Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to choose the perfect fit for their typing or gaming needs. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch stands out for its remarkably smooth typing experience coupled with a bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value satisfying acoustics and fluid keystrokes during both work and play. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is engineered for speed and precision, featuring a full height design with low spring resistance that delivers instantaneous actuation—crucial for gamers where every millisecond counts. While both switches fall into the linear category, the Bumblebee provides a more enjoyable auditory experience, while the Speed Silver prioritizes rapid response and 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches present an interesting comparison, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a sound profile that is both deep and muted, offering a unique audio experience. In contrast, the Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized as a classic in the switch world. Nylon's softer composition results in a duller, rounder sound that absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastic materials. While their top housings differ in terms of material composition — POM versus nylon — both are designed to provide a pleasurable auditory feedback during typing, albeit with distinct tonal characteristics influenced by their material properties.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Cherry MX Speed Silver employ nylon, which again contributes similarly to their overall sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing in both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound, effectively minimizing harshness and enhancing the overall typing experience. This shared material compels users to experience a more muted bottom-out sound, lending to a cohesive auditory experience across both switches. Thus, the fact that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing suggests that users can expect similar results in terms of sound depth and fullness during use, reinforcing the muted yet rich auditory feedback.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Cherry MX Speed Silver differ in their top housing materials — POM versus nylon, respectively — they share identical nylon bottom housings, leading to comparable acoustic feedback in specific contexts. The interaction between a switch's top and bottom housing materials plays a pivotal role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Bumblebee's unique POM top may create a distinct sound when keys are released, while the Speed Silver's nylon top will yield different tonal characteristics. Nevertheless, the nylon bottom in both switches ensures that the core auditory experience remains rich and enjoyable, making each suitable for users who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, both switches present an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience comparable typing dynamics when pressing down on either switch. However, the Bumblebee Linear switch has a defined bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly firmer push to fully depress the key, while the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is currently unknown. This ambiguity means we can't draw direct comparisons regarding how it feels when they bottom out. In terms of weight, the Bumblebee Linear switch is lighter overall, which may appeal to those who prefer less effort during extensive typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the MX Speed Silver's undefined bottom out force leads to uncertainty in its overall weight feel, leaving potential users without a complete picture of its tactile experience. Overall, those seeking a lighter switch for longer use may favor the Bumblebee Linear, while others might lean toward a stronger push feel if the MX Speed Silver were to be heavier, pending more information.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the longer option, providing a more pronounced key press that some users may find more satisfying, especially if they appreciate that extra depth for tactile feedback. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers seeking faster response times and sharp actuation, which can enhance their performance in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, if you're looking for a balance between responsiveness and depth, the choice between these two switches will significantly impact your typing or gaming experience, depending on your personal preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is known for its exceptionally bright sound profile, which can lend a lively quality to your typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch produces a thocky sound, characterized by a deep, rich tone akin to a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" with each actuation, and it leans towards the low-pitched spectrum, creating a more bass-heavy auditory experience. Both switches can exhibit variations in sound based on the keyboard they are mounted on and the type of keycaps used, so factors like these may influence the final auditory signature.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for providing a remarkably smooth typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys without any hindrance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, meaning a noticeable friction occurs as keys are pressed. While some users might appreciate this slight resistance as a tactile feedback, others may prefer the frictionless quality of the Bumblebee Linear. Therefore, the feel greatly influences where these switches can excel, with the Bumblebee leaning towards those who favor a smooth touch and the Speed Silver catering to those who appreciate a bit of texture in their keystrokes.
Overall, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches cater to different preferences in gaming and typing experiences. If you're drawn to a bright sound and a silky smooth feel, the Bumblebee might suit you perfectly. In contrast, if you prefer a sound that's deep and engaging with a bit of texture in the actuation, the MX Speed Silver is likely the better option. Both switches have their unique traits; choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you value sound richness and smoothness or depth and texture.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a light actuation with a smooth typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent option, providing a satisfying tactile output and a bright sound profile that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment, particularly for casual typists or those who appreciate an acoustic element in their keyboard. On the other hand, if you're an avid gamer seeking the fastest response times, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is your go-to. This switch is crafted for rapid actuation due to its low spring resistance, making it a vital tool for competitive gaming where quick reflexes are key. The tactile feedback of the Speed Silver might not be as smooth as the Bumblebee, but its thocky sound and textured feel can add a certain depth to your gaming experience. Therefore, consider what aspects of performance, sound, and feel matter most to you; whether it's the Bumblebee's smoothness and brightness or the Speed Silver's speed and built-for-gaming design, each switch brings distinct advantages well-suited to different types of users.
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