Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Black offer two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth, linear typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth keystroke and notably bright sound profile, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a tactile sensation without any obstructions during typing. In contrast, while the Outemu Black switch might not have any standout features highlighted in the same way, it is recognized for its reliability and consistent performance, often favored by gamers who require precision and durability in their switches. Both options cater to different preferences, whether you seek a more expressive auditory feedback with the Bumblebee or the sturdy reliability of the Outemu Black. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Black switches present a striking contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that yields a sound profile noted for being deeper and more muted. This unique quality is beneficial for users who prefer a more subdued acoustic experience when typing. Conversely, the Outemu Black sports a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This creates a more resonant auditory experience, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. While both switches aim to offer an auditory experience, the Bumblebee's deeper tones versus the Outemu's higher-pitched sounds demonstrate a clear distinction based on their respective top housing materials.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Black utilize nylon, a classic choice favored for its conducive contribution to sound absorption. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory response regardless of the switch's top housing. Therefore, while the top housings of these switches diverge in their material properties and their resultant sound profiles, the bottom housings remain consistent in their ability to create a more rounded and muted sound. This compatibility in bottom housing means that both switches will provide a substantial depth in sound, despite the differences in their top housing materials affecting the overall auditory experience.
Ultimately, the switching experience between the Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Black can still yield similar results in terms of sound depth, thanks to the common use of nylon in their bottom housings. Where the Bumblebee Linear leans toward a more muted tone from its POM top, the Outemu Black will offer a sharper output from its polycarbonate top. This delineation demonstrates how the top housing materials contribute significantly to the key release sound, while the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a consistent foundation. Consequently, users may choose between the two switches based on their preference for either the deeper sound profile of the Bumblebee or the sharper, crisper articulation of the Outemu, but can expect a depth in sound from both designs due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for extended typing and gaming sessions due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback. This significant difference in actuation and bottom out forces means that those who favor a lighter switch for comfort and efficiency may lean towards the Bumblebee, while those seeking a stronger typing experience may gravitate towards the heavier Outemu Black. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter or heavier switch for your typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Bumblebee Linear features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the shorter option, appealing to those who favor a more responsive feel, particularly gamers who benefit from quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Black's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you prioritize faster response times, the Bumblebee Linear would be the better choice, while the Outemu Black serves well for users who appreciate a more robust keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99, whereas the Outemu Black comes in at $3.10.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by a bright tone, which contributes to a lively auditory experience while typing. This clarity can be appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback in their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a noteworthy sound description available, making comparisons challenging. This lack of a sound profile suggests that the Black might offer a more subdued or neutral audio experience compared to the Bumblebee.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, which many users appreciate for prolonged typing sessions. The Black, again, lacks specific feedback on its tactile characteristics, so its overall feel remains largely undetermined. This absence implies that it might not offer the same level of smoothness or could vary significantly from what one experiences with the Bumblebee.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch provides a smooth feel and a bright sound, the Outemu Black switch remains ambiguous in these areas, lacking detailed descriptions for both sound and feel. Users who favor auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience might gravitate toward the Bumblebee, while those who do not prioritize sound and are indifferent to feel may find the Black switch suitable. Ultimately, your experience will depend on the specific board and keycap choices paired with each switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, responsive typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear may be the ideal choice for you. Its lower actuation force of 50 grams makes it easier to type quickly and with less fatigue, making it particularly suitable for fast typists or those who enjoy gaming. Additionally, the Bumblebee Linear's bright sound profile and exceptionally smooth feel contribute to an overall engaging experience. On the other hand, if you favor a sturdier feel and are comfortable with more resistance, the Outemu Black switch, with its heavier actuation force of 82 grams, would be more aligned with your needs. While it may not have specific standout features, its robust design can offer a satisfying typing experience for users who like a solid tactile feedback. Consider your typing style, sensitivity to sound, and preference for actuation force when making your decision between these two switches.
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