Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves at a crossroads between options that offer unique tactile experiences, such as the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Cold Plum, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and minimal resistance during key presses, while its bright sound profile adds a lively element to typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and robust fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke that is complemented by a satisfying auditory feedback, ideal for those seeking a distinctive and enjoyable typing feel. While both switches are linear and promise a smooth actuation, their sound characteristics and construction materials cater to different tastes. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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 Cold Plum switches present a fascinating comparison in their housing materials, each of which contributes uniquely to the overall sound and typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, which is known for producing an exceptionally pleasing sound profile characterized by its deeper and more muted qualities. In contrast, the Cold Plum opts for a nylon top housing, which is a classic material in mechanical switches. While both materials absorb sound effectively, the POM provides a crisper, more refined auditory output, whereas the nylon's inherent softness promotes a rounder, fuller sound. Thus, the Sonic characteristics diverge significantly between the two brands primarily due to the top housing materials.
Both the Bumblebee Linear and Cold Plum switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This creates a shared foundation in terms of sound profiles, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound and dampens the harshness that could arise from harder materials. This similarity allows both switches to deliver a deeper and fuller sound experience when bottoming out, ensuring that users will enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback regardless of the switch they choose. Consequently, much of the delightful sound quality experienced during typing on either switch is strongly influenced by this consistent nylon composition on the bottom.
In summary, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Cold Plum share commonality in their nylon bottom housings, they diverge in their top housing materials, causing variations in sound output and feel during use. The POM top on the Bumblebee Linear leads to a more muted and nuanced sound, suitable for those who favor subtlety, whereas the Cold Plum’s nylon top provides a richer and more resonant typing experience. This distinction emphasizes how the top and bottom housings interact, determining the key feel upon actuation and release, allowing users to appreciate different auditory reflections from each switch while still benefiting from the foundational acoustic properties provided by the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are notable differences in both 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 suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile push feel while typing or gaming. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the lighter choice overall, while the Cold Plum is the heavier option. As a result, users looking for a switch that allows for longer sessions without fatigue may lean towards the Bumblebee, while those seeking a firmer response might opt for the Cold Plum.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it's clear that the Bumblebee Linear offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cold Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may seem minor, but it can influence the feel of the switch significantly. The Bumblebee Linear switch, with its greater travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for users who prefer deeper key presses, while the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it particularly appealing to gamers. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches should consider personal preference for key depth versus responsiveness.
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 Cold Plum 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a bright sound profile that gives a lively auditory feedback during use. This clarity can create an engaging typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a more pronounced sound as they type. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is renowned for its thocky sound profile, lending a deeper and more bass-like resonance to each keystroke. This contrast means that while both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, the Bumblebee excels in brightness, whereas the Cold Plum delivers a richer, thockier sound that enhances the typing ambiance.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with a consistent keystroke that allows for easy and fluid typing. This smoothness makes it appealing to typists who prefer a seamless motion without any tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is characterized by its smooth keystroke as well but also emphasizes a satisfying feel that many enthusiasts find enjoyable. The distinct feeling of each press in the Cold Plum may offer a slightly different sensation compared to the Bumblebee, but both ensure a pleasant experience devoid of any tactile bumps or resistance throughout the actuation.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches provide a pleasurable typing experience, but they cater to different sound preferences and may offer subtly different sensations in feel. While the Bumblebee Linear shines with its bright auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes, the Cold Plum distinguishes itself with a deeper thock and its engaging typing feel. If you appreciate the unique characteristics of each, you are guaranteed to enjoy a satisfying result from either switch, provided that you consider how your choice of keyboard and keycaps may influence the final outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches, consider your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth keystroke, the Bumblebee Linear, with its 50-gram actuation force, will likely provide a delightful experience, particularly suited for quick typing or gaming sessions where rapid key presses are essential. The bright sound profile adds to its allure, making it an excellent choice if you enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams, the Cold Plum switch offers a unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a satisfying aural and tactile response. This switch might be more fitting for users who don’t mind exerting a little extra force for enhanced feedback and a sturdier feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific typing style, whether you lean towards a lightweight, bright experience with the Bumblebee or a more pronounced tactile and auditory engagement with the Cold Plum.
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