Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Orange offer distinct yet appealing characteristics. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the KTT Orange stands out with its bouncy feel, thanks to its 22mm long spring, and a frictionless journey facilitated by its thoughtfully designed components, including a polycarbonate milky top and a long pole POM stem. The Orange switch's low-pitched sound adds another layer of enjoyment for users who prefer a subtler acoustic output. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the Bumblebee's smoothness and brightness or the KTT Orange's bounciness and refined key travel, each switch serves unique preferences in the world of mechanical keyboards. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Orange switches showcase contrasting housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyodia Methyl Acrylate) top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the KTT Orange utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinction arises primarily from the inherent properties of the materials: POM, being softer, contributes to a fuller sound characterized by a more rounded tonal quality. Conversely, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly advantageous for those seeking a vibrant audio experience, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting where the translucency of the material enhances visual aesthetics.
In regards to their bottom housings, the Bumblebee Linear employs a nylon material, further emphasizing its preference for a deeper audio experience. Nylon’s soft composition tends to absorb sound, contributing to a duller resonance, which aligns well with users who appreciate a more muted keypress feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange’s bottom housing also employs polycarbonate, resulting in an even crisper sound profile from the base of the switch. This combination of materials for both switches produces a dynamic contrast between the deeper tones of the Bumblebee Linear and the high-pitched clarity offered by the KTT Orange. As such, users looking for auditory feedback can expect varying experiences from these switches, dictated largely by the material composition of both the top and bottom housings.
When considering how the differing materials influence the overall sound profile of the switches, it's essential to note that the impact of each housing type is inherent to its position within the switch. The bottom housing, in both models, plays a crucial role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing significantly affects the sound produced when the key is released. Therefore, the Bumblebee Linear’s nylon bottom coupled with a POM top creates an experience that balances depth with subtlety, while the KTT Orange’s polycarbonate bottom and top assembly aligns with an overarching theme of sophistication and clarity. Ultimately, while the distinctive sound signatures of each switch may lead to different tactile experiences, users will find that both switches can still deliver satisfying results but through divergent acoustic pathways.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, we observe distinct characteristics in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. As a result, typists or gamers who favor a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Bumblebee Linear more suitable, while those who prefer a more substantial touch may lean towards the KTT Orange. Although the actuation forces are close, the differences in bottom out forces also contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Bumblebee providing a softer landing compared to the KTT Orange.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive keystroke with a minimal travel distance, the KTT Orange switch may be the preferable choice. On the other hand, the Bumblebee Linear switch offers a little extra depth, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced feel in their key presses. While both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the subtle difference in travel distance could make a significant impact on user preference; those who favor speed and quick responses might lean towards the KTT Orange, whereas those who appreciate more tactile feedback may find the Bumblebee Linear to be more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 features a bright sound profile, which can provide a snappy auditory feedback that some typists might find more engaging. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch is characterized by its low-pitched sound, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is generally softer on the ears. This difference in sound profiles means that while the Bumblebee Linear can deliver a more vibrant auditory experience, the KTT Orange may be more suited for those who prefer a quieter, subtler typing environment. It’s also important to note that the sound of each switch can be influenced by various factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience that likely promotes fluidity and comfort during extended typing sessions. The KTT Orange switch, on the other hand, offers a bouncier sensation thanks to its long spring, giving a lively and responsive feel with a characteristic rebound upon keypress. Additionally, the Orange switch's frictionless nature enhances this experience, ensuring that the action feels effortless and smooth. While the Bumblebee Linear may provide a generally smoother experience, the KTT Orange adds an element of springiness, which can make it more dynamic and engaging for some users.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Orange linear switches cater to different preferences, with the Bumblebee providing a bright sound and smooth feel, while the KTT Orange combines a low-pitched sound with a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. Depending on your individual preferences for sound and feel, you might find that you enjoy one switch over the other. However, for typists who appreciate both sound and smoothness, experiencing both switches could highlight their respective strengths and help in making an informed choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Orange linear switches, your choice should largely depend on your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter touch while typing, the Bumblebee Linear with its 50-gram bottom-out force may be more appealing, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile. This switch is ideal for users looking for rapid, effortless typing without the need for much force, making it well-suited for fast-paced gaming or writing tasks. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-light bounce with a unique tactile feedback, the KTT Orange switch's slightly heavier 53-gram actuation could provide a lively typing experience with its bouncy sensation and frictionless travel, thanks to its excellent factory lubing. The deep, low-pitched sound of the KTT Orange may also be more desirable if you want a quieter yet satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference for switch feel and sound; choose the Bumblebee for a lightweight, bright experience and the KTT Orange for a bouncier, more refined feel.
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