjusting their typing technique and optimizing their environments. For example, if a user appreciates the crisper feedback of the Honeycomb's softer POM upper while seeking the fuller sound of the nylon base, they might replicate a nuanced acoustic experience with the Lightning Silver's polycarbonate components by focusing on how they strike the keys. It's also worth noting that factors like keystroke depth, switch actuation point, and even keyboard layout can further influence the overall auditory and tactile feedback, making it possible for enthusiasts to tailor their experiences regardless of the inherent material differences.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who favor extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more robust typing experience. This means that the Bumblebee Linear switch is better for users seeking a lighter touch, while the Lightning Silver V3 provides a heftier push that some may find more satisfying. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with lighter characteristics, the Bumblebee Linear is the better option, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 caters to those who appreciate a stronger tactile sensation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, the Bumblebee boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This slight difference means that the Bumblebee Linear offers a deeper feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3's shorter travel distance may provide quicker actuation times, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking rapid responses. Ultimately, if you opt for the Lightning Silver V3, you'll benefit from its efficiency in fast-paced scenarios, while the Bumblebee Linear will cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Bumblebee Linear is known for its bright sound profile, which adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy quality that can be both crisp and percussive. Those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during their keystrokes may prefer the Lightning Silver V3, while those who favor a more subdued yet clear sound might lean towards the Bumblebee Linear. It's important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's design, the materials used for the board, and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear is renowned for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it a great choice for those who prioritize fluidity during use. The Lightning Silver V3 also enhances smoothness, boasting a silky feel that minimizes resistance and allows for seamless key presses. Both switches offer a high level of smoothness; thus, typists can expect a very enjoyable tactile feedback regardless of which switch they choose.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Bumblebee Linear stands out with its bright sound and exceptionally smooth typing feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a sharp and clacky sound paired with a silky smoothness. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound profile and feel, users can confidently choose between these switches, knowing that each will deliver a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter key feel with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, and you value an exceptionally smooth typing experience without overwhelming sound, the Bumblebee Linear might be more suited to your needs. Its bright sound profile makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a quieter typing feel while still wanting a little auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial tactile response with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a clacky, high-pitched sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 could be the ideal switch for you. The silky smoothness combined with its unique light diffuser enhances both the aesthetic and auditory aspects of your keyboard setup, making it perfect for vibrant, RGB-lit environments. Therefore, consider what matters most to you—whether it be the tactile experience under your fingers or the sound that resonates as you type—before making your decision.
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