Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances in design and performance can greatly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth action and bright sound profile, making them an excellent choice for users who prioritize a seamless and satisfying typing experience without distraction. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola switches stand out not just for their visual appeal—they glow in the dark—but also for their medium heft and bouncy feel, paired with a distinctive sound reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken. While both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Bumblebee excels in its smoothness and auditory brightness, whereas the Luciola provides a unique tactile engagement and an engaging aesthetic. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer a quieter, more refined touch or a lively, visually striking experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.

By the numbers

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$2.99 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Luciola switches present distinct characteristics that significantly impact their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing that is lauded for producing a deeper, more muted sound. This is partly attributed to the unique acoustic properties of POM, which, while durable, offers a softness that absorbs vibrations well, resulting in a sound profile that tends toward greater depth. In contrast, the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched, clacky sound. This difference in sound characteristics shows that while both switches may excel in their own right, the Bumblebee offers a more subdued auditory experience compared to the crisper and more vivid sound of the Luciola.

When examining the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Bumblebee Linear's nylon bottom housing thus cultivates a deeper and rounder sound profile, benefitting from nylon’s softer plastic quality that dampens vibrations and enhances the fullness of the sound. Conversely, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing mirrors the characteristics of its top housing, fostering a higher-pitched, thin, and energetic clacky sound. This similarity in material and acoustic properties between the Luciola’s top and bottom housing may result in a more uniform auditory feedback across the keypress, unlike the Bumblebee, which produces a split sound profile where each housing contributes distinctly to the overall acoustic experience.

In practical terms, while both switches harness different haptic and acoustic design approaches derived from their housing materials, the execution will yield contrasting outcomes. The Bumblebee Linear’s POM and nylon combination aims for a rounded and muted sound, ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola, built with its unique INK blend, provides a more dynamic and lively soundscape. Users seeking distinct experiences in typing feel and sound can use these differences to tailor their keyboard designs to fit their preferences, or they may opt for similar results by creatively pairing other materials with differing acoustic properties to balance their desired sound profiles in custom builds.

Weight

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch exhibit key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Luciola switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may favor for its tactile feedback. This disparity means that users seeking a lighter typing experience should lean towards the Bumblebee, while those who enjoy a firmer push may find the Luciola more to their liking. Overall, the Bumblebee Linear is best for extended use, while the Luciola delivers a more robust keystroke experience.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their performance in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom the same. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keystroke feel when using either switch, contributing to a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, those looking for switches with uniform keypress depth will find either option equally suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, likely contributing a lively yet moderate acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch has a more complex sound profile that includes clacky and chirpy qualities alongside a hollow, marbly resonance. This gives the Luciola a distinct and vibrant auditory character that stands out, particularly with its high-pitched tones, which some users may find appealing in a more energetic setup.

When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear’s smoothness in typing is its standout feature, promising a seamless experience. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola offers a medium heft with a bouncy, responsive nature that may give users a more invigorating typing experience. Words like snappy, buttery, and polished describe the tactile sensations of the Luciola, emphasizing that it may feel more alive and engaging to type on compared to the purely smooth nature of the Bumblebee Linear.

Overall, while both switches cater to linear typing preferences, they each bring unique characteristics to the table. The Bumblebee is designed for those who favor a smooth and bright experience, whereas the Gateron Luciola combines a responsive feel with a more intricate sound profile, making it an enticing choice for users who appreciate auditory complexity and tactile feedback. Choosing either switch will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both promise a satisfying typing experience in their own right.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and switch actuation force. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the Bumblebee Linear might be the ideal option for you. Its exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a bright sound profile, makes it a fantastic choice for those seeking a quiet yet enjoyable typing ambiance. In contrast, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers, the Gateron Luciola's 60-gram bottom-out force offers you medium heft along with a bouncy typing feel that can enhance your responsiveness while typing. Additionally, if aesthetics matter, the Luciola's glow-in-the-dark feature combined with its snappy, polished sound profile could add a fun flair to your keyboard setup. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and desired actuation force when selecting between these two linear switches, ensuring that you ultimately choose the switch that best aligns with your ideal keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more