Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing feel and bright sound profile, making it a great option for users who enjoy a tactile yet unobtrusive auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean offers the advantage of being designed to reduce noise, making it a preferred option for users who prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially in shared workspaces or during late-night gaming sessions. While both switches fall under the linear category, they cater to different preferences—one for those who appreciate a lively sound and smooth action, and the other for those seeking silence and resilience against dust. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
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
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches, we observe fundamental differences in their top housings that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a deeper, more muted sound that enhances the overall auditory experience, while also providing a unique and pleasing tonal quality. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its inherent stiffness. This material allows for greater sound resonance, providing a more lively and immediate auditory feedback. Aesthetically, polycarbonate’s translucency also makes it particularly appealing for those who utilize RGB lighting, enhancing the visual aspect of the keyboard.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to create a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a classic choice, known for its softer properties compared to harder plastics. This shared use of nylon means that, regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Dustproof Silent Ocean will exhibit a similar depth and roundness in sound when bottoming out. This commonality ensures that while the top housing may contribute distinct tonal differences, the bottom housing's acoustic qualities help unify the auditory experience during use, allowing both switches to produce a rich, engaging sound signature when keys are fully pressed.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housings in both switches highlight the interplay between design and sensory experience in mechanical keyboards. While the Bumblebee Linear's POM top housing lends a muted and deeper sound that complements its nylon bottom, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top offers a sharper sound profile paired with the same nylon base. Consequently, users can anticipate a unique auditory experience with each switch, shaped partially by the top housing, yet underlined by the unifying sonic richness provided by the nylon bottom. This combination allows for a diverse range of sound experiences, catering to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, we observe notable differences in their bottom out forces, despite both having an identical actuation force of 45 grams. The Bumblebee Linear is notably lighter overall, with a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without strain. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch features a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, which appeals to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and feel more resistance when reaching the key's maximum travel. Both switches deliver similar actuation force behavior, allowing users to experience responsive keystrokes, but the differing bottom out forces cater to different preferences in typing feel and feedback. Ultimately, those seeking lighter keys will gravitate toward the Bsun Bumblebee, while users desiring a heavier, more tactile experience will likely favor the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch, we find that the Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Dustproof Silent Ocean the shorter of the two switches, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who favor a more substantial keypress experience, offering a sense of depth that shorter switches may lack. Therefore, while both switches are designed to meet different preferences, a key distinction lies in their travel distances, with the Bumblebee providing a fuller tactile response compared to the more immediate feedback of the Dustproof Silent Ocean.
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 Silent Ocean 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 is known for its bright sound profile, providing a distinctly audible feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a more resonant sound. This can result in a lively sound that some typists find satisfying, particularly in a lively workspace or among enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch does not have a defined sound profile noted, which suggests it may be designed for a quieter experience. As with all switches, the actual sound produced can vary based on the keyboard's build, including the choice of materials for the case and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is recognized for delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for quick and seamless keystrokes with minimal resistance. This smooth characteristic is often appreciated by gamers and typists wanting to increase their speed and efficiency. The feel of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is unknown, which leaves it open to interpretation and user experience. However, since these switches are designed to be silent, one could infer a focus on a more muted actuation feel, potentially lessening the tactile feedback that some users might seek in their typing experience.
In summary, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a bright sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel that could appeal to those seeking lively auditory feedback and responsiveness, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's qualities remain undefined, particularly in sound and feel. If noise reduction is a priority, the Silent Ocean may serve well, but the Bumblebee Linear’s vibrant qualities are likely to provide a more engaging experience for those who thrive on auditory cues while typing. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on personal preference regarding sound, feel, and the intended use case.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the type of environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a light touch and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear switch is an excellent choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless key presses, and its bright sound profile can add a lively atmosphere to your typing sessions, making it ideal for gaming or casual use. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing for extended periods and prefer a more pronounced resistance, the 65-gram bottom-out force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch may suit you better. While it lacks a notable sound profile, its medium-heavy feel provides a satisfying tactile response that can enhance the typing experience, especially in quieter or shared environments where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, consider your typing style, whether you favor lighter switches for speed or heavier switches for control, as well as the acoustics of your workspace when making a decision.
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