Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between different options that offer unique typing experiences. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch stands out with its exceptionally smooth feel and bright sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for users who prioritize swift, consistent keystrokes during both typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch appeals to those who enjoy a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, offering a bouncy and delightful keystroke that resonates with each press. Both switches fall into the linear category, providing a quiet, uninterrupted keypress without tactile feedback, but they cater to different preferences in terms of weight and sound. Ultimately, while the Bumblebee is ideal for users seeking smoothness and clarity, the Lotus might attract those looking for a more substantial, energetic feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy), it is evident that there are both similarities and differences that impact their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which results in a unique sound that is notably deeper and more muted. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, a material known for its classic qualities. While the nylon provides its own set of acoustic benefits, it may not deliver the same distinctive muted sound characteristic of the POM. However, both materials share a focus on producing a deeper sound profile due to the inherent properties of their respective plastics, allowing for some similarities in performance despite their differences.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a more direct comparison, as both the Bumblebee Linear and the Lotus (Heavy) use nylon for their bottom housings. This common material choice enhances the tactile and auditory experience by providing a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory response for both switches. Since both switches rely on nylon for the bottom housing, they achieve comparable results in terms of sound absorption and overall typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a similar type of acoustic feedback whether using the Bumblebee or the Lotus.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housings and identical bottom housings in these switches means that their sound profiles will have distinct qualities that influence how users perceive their performance. The POM top of the Bumblebee Linear may lend a unique muted aspect to the sound when keys are released, while the nylon top on the Lotus (Heavy) contributes to a classic typist's feel. Yet, when bottoming out the switches, both will resonate with similar acoustic richness due to the nylon material. This interplay between housing materials results in a captivating blend of sound and feel, showcasing how different plastics can significantly influence the typing experience while still allowing for overlaps in performance.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch present notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces, tailoring to different user preferences. 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 favor a more effortless typing experience, such as during long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile feedback while typing. This means that if you’re looking for lighter switches, the Bumblebee Linear will provide a more comfortable and fatigue-free experience, whereas the Lotus (Heavy) will satisfy those who enjoy the sensation of a stronger push. Overall, these switches cater to distinct typing preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired level of effort in keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, the Bumblebee Linear features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. As a result, the Bumblebee Linear is the longer option by a margin of 0.1 mm, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial keypress. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Lotus (Heavy) may appeal to gamers and others seeking quicker response times, despite some users finding shorter distances to feel too abrupt. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a deeper feel in your keystrokes or a snappier action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Lotus (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 delivers a bright sound profile that adds a pleasant auditory layer to the typing experience. The resonance associated with this switch strikes a balance, making it suitable for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions. Similarly, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch also features a bright, resonant sound, enhancing the feedback of each keystroke. While both switches offer a lively auditory experience, sound perception can vary based on the keyboard setup, including the choice of materials used in the board and keycaps, which means users could achieve similar bright sound profiles with either switch depending on their configuration.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Bumblebee Linear is known for its exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness makes typing feel effortless and is particularly appealing for those who enjoy long typing sessions without tactile interruptions. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offers a medium-heavy weight of 62.5g, contributing to a super bouncy feeling upon activation. This unique characteristic provides a dynamic response that many users find delightful and energizing, particularly in gaming scenarios. While the Bumblebee focuses on smoothness, the Lotus emphasizes a slightly heavier and more responsive feel, making them distinctly enjoyable in different ways.
Overall, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches present unique auditory and tactile qualities that cater to diverse typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth experience and a bright sound, whereas the HMX Lotus (Heavy) distinguishes itself with its bouncy feel and similarly bright sound profile. Depending on individual preferences for typing experience—be it the smooth glide of the Bumblebee or the dynamic response of the Lotus—users can find joy in either switch, knowing that the right setup can enhance their experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter touch and a super smooth keystroke with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is a suitable option. This can enhance the tactile experience, especially for those who type for extended periods or prefer a softer actuation force. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more resistance in your key presses and enjoy a bouncy feel that adds a delightful dynamism to each keystroke, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) would be more to your liking. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams can provide a satisfying feedback that some users find engages them more deeply with their typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you balance comfort, effort, and tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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