Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its silky, uninterrupted keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who prioritize speed and smoothness in their input. This switch boasts a bright sound profile that adds a lively character to typing without the added resistance of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey caters to users seeking a more subtle yet satisfying experience, featuring a pronounced tactile bump that provides clear feedback on each press while maintaining a quiet performance—ideal for office environments or shared spaces. Both switches have unique advantages depending on whether you value a smooth linear feel or a discreet tactile response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Silent Grey, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, a material known for producing an incredibly pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. This sound profile is particularly appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Grey employs polycarbonate in its top housing, which creates a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant acoustic quality. Thus, while both switches can achieve satisfying auditory experiences, the Bumblebee Linear leans towards a more subdued sound, whereas the Silent Grey provides a sharper auditory response.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Silent Grey utilize nylon, which is recognized as a classic housing material in the switch industry. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon’s softer nature absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder sound. As such, both switches share a similar characteristic in their bottom housing that enhances the overall acoustic experience when bottoming out. The nylon material provides a sense of consistency in sound quality across both switch models. This shared utilization of nylon, therefore, creates a balance in the final auditory output, allowing users to experience a deeper and more resonant sound with either switch.
When pressed down, the distinct characteristics of each switch's top housing lead to varying sound experiences when releasing a key. While both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey will produce a fuller sound thanks to their nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housings will result in contrasting auditory effects upon key release. In essence, while both switches can provide a satisfying experience thanks to their nylon bottoms, the choice between a deeper, muted sound from the Bumblebee and a sharper, more resonant sound from the Silent Grey will ultimately depend on the preference for sound profile at the top of the switch. As a result, users may enjoy similar overall impacts, but with unique qualities shaped by the top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize ease of keystrokes, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Grey requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, offering a more substantial feedback feel that some users may prefer for a more authoritative typing experience. As a result, those who enjoy a lighter switch will favor the Bumblebee Linear, while those seeking a heavier response would likely lean towards the Silent Grey. Overall, if both were to have similar actuation and bottom out forces, users could expect a comparable typing experience, but in this case, the differences highlight distinct preferences based on the weight and feel of each switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, a notable difference emerges. The Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option, which can enhance responsiveness for those who appreciate quicker actuation, such as gamers. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch has a traditional travel distance of 4 mm, providing a more pronounced depth that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt during typing. Therefore, if you prefer heightened responsiveness, the Bumblebee Linear would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while those who favor a richer tactile experience may opt for the Silent Grey's longer travel distance.
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 Silent Grey 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 produced by the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by a bright, crisp profile, ideal for those who enjoy an audible yet pleasant sound when typing. This is in contrast to the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, which is designed for a quieter operation, focusing on a subdued sound experience. While the Bumblebee Linear may resonate more prominently during use, the Silent Grey offers a stealthier approach, making it suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, while both switches invite different auditory experiences, the acoustics can also be affected by the keyboard build and keycap material you pair them with.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience that is unencumbered by tactile bumps, allowing for fluid key presses from top to bottom. This is contrasted by the Outemu Silent Grey switch, which boasts a pronounced tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback during typing. Users who appreciate a responsive feel may prefer the tactile feedback of the Silent Grey, creating a more interactive typing experience, while those who opt for the Bumblebee Linear will enjoy an uninterrupted flow with each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bumblebee Linear excels in delivering a smooth and lively soundscape, while the Silent Grey offers a soft, tactile experience with minimal noise. Depending on your priorities—whether you value a bright auditory experience or a quiet yet tactile engagement—both switches are designed to enhance typing enjoyment, though they do so in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Grey switches ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you favor a light touch while typing and enjoy a smooth keystroke with an engaging auditory feedback, the Bumblebee Linear would be an excellent fit for you. Its 50-gram bottom out force is forgiving, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and fast-paced gaming. However, if you find yourself in quieter settings such as shared workspaces or prefer feedback when typing, the Outemu Silent Grey might be the better option. With its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out force, you will get a satisfying tactile bump without the clicky noise, making it ideal for both focused productivity and casual use. Thus, your choice really hinges on balancing the desire for feedback and sound with how light or heavy you like your key presses.
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