Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing feel, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke without any tactile bumps. Its bright sound profile adds a layer of auditory satisfaction, appealing to users who appreciate a bit of feedback without distraction. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is a clicky variant that is perfect for typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile response and an audible click with each keystroke, often enhancing the overall typing experience by providing a rhythm that some find motivating. Ultimately, the choice between a smooth linear type and a pronounced click decides how you engage with your keyboard. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade switches both utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles, promoting a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The Bumblebee Linear, on the other hand, features a POM top housing that contrasts with the Blue Jade’s nylon top housing. While both materials are acknowledged for their ability to create muted sound profiles, the POM housing of the Bumblebee Linear produces a uniquely pleasing sound that leans towards a more pronounced depth and damping effect. Thus, while both switches aim for a balanced auditory performance, the choice of top housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the final sound characteristics.
Despite the differing top housing materials, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Blue Jade share the same bottom housing material, which is nylon in both cases. This commonality ensures that when pressed down, the overall feel and sonic output will exhibit similarities regarding the bottom-out sound. The nylon’s softer characteristics enable sound absorption, leading to a rounder auditory experience regardless of the top housing variance. Therefore, when typing on these switches, the deeper sound profile produced by the nylon bottom housing will contribute to a gratifying bottom-out sensation common to both switches, amplifying their overall compatibility in terms of typing experience.
Should you seek consistent results between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade, it is essential to recognize that the top housing's differing materials do create distinct characteristics when the keys are released. The POM top housing of the Bumblebee Linear, with its ability to create a unique and fuller sound, contrasts with the nylon top of the Blue Jade, which tends to yield a more classic and subtle reverberation. Consequently, users who appreciate a more pronounced sound upon releasing keys may prefer the Bumblebee Linear, while those who favor a more muted, traditional response may find the Outemu Blue Jade more appealing. Ultimately, despite the differences in top housing materials, the underlying nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver a satisfying and rich typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Blue Jade switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a more substantial bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a firmer push that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. As a result, those who favor lighter switches for comfort and longer use should opt for the Bumblebee Linear, while those who appreciate the tactile feedback and resilience of a heavier switch may find the Blue Jade more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there's a clear distinction between the two. The Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Blue Jade boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, positioning it as the longer choice. For gamers who favor quicker key responses, the Bumblebee Linear may provide an advantage due to its shorter travel, potentially enhancing responsiveness. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial key press might prefer the Blue Jade, as its longer travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch suits your needs better, depending on whether you prioritize speed or depth in your typing experience.
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 Jade 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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a bright sound profile that adds a unique auditory element to the typing experience. This brightness is characteristic of high-quality linear switches, providing a pleasant and relatively subdued tone that avoids the harshness often found in certain types of switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade switch is a clicky switch, boasting a more pronounced and audible click sound with each keypress. This clickiness not only provides tactile feedback but also delivers a satisfying auditory confirmation of each keystroke. It’s worth noting that the distinct sound produced by each switch can be influenced greatly by the keycaps and the keyboard design you choose, making the overall experience customizable.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes without any tactile resistance. This smoothness is ideal for users who prefer a fluid and uninterrupted descent of the key. Conversely, the Blue Jade switch delivers a tactile bump along with its click sound, providing a more engaging feedback that many typists find enjoyable. This tactile feedback makes it ideal for those who crave a more interactive typing sensation, particularly for touch typists who rely on feel to navigate the keyboard effectively.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade switches offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. With the Bumblebee Linear, you get a bright sound and an incredibly smooth feel, ideal for pure linear switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the Blue Jade provides a pronounced click with tactile feedback, satisfying those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference in sound and tactile sensations, as they cater to different styles of typing and user engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Blue Jade switches should largely depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you favor a lightweight, smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, the Bumblebee Linear switch is likely a better fit for you. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it ideal for rapid typing and gaming sessions, where quick response times are key. The bright sound profile it offers can also enhance your typing enjoyment, providing audio feedback without being overly disruptive. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile and pronounced feel coupled with a satisfying click sound, you may prefer the Outemu Blue Jade switch. With its medium-heavy 65-gram actuation force, it offers a more pronounced resistance, which can help prevent accidental key presses, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more deliberate typing style. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only the physical characteristics of each switch but also how they align with your typing habits and preferences.
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