Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two intriguing options are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Ocean switches. The Bumblebee Linear, renowned for its exceptionally smooth keypresses and bright sound profile, caters to those who favor a fluid and uninterrupted typing experience, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speed and accuracy. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, offers a discernible bump at the actuation point, providing satisfying feedback for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience, suited for both typing and gaming alike. Each switch presents its unique benefits: the Bumblebee Linear allows for silent, swift keystrokes, while the Ocean enhances typing precision with tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Ocean, distinct auditory characteristics emerge due to their differing top housing materials. The Bumblebee Linear employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This is in contrast to the Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent flexibility and properties of the materials play a vital role; while POM creates a unique resonation that is less piercing, polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to clarity and brightness. Therefore, users can expect a more pronounced difference in sound quality between these two switches based purely on the top housing material.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in how they feel and sound when pressed. Nylon is celebrated for its softer characteristics, which tend to absorb more sound and yield a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This commonality means that both the Bumblebee Linear and the Ocean switches share a richness in their acoustic profile during key presses. However, despite the common bottom housing material, the differing top housings ensure that the overall sound experience will still vary significantly, as each switch’s top housing distinctly affects the tonal qualities perceived when a key is released.
The interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear, with its POM top and nylon bottom, favors a more muted and deeper resonance, while the Outemu Ocean's polycarbonate top, paired with the nylon bottom, maximizes clarity and brightness. Thus, if users are seeking a rounded sound experience from the Bumblebee Linear or a crisper tone from the Ocean, their choice will ultimately reflect their personal preferences in typing acoustics. Consequently, despite the similarities in bottom housing materials, the varied top housing characteristics shape the overall performance and auditory output experienced with each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that affect user experience. The Bumblebee Linear features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter touch facilitates easier keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, the bottom out force for the Ocean switch is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis. Overall, users looking for a lighter feel may gravitate towards the Bumblebee Linear switch, while those who enjoy a heavier touch should consider the Outemu Ocean switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bumblebee Linear switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Ocean, making it potentially more responsive for users who prioritize quick actuation. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Ocean switch may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper keypress, offering a more pronounced feedback during typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you're seeking a faster response time, the Bumblebee Linear would be the preferable choice, whereas the Ocean switch caters to those desiring a more traditional keystroke depth.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that offers a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. This can create a lively atmosphere, making each keystroke feel engaging. Conversely, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's sound qualities are not specified, leaving its acoustic characteristics open to interpretation. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes with no tactile bumps or resistance. This smoothness can lead to a fluid typing rhythm, ideal for users who prefer a seamless keypress. On the other hand, little is known about the tactile feedback of the Outemu Ocean switch, which leaves its specific feel qualities unspecified. If the Ocean switch offers any tactile feedback, it might cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced actuation point, but without concrete descriptions, it remains uncertain.
Considering the information provided, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch excels in both sound and feel, offering a bright auditory profile and a notably smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean's sound profile remains a mystery, and its tactile qualities are unclear. For those seeking a dynamic sound and effortless keystrokes, the Bumblebee Linear will likely deliver a satisfying experience, while the Outemu Ocean's appeal would depend on further exploration of its tactile nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, your preferences for typing experience and sound profile will heavily influence your decision. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that allows for rapid key presses—ideal for gaming or heavy typing—the Bumblebee Linear with its 50-gram actuation force would be the better choice. Its bright sound profile adds a lively touch to your typing, making it a great option if you enjoy auditory feedback while you type. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean switches are more suited for those who appreciate a tactile feel, allowing for a distinct physical response with each keypress. If you favor a typing experience where you can feel the activation point, this switch would be more enjoyable, particularly for typing tasks that benefit from tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style—go for the Bumblebee Linear if you desire smoothness and brightness, and consider the Outemu Ocean if you prefer that tactile sensation.
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