Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Crystal Brown comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes without any tactile bump or resistance, making it an ideal choice for gamers and those who type rapidly. Its bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory element that some users find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering a satisfying feedback that helps typists recognize key presses without needing to bottom out. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prioritize accuracy and prefer a more deliberate typing experience. Both switches cater to different user needs—whether you're looking for smooth, unimpeded action or a tactile confirmation with every keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, the most notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Bumblebee Linear features a top housing made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This material's unique acoustic properties allow for a pleasing sound that is distinctively rich. In contrast, the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a sound that is sharper, crisper, and higher-pitched. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound profile, making the Crystal Brown an excellent choice for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during key presses.

Despite the differences in their top housing, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing. This plastic is well-known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The similarity in the bottom housing means that when it comes to the feeling of the switch during typing and the sound produced upon bottoming out, the Bumblebee Linear and Crystal Brown will yield similar results. This shared nylon material helps to soften the sound profile, providing that characteristic roundness to the bottom-out experience while allowing users to enjoy a sense of familiarity regardless of the top housing differences.

The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches illustrates how differing acoustics contribute to a switch's overall sound and feel. For the Bumblebee Linear, the POM top delivers a delightful muted tone while the nylon bottom enhances depth. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown leverages the clarity of polycarbonate for a more exciting sound, complemented by the fullness provided by the nylon bottom. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on user preferences regarding sound clarity versus depth, though both offer a satisfying typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housings.

Weight

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch exhibit some similarities in their actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of pressure to register a keystroke. This makes them equally approachable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the two switches differ when it comes to their bottom out forces; the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams. As such, the Bumblebee Linear switch can be classified as lighter overall, offering less resistance at the bottom of the key press compared to the heavier feeling of the Crystal Brown. This distinction may be crucial for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience, making the Crystal Brown a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it's evident that the Bumblebee Linear has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in measurement suggests that the Bumblebee Linear may cater more to gamers seeking quick response times, as shorter travel distances often provide a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Crystal Brown, with its slightly deeper travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced actuation feel. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you value rapid key presses or a more traditional typing experience with a bit more depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a bright sound profile that enhances the auditory experience during typing. This characteristic contributes to a satisfying acoustic feedback that can be quite enjoyable for users who appreciate a lively soundscape. The Outemu Crystal Brown switch, on the other hand, does not have any notable sonic characteristics mentioned, which suggests that it may offer a more subdued sound profile compared to the Bumblebee Linear. However, it is important to remember that the actual sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is best known for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, which ensures a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bumps. This can make it especially appealing for those who prefer a fluid typing sensation. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch likely leans towards a tactile feel, offering a bump at the actuation point that can give users clear confirmation of key presses. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for individuals who enjoy a more physical response while typing.

In conclusion, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch provides a bright sound profile and a notably smooth feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch's characteristics remain more ambiguous in sound, with a likely emphasis on a tactile feel. If you seek a lively auditory experience alongside smooth keystrokes, the Bumblebee Linear might be the ideal choice; however, if tactile feedback is a priority and sound is less of a concern, the Crystal Brown could suit your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities, and your choice may hinge on whether you favor acoustic feedback or tactile sensation in your typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth and fluid typing experience with a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice, especially for activities like gaming where quick key presses are vital. Conversely, if you appreciate a bit more resistance and prefer the tactile feedback that helps you feel when a key has been actuated, the Crystal Brown would suit you better with its medium-light bottom-out force. Additionally, if you're looking for a versatile switch that strikes a balance for both typing and casual gaming, the Crystal Brown might be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear experience or a tactile feel for enhanced feedback.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

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Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more