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Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown

An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bumblebee Linear, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists who value swift key presses without any tactile bump. Its bright sound profile adds a unique auditory charm that some users find appealing. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch that provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who appreciate a more engaged experience. While the Bumblebee Linear excels in achieving speed and fluidity, the Dustproof Brown caters to users who enjoy a tactile response that can aid in preventing typographical errors. 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

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

65g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 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

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

21mm single-staged spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, notable differences emerge particularly in the top housing component. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which provides a unique auditory experience characterized by a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This distinction in material affects the overall acoustic feedback each switch produces, with the POM housing offering a rounder sound and the polycarbonate providing clarity and resonance. Therefore, while both types of switches can yield satisfying auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences in sound quality.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Brown feature nylon, which is renowned for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's relatively soft nature allows it to absorb more sound, making it responsible for the duller and rounder acoustics that users experience when bottoming out the keys. Despite this similarity in material, the overall character of the switches is influenced by the combination of the materials used in both top and bottom housings. While the top housing of the Bumblebee Linear tames the sound, the Dustproof Brown’s polycarbonate adds brightness, effectively layering the auditory experience in different ways.

In conclusion, the interaction between the different housing materials in these switches leads to distinct sound profiles. The distinctly contrasting top housing materials—POM in the Bumblebee Linear versus polycarbonate in the Dustproof Brown—create varied auditory experiences. Meanwhile, the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound in both cases. Therefore, regardless of the configuration, enthusiasts may attain satisfying feedback when utilizing each switch, as the bottom housing consistently influences the overall sound experience while the top housing differentiates the clarity and pitch of the sound produced.

Weight

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when triggering a keystroke, which is advantageous for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force tells a different story; the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Dustproof Brown requires a heavier 65 grams to register fully. This difference makes the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch the lighter option overall, providing a more effortless typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous workload on their fingers. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial feel, which may appeal to users who favor tactile feedback and a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes a lighter, quicker response or a firmer, more deliberate typing experience.

Travel distance

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Bumblebee Linear measuring 3.6 mm while the Dustproof Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, the Bumblebee Linear provides a shorter travel feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown's longer travel distance may be more appealing to users who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper typing experience. Consequently, if responsiveness is your priority, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch would be the better choice, whereas those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback might lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch.

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 Dustproof Brown 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 enhances the overall auditory experience when typing. This lively acoustics contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback that can energize the typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have a specific sound description available, which leaves it somewhat ambiguous in terms of how its acoustics compare to the Bumblebee Linear. However, it’s important to note that the sound produced by any switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction, including material and design, as well as the choice of keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes without any tactile bumps or interruptions. This promotes a clean, consistent travel from top to bottom. On the other hand, the Dustproof Brown switch is typically known for its tactile feedback that provides a noticeable bump to signal a key activation. This tactile response can foster a more deliberate typing style, ideal for users who prefer to feel exactly when their key has registered.

In summary, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch is distinguished by its smoothness and bright sound profile, making it appealing for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience with lively audio feedback. The Outemu Dustproof Brown switch, while lacking specific sound characteristics, offers a tactile feel that many typists appreciate for its responsiveness. Depending on the user’s preference—whether they lean towards smooth and bright or tactile and deliberate—either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience overall.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth, quiet typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force, the Bumblebee Linear switch is your best bet. It is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick keystrokes and minimal resistance can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback that gives you a satisfying response with each keystroke and don’t mind the additional weight, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch would be the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation might cater to those who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing, which can help in reducing accidental key presses. Therefore, assess what matters most to you in a switch—whether it’s the smoothness and lightness of the Bumblebee Linear or the tactile feedback and sturdiness of the Dustproof Brown—so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your typing style.

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