Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Purple offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear, recognized for its exceptionally smooth actuation and bright sound profile, provides a seamless typing experience ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate swift keystrokes without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, categorized as a tactile switch, delivers a discernible bump at the actuation point, offering users a satisfying feedback that many find beneficial for typing accuracy and rhythm. While the Bumblebee Linear excels in speed and fluidity, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming, the Outemu Purple’s tactile nature can enhance typing comfort and reduce the likelihood of accidental key presses. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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 Purple switches differ primarily in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for its deeper, more muted sound characteristics. In contrast, the Outemu Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness and clarity. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, appealing to users keen on aesthetic illumination. While both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the differences in their top housings offer distinct auditory experiences.
Both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which contributes equally to creating a fuller and deeper sound profile. This commonality illustrates that while the top housing significantly alters the sound when a key is released, the nylon bottom housing plays a critical role in determining the sound and feel when a key is bottomed out. As both switches utilize nylon in this aspect, the overall sound signature when typing is likely to have similar depth and roundedness, despite the variation in their top materials. Consequently, users can expect a nuanced experience where the bottom housing provides a substantial auditory foundation, regardless of the differing top housing influences.
Overall, the interplay of the top and bottom housing materials creates a multifaceted auditory experience for each switch. The Bumblebee Linear's POM top allows for deeper tones, countered by the rich resonance of the nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Outemu Purple's polycarbonate top elevates sound clarity and brightness, supported by the same nylon base. Therefore, while the Bumblebee Linear may offer a more muted experience with a warm tone and the Purple a sharp, clear character, both switches will furnish users with a satisfying and distinct keystroke experience, blending the tonal qualities from their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we find distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Bumblebee Linear has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Outemu Purple requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams to achieve actuation. This difference suggests that users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming may find the Bumblebee Linear more suitable. In terms of bottom out force, the Bumblebee Linear also scores at 50 grams, providing a tactile feedback when fully pressed. However, the Outemu Purple lacks a specified bottom out force, making it difficult to assess its overall response during heavy typing. Consequently, the Bumblebee Linear stands out as the lighter option, catering to those who favor ease of use, while the Outemu Purple provides a firmer feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that the Bumblebee Linear switch may provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses for faster response times. In contrast, the Outemu Purple's 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional and deeper experience, which some users may prefer for its satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preference: those favoring responsiveness and agility might lean towards the Bumblebee Linear, whereas users seeking a sturdier typing experience may gravitate toward the Outemu 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 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by a bright, distinct tone that stands out when typing. This brightness can add a vibrant auditory element to the typing experience, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switch does not have a known sound profile, meaning its auditory characteristics are left to speculation and can greatly depend on the specific keyboard and keycap combination used. Ultimately, users can expect a differing auditory experience between the two, with the Bumblebee Linear offering a clear, bright sound, while the Purple switch's sound remains an open question.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness typically allows for rapid typing with minimal resistance, creating a seamless flow that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Purple switch is unknown, which leaves potential users without concrete expectations regarding tactile feedback or overall typing comfort. The linear nature of the Bumblebee suggests it will provide a consistently effortless experience, while the Purple switch may have unique tactile qualities that remain to be discovered.
Considering both sound and feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch clearly excels with its bright sound and smooth typing experience, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize auditory and tactile satisfaction. In contrast, the Outemu Purple’s qualities, particularly regarding sound and feel, remain unclear, potentially making it a gamble for newcomers. Overall, while the Bumblebee Linear offers a defined experience, the Purple switch holds uncertainty, suggesting that for users seeking clarity in their switch characteristics, the Bumblebee Linear may be the safer choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience that feels responsive and lightweight, the Bumblebee Linear switch is an excellent choice. Its 50 grams of bottom-out force means that it's easier on your fingers, making it perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and fluidity matter. Moreover, the bright sound profile adds a vibrant auditory element to your typing, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback that lets you know when a key has been actuated without any noticeable resistance, the Outemu Purple switch might be more suitable, especially for typists who enjoy feeling the response of each keystroke. While the specifics of the Purple's sound profile and feel are unspecified, tactile switches generally provide a satisfying bump that can improve precision in typing or gaming. Therefore, consider your typing style: go for the Bumblebee for a smooth and fast feel or the Purple for a more tactile and engaging response.
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