Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, a linear switch, and the Outemu Dustproof Purple, a tactile switch. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize seamless keystrokes and a bright sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch offers a tactile feel, providing noticeable feedback with each press, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for users who enjoy a more active engagement with their keyboard. While the Bumblebee Linear is perfect for gamers and typists seeking fluidity, the Dustproof Purple appeals to those who appreciate tactile sensations without sacrificing durability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which results in contrasting sound profiles during usage. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes POM for its top housing, leading to a deeper and more muted sound that is characterized as pleasing yet subtler. This material's unique acoustic properties allow for a sound profile that contributes to a generally warmer typing experience. In contrast, the Dustproof Purple boasts a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for generating a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer characteristics ensure clearer resonance, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a brighter auditory feedback that complements RGB lighting aesthetics due to its translucency and light diffusion properties.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, it's noteworthy that they share a common material: nylon. Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Purple feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound waves, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience. This similarity means that despite the differing characteristics of their top housings, users will experience a similar acoustic foundation when typing on either switch. The consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a cohesive feel, contributing to an overall pleasant typing experience regardless of the top housing's contribution to the sound profile.
Together, the combination of unique top housing materials and the shared nylon bottom housing illustrates how the overall sound and typing experience can be influenced by these characteristics. While the Bumblebee Linear offers a more muted and warm auditory experience due to its POM top housing, the Dustproof Purple provides a crisp and vibrant typing sound thanks to its polycarbonate top. However, the nylon bottom in both ensures that users will enjoy a more resonant and full-bodied sound when bottoming out the switch. Ultimately, this blend of materials showcases the balance between individuality in sound profiles while retaining a familiar and consistent typing feel across differing switch models.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch present a notable contrast 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 well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel with each keystroke. This difference means that while the Bumblebee Linear is easier to press, the Dustproof Purple provides a more resistant experience. Therefore, individuals who favor softer switches for prolonged use might lean towards the Bumblebee, while those seeking a firmer feedback may opt for the Dustproof Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch, the Bumblebee Linear features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Purple has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that, if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Bumblebee Linear switch may be the more appealing option due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance the overall speed and efficiency for gamers. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users prefer for a deeper and more satisfying keypress experience. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bumblebee Linear is the way to go, whereas those who enjoy a fuller depth might opt for the Dustproof Purple.
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 Purple 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 stands out with its bright sound profile, creating a clear and pleasing auditory feedback during typing. This is appealing for those who enjoy an engaging typing experience and prefer the vibrant acoustics that can enhance overall enjoyment. The Outemu Dustproof Purple switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific sound profile documented, leaving its auditory characteristics less defined. It's essential to remember that the acoustics of any switch can greatly depend on other elements like the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, which could influence the final sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate a seamless keypress with no tactile bumps to disrupt their flow. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch lacks a detailed description of its feel, leaving it open to interpretation. Generally, tactile switches like the Dustproof Purple often offer a noticeable bump during actuation that can give users a satisfying feedback sensation, but without specific insights, this remains speculative.
Overall, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch provides a distinct and bright sound coupled with a smooth typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch remains an enigma regarding its audible and tactile characteristics. If you're seeking an engaging auditory profile and a fluid feel, the Bumblebee Linear is a strong choice. However, for those curious about the tactile experience of the Dustproof Purple, it may be worthwhile to test it out personally to discover how it aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter actuation point and seek a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear switch would be a perfect match for you. This makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate rapid key presses and subtle feedback without any tactile bump. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel while typing and appreciate the feedback that comes from a tactile switch, the Dustproof Purple, with its medium-heavy actuation force, could be the better option. This switch lends itself well to users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, where you can feel each keystroke, which can enhance typing accuracy, especially for those who do a lot of writing or coding. Therefore, consider what type of feedback you desire and the force needed for your typing habits to make an informed choice between these two distinct switch types.
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