Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue switches. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize fluid key presses without tactile feedback—in essence, it allows for rapid, uninterrupted typing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue switch caters to those who enjoy a tactile response and an audible click with each keystroke, providing a more traditional typewriter-like experience that many find satisfying, especially for typing enthusiasts. While the Bumblebee Linear excels in providing a quiet and seamless operation, the Outemu Blue stands out for its distinctive sound quality, which can enhance typing satisfaction for some users. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue switches, there are distinct differences between the top housings while sharing similarities in the bottom housings. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which creates a sound profile that is deep, muted, and overall pleasing. In contrast, the Outemu Blue is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, known for contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate amplifies sound clarity and resonance, allowing for a sound profile that stands in contrast to the muted tones of POM. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, thus producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, the contrasting top materials lead to notable differences when typing.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which influences the auditory output more significantly during bottoming out. This shared material results in a deep and rounded sound because of nylon's softer properties, which effectively absorb sound. As a result, both the Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Blue can provide a similarly pleasant tactile feel and sound when pressed down, leading to an enjoyable typing experience. The nylon bottom housing's ability to dull the sound creates a consistent depth across both switches, allowing for a balanced overall performance, even with differing top materials.
The impact of the different top housing materials becomes even more pronounced during key release. When releasing a key, the POM top housing of the Bumblebee Linear will generate a more muted sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the Outemu Blue's polycarbonate top. This dichotomy in sound profiles means that even though both switches can feel similar due to their common nylon bottom housing, the auditory experience will differ significantly when key releases are considered. Therefore, while typing on both switches can feel comparable, the overall sound experience diverges due to the contrasting top housings, showcasing how material choices significantly influence switch performance and sound.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch exhibit differing characteristics in terms of actuation force, with the Bumblebee Linear requiring a lighter touch at 45 grams compared to the 50 grams needed for the Outemu Blue. This makes the Bumblebee Linear a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it can reduce finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Blue is not available, leaving a gap in full comparative analysis. The Bumblebee Linear’s bottom out force of 50 grams suggests a consistent resistance throughout the keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more tactile experience. Meanwhile, the higher actuation force of the Outemu Blue may provide a more substantial typing feedback for users favoring a firmer response. Overall, if you’re seeking a lighter keyboard experience, the Bumblebee Linear clearly stands out, while the Outemu Blue leans towards those who appreciate a stronger key feel, albeit with uncertain bottoming out details.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the Bumblebee Linear features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Blue has a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction suggests that the Bumblebee Linear may offer quicker responsiveness, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking faster key presses. In contrast, the greater travel distance of the Outemu Blue might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper feeling when typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in your key presses.
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 Blue 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
When considering the sound profiles of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue switches, they present distinctly different auditory experiences. The Bumblebee Linear is noted for its bright sound profile, which contributes to a pleasing auditory feedback without the sharpness of a click. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch, known for its clicky design, produces a pronounced "click" sound with every keystroke. This not only adds character to the typing experience but also provides clear auditory confirmation of actuation. It's important to remember that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap materials, so users may experience variations based on their specific setups.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This linear movement allows for fluid keystrokes without tactile bumps or audible clicks, potentially enabling faster typing for those who prefer a less interrupted motion. Conversely, the Outemu Blue switch features a tactile bump and a click sound to signal actuation, making it ideal for typists who appreciate tactile feedback. This combination may help improve typing accuracy for some individuals, especially those who rely on auditory cues while typing. Therefore, while the Bumblebee switch caters to a more seamless flow, the Blue is designed for those who enjoy a more textured and interactive experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Blue switches offer unique typing experiences catering to different preferences. The Bumblebee provides a smooth and bright sound, perfect for users seeking a clean and subdued auditory experience, while the Outemu Blue stands out with its clicky, tactile feedback that many typists appreciate for its engagement and clarity. Ultimately, each switch has its own strengths, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference and typing style. Whether you prefer the fluidity of the Bumblebee or the tactile responsiveness of the Blue, you can find satisfaction in either option based on your individual needs and setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch ultimately hinges on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a lighter actuation force, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent option. It offers a pleasant auditory experience alongside its linear feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a quieter workspace or prefer a more fluid typing experience when gaming or typing for extended periods. Conversely, if you thrive on tactile feedback and love the satisfying click sound that accompanies your keystrokes, the Outemu Blue clicky switch would likely be the better fit for you. Its distinctive auditory feedback can enhance your typing rhythm and provide a sense of satisfaction with each press, making it well-suited for typists or individuals who appreciate that extra tactile engagement. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual needs—whether you prioritize a smooth, linear action or the classic clicky feedback that enhances your typing experience.
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