Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus present compelling options for those who prefer a linear typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth action and a bright sound profile that adds a unique auditory dimension to each keystroke. This switch is often favored by typists looking for a silky performance without the interruption of tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for both everyday typing and gaming. In contrast, the HMX Lotus stands out with its medium weight of 50g at bottom out and a distinctively resonant sound, providing a bouncy feel that can make each press feel lively and responsive. While the Bumblebee offers a consistently smooth ride, the Lotus adds a touch of engagement and energy to the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus, the key difference lies in the composition of their top housings. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. This quality is attributed to POM's rigidity and density, which results in a distinct acoustic performance when typing. In contrast, the Lotus opts for a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its classic auditory characteristics, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile as well. The combination of the softer nylon material and its sound absorption properties contributes to a rounder and less piercing acoustic experience, setting the Lotus apart from its Bsun counterpart in terms of auditory feedback.
The bottom housing for both switches is constructed from nylon, creating a sense of harmony between the two. Both the Bumblebee Linear and the Lotus employ nylon materials for their bottom housings, and this choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile across the board. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively absorbs sound, allowing for a more muted typing experience. This uniformity in the bottom housing allows both switches to yield similar auditory results despite their differing top housings, as the bottom housing's influence is critical in determining the bottom-out feel and sound when the switch is fully pressed.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials differ significantly between the Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This creates an interesting dynamic wherein the Bumblebee Linear's POM top housing and its more muted sound complements the deeper, fuller auditory profile stemming from the nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Lotus aligns perfectly with its nylon bottom housing to maximize sound absorption and produce a consistently rounded auditory experience. Thus, the contrasting top housing materials lead to differences in sound profile, while the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to an underlying sonic consistency that is characteristic of both switches.
Weight
Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus linear switches exhibit identical specifications when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces, with both switches featuring an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means users can expect a similar typing experience from both switches, providing a lightweight feel that is conducive to extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming marathons. The light actuation force allows for easy keystrokes, making both options ideal for those who prefer a softer touch. Since both switches offer the same specifications, users can choose either switch with confidence that they'll achieve comparable results in terms of typing comfort and overall experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Lotus linear switches, there is a slight difference to note. The Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Lotus switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter by just 0.1 mm. This difference can influence the key feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming; the Lotus may offer a touch more immediacy, appealing to gamers who favor quicker response times. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more traditional typing experience that some users prefer for its heftier depth. Thus, while both switches offer relatively short travel distances that are suitable for modern preferences, the Bumblebee provides a slightly deeper feel, whereas the Lotus allows for a marginally quicker actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 offers a bright sound profile that can enhance the auditory experience while typing. This lively acoustic characteristic contributes to a more engaging typing atmosphere. Similarly, the HMX Lotus switch also boasts a bright, resonant sound, which further complements its overall performance. Both switches exhibit a high tonal quality, creating a pleasant soundscape that can be especially satisfying in a mechanical keyboard setup. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by both switches can vary depending on other components like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making each keystroke glide effortlessly. Its design emphasizes a seamless action that few can rival, providing a truly fluid typing sensation. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch introduces a super bouncy feeling, accentuated by its medium weight of 50g bottom out. This unique responsiveness can make typing not only comfortable but also enjoyable, as each keystroke feels lively and energizing. While the overall experience may differ, both switches prioritize a high-quality feel for users.
Overall, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Lotus linear switches present distinct yet appealing qualities that cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. The Bumblebee's smooth actuation and vibrant sound harmonize to create a refined typing experience, whereas the Lotus's bouncy feedback and resonant sounds deliver excitement with each keystroke. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise a compelling tactile experience, ensuring that you’ll achieve enjoyable results, whether you prefer a seamless touch or a more dynamic interaction.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in your keyboard experience. If you value an exceptionally smooth typing feel paired with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. Its light actuation force makes it particularly suited for rapid typing or gaming, where ease of keystrokes is important. On the other hand, if you prefer a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke and are looking for a switch that offers a delightful blend of sound and tactile feedback, then the Lotus switch could be your go-to option. Its bright, resonant sound coupled with the same light bottom out force creates an engaging typing experience that some find more satisfying. Overall, your choice should reflect whether you favor a smoother glide or a more dynamic tactile response in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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