Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options come to the forefront: the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron New North Pole V2. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a bright sound profile that appeals to those seeking a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 distinguishes itself by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience without sacrificing the smooth and frictionless feel that Gateron users have come to adore. Both switches offer unique qualities, with the Bumblebee focusing on sound and a plush feel, while the New North Pole V2 emphasizes a more tactile precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
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
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron New North Pole V2 demonstrate notable differences in their housing materials, particularly in terms of sound profile and aesthetic characteristics. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, which is designed to produce a deep and relatively muted sound. POM, known for its smooth finish, lends to a unique auditory experience that some users may find more pleasing for quiet environments. Conversely, the New North Pole V2 employs a polycarbonate top housing that results in a sharper, crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which allows it to create clearer and more resonant sounds. Aesthetically, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it an appealing choice for those wishing to showcase RGB lighting, a feature that the Bumblebee Linear's opaque POM housing lacks.
The bottom housing of each switch reveals further distinctions that significantly influence sound quality. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is classic in the keyboard switch world. This material tends to absorb sound, creating a deeper and fuller auditory experience, while contributing to a softer bottom-out feel. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top to create a coherent sound profile characterized by a sharper pitch. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate results in a more resonant sound and a keystroke experience that is both crisper and more pronounced. Hence, the overall typing experience between the two switches varies greatly due to the materials chosen for the bottom housing.
When considering how these materials interact, it's essential to recognize the specific influence each housing type has on the sound and feel of key presses. With the Bumblebee Linear's nylon bottom housing complementing its POM top, users can expect a more muted yet fuller typing experience overall. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2's coordination of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings produces a brighter sound profile, enhancing responsiveness and clarity in key presses. If both switches shared the same housing materials, similar auditory results could be expected, but this is not the case here. Therefore, the unique combination of materials in each switch results in distinct auditory experiences and tactile feedback, appealing to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a medium feel that may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, those who enjoy lighter switches would gravitate towards the Bumblebee, while users fond of a heavier push should consider the New North Pole V2. Overall, the Bumblebee Linear switch is the lighter option, while the New North Pole V2 is the heavier choice, giving users distinct preferences to consider based on their typing or gaming style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches, we find that the Bumblebee features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee switch the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who often prefer shorter distances for quicker key presses. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 offers a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, which some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, which can enhance the overall typing experience by providing an engaging auditory feedback. This character is particularly appealing for users who appreciate a lively tick or pop accompanying their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch offers a distinctively crisper sound due to the absence of a rubber dampener, delivering a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback with every keystroke. While both switches have their unique auditory characteristics, the sound experience will ultimately hinge on factors such as keycap material and the construction of the keyboard itself, meaning users could achieve satisfying results with either switch depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, though further descriptors detailing its tactile sensations aren’t provided. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 linear switch is celebrated for its polished, creamy, and frictionless characteristics. This combination allows users to glide effortlessly across the keys and experience a luxurious typing sensation as if the fingers are smoothly melting into the keystrokes. The frictionless aspect means there's minimal resistance during operation, making it a delight for those who favor a fluid typing experience, which is particularly characteristic of Gateron’s North Pole lineup.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bumblebee's bright auditory feedback offers a distinctive experience, while the New North Pole V2 compensates with a crisper sound and a notably polished and smooth tactile input. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a lively sound profile or a refined, effortless typing experience. Given these insights, users may find both switches appealing, depending on their individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom out force of 50 grams, combined with a notably smooth and bright typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear might be the ideal choice for you. This switch excels in providing a smooth keystroke with a delightful sound profile, making it suitable for those who enjoy a softer touch while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more substantial typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 62.5 grams, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 would likely serve you better. This switch not only maintains a polished and creamy typing sensation but also delivers a frictionless feel that’s ideal for users who appreciate a crisper response without the dampening effect. Ultimately, consider your tactile preferences and how much resistance you desire in your switches, and choose accordingly to enhance your typing or gaming experience.
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