Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Gold

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Gold can greatly influence your typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its seamless actuation and smooth keystrokes, providing a fluid typing experience with a bright sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element without the clicky feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch is characterized by its clicky response, delivering an audible and tactile sensation with each keystroke, making it an excellent option for typists who enjoy a pronounced feedback while typing. Each switch caters to different preferences: the Bumblebee Linear is ideal for those seeking a quiet and smooth experience, while the Outemu Gold appeals to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. 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 Gold Clicky

$2.99 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Gold switches contrast distinctly in their top housing materials, shaping the auditory characteristics of each switch. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound profile. This material's inherent dampening qualities create a unique auditory experience that can be described as pleasing yet subtle. In contrast, the Outemu Gold's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in materials not only influences the sound profile but also affects how each switch interacts with the lighting—specifically, the crystal-clear attributes of the polycarbonate allow for more aesthetically pleasing RGB lighting effects.

When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Gold utilize nylon, a classic choice for switch housings. This shared material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer properties absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. The tactile feel of each choice during typing is characterized by the fuller, rounder sounds that nylon provides. Thus, regardless of the differences in top housing, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches share a similar auditory characteristic at the bottom end of the sound spectrum, creating a harmonious typing experience across both models.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials in both switches leads to distinct yet complementary auditory profiles. The POM top housing of the Bumblebee Linear contrasts with the polycarbonate used in the Gold, affecting the sound when the key is released and resulting in a deeper profile for the former compared to the sharper tones of the latter. However, the shared nylon bottom housing binds them together in their ability to deliver a rich typing experience. By understanding how each material contributes to the acoustic qualities—both at the key press and release—users can appreciate the unique qualities of both switches while recognizing that they will still achieve pleasant sound profiles through the nuances of their respective constructions.

Weight

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience similar trigger responsiveness when pressing keys. This provides a lightweight typing experience, beneficial for extended typing sessions and gaming. However, the Bumblebee Linear switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Gold switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference implies that while both switches feel similar upon actuation, the Bumblebee Linear feels lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force, offering a softer landing with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Gold, with its higher bottom out force, provides a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push to their typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the Bumblebee Linear measures 3.6 mm, while the Gold switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Bumblebee Linear, with its shorter travel, may offer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold's 4 mm travel distance provides a deeper press, catering to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a fuller typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, which can add an engaging auditory quality to typing without being overly harsh or jarring. Conversely, the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound characteristics are currently unknown; however, it's worth considering that switch acoustics can be significantly influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard, case material, and keycap design, so one could modify these elements to achieve a sound that suits their preference for both switches.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate seamless key travel without tactile bumps or resistance. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch is not specifically documented, although being a clicky switch, it likely incorporates a tactile feedback mechanism that some typists find satisfying. Tactile switches typically offer noticeable resistance at the actuation point, which can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy that sensation.

Overall, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch presents a smooth and bright auditory experience that many typists may find appealing, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch remains an enigma in terms of its sound and feel but likely focuses on providing tactile feedback. Both switches can appeal to different types of users: the Bumblebee for those who enjoy a linear typing experience with a bright sound, and the Outemu Gold for those who might prefer a more tactile interaction if it adheres to typical clicky switch characteristics. Ultimately, personal preference will play a major role in selecting a switch that meets one's typing needs, and both options can be fine-tuned with additional keyboard factors to fit a user's style.

Conclusion

To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and prefer a quieter typing experience, especially for tasks like coding or writing, the Bumblebee Linear, with its light 50-gram actuation force, is an ideal choice. It offers an impressive fluidity that can enhance your overall typing comfort over long periods. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback and auditory response that can make typing more engaging, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be better suited for you. With a firmer actuation force of 60 grams, it provides that satisfying click sound and feel that many typists enjoy, making it great for gaming or typing with precision. Consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—whether it's the smoothness of the keystroke or the tactile feedback—and select accordingly to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

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Outemu Gold Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more