Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Silent White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, complemented by a bright sound profile that adds a lively auditory element to each keystroke, making it a great choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced feedback without the tactile bump. In contrast, the Outemu Silent White is designed for those who prefer a quieter environment, as its silent operation minimizes noise while maintaining a smooth linear feel, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, yet they diverge in their acoustic presence and intended use. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
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 Silent White, a clear divergence emerges between their top housings. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for its top housing, which is celebrated for producing a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This characteristic lends itself to a musical quality that many users find pleasing, especially for casual typing or gaming. Conversely, the Silent White employs a polycarbonate top housing that yields a contrasting sound; it is higher-pitched and crisper, attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material inherently promotes a clearer resonance, making it ideal for those seeking a sharper auditory feedback, especially when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucent property. Therefore, while both switches offer appealing acoustic experiences, their distinct top housing materials create sharply different sound profiles.
On the other hand, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which presents an interesting point of similarity. Nylon is regarded as a classic switch housing material, and its softer plastic composition effectively absorbs sound. As a result, both the Bumblebee Linear and Silent White produce a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing. This shared characteristic suggests that while the top housings create divergent acoustic experiences, the nylon bottoms harmoniously bridge their sound qualities. Consequently, both switches manifest a rounded and subdued sound at the bottom-out point due to the nylon's inherent properties, contributing to a satisfying typing experience across both models.
In light of how these materials interact within each switch, it is clear that the combined effects of the top and bottom housing materials delineate the overall auditory experience. The POM top of the Bumblebee Linear seeks to create a warm soundscape that is beautifully complemented by its nylon bottom, while the Silent White’s polycarbonate top delivers a distinct clarity, synergizing with the same nylon base. Ultimately, despite their differing top materials, both switches can achieve acoustically pleasant typing experiences due to the shared nylon bottom, which enhances the fuller, deeper tonal quality inherent to both key switches. Thus, users can expect overall compatibility in terms of sound yet will appreciate the unique decibel stylings imparted by each top housing.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Silent White linear switches present a comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that could cater to different user preferences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar ease of keystroke initiation, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out forces diverge considerably; the Bumblebee Linear's bottom out force is 50 grams, while the Silent White pushes this to 60 grams. This means that while both switches feel light during the actuation phase, the Silent White provides a heavier and more substantial feel at the bottom, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance when fully pressing down. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter and more effortless typing experience might gravitate towards the Bumblebee Linear, whereas users desiring a firmer tactile feedback might choose the Outemu Silent White due to its greater bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White measures slightly less at 3.3 mm. This means that the Bumblebee Linear offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced keystroke feel that some users prefer for its heavier depth. On the other hand, the Silent White, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more to gamers or users who favor quicker response times for a more responsive typing experience. Therefore, if you lean towards a more tactile typing experience, the Bumblebee would be the better option, while the Silent White may appeal to those who prefer a snappier feel with its shorter 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 White 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 produces a bright sound profile, which can add a certain level of character to the typing experience. This clarity in sound enhances the overall interaction with the keyboard, making keystrokes feel more pronounced. However, the Outemu Silent White switch lacks a defined sound profile, which typically suggests a quieter operation. The actual sound produced by either switch is also influenced by the keyboard plate and the keycaps used, so the overall auditory experience may vary based on the specific setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes that can enhance typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent White switch remains unclear, which makes it difficult to provide a subjective comparison in this area. Enthusiasts often perceive the tactile sensations of switches differently based on personal preference and keyboard configuration, making the feel of a switch highly subjective.
In summary, while the Bumblebee Linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile and renowned smoothness in feel, the Outemu Silent White switch offers an unknown quality in terms of both sound and feel. If you prefer a more dynamic auditory experience and seamless keystrokes, the Bumblebee Linear is likely the better choice, while the Silent White may cater to those seeking a quieter operation, even though its specific qualities remain undefined. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or are looking for a quieter typing experience, as both switches could yield satisfying results in a well-chosen keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent White switches ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and the typing environment you find yourself in. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a smooth, responsive experience along with a brighter sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent option. It’s ideal for long typing sessions or gaming, where rapid keystrokes are essential, and the lighter actuation helps reduce finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier key feel that offers more resistance at 60 grams for a firmer bottom-out and potentially better feedback during typing, the Silent White may be more suitable for you. Additionally, if you find yourself in a quiet environment or working alongside others, the Silent White's noticeably muted sound can help reduce distractions. Therefore, assess your typical typing habits and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two distinct switches.
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