Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by a bright sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback without the distraction of a loud click, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who favor a fluid and uninterrupted keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches offer a quiet yet tactile typing experience, highlighted by a satisfying "thocky" sound that provides satisfying feedback without being disruptive. These factory-lubed switches, with their unique translucent jade yellow housing, are particularly appealing for those who seek a more subdued acoustic environment paired with a pronounced tactile bump. Ultimately, while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, their distinct characteristics cater to different needs and preferences. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches differ in their top housing materials. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a unique, deeper sound that is relatively more muted than other materials. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its traditional properties in keyboard switches. While both materials lead to a fuller sound profile, the POM top housing's characteristics lend a distinctive resonance that can be perceived as more subdued compared to the richer tones delivered by nylon.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, we find that they are both made from nylon, creating a consistent element between the two models. Nylon is lauded for its softness, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deep and rounded acoustic signature. This similarity in bottom housing means that regardless of the top housing differences, users will experience a comparable bottom-out sound and feel when typing on either switch, as the nylon's properties dominate the overall acoustic profile during keystrokes.
In summary, the Bumblebee Linear and Silent Yellow Jade switches exhibit a divergent approach in their top housing materials while sharing a common bottom housing material. The POM top housing of the Bumblebee Linear contributes a nuanced, subdued sound, whereas the nylon top of the Silent Yellow Jade offers a more classical, resonant tone. However, the nylon bottom housing in both switches assures that users will encounter a largely similar typing experience in terms of depth of sound and tactile feedback, ultimately making these switches suitable for users who seek a rich acoustic experience coupled with the comfort of nylon cushioning.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that users seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Yellow Jade more satisfying, although it could lead to quicker fatigue during extended use for some. Overall, while both switches offer unique characteristics, the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option, ideal for those who prioritize comfort and prolonged use, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade offers a firmer response better suited for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch differ, with the Bumblebee Linear measuring 3.6 mm and the Silent Yellow Jade at 3.3 mm. This means that the Bumblebee Linear has a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced keypress that some users might find appealing for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Silent Yellow Jade could be beneficial for gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference: if you favor a deeper, more satisfying keystroke, the Bumblebee Linear is the better option; however, for those who prefer a snappier feel during gaming, the Silent Yellow Jade could be preferable.
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 Yellow Jade 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch produces a bright sound profile, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This can make the experience more engaging for users who appreciate a noticeable auditory aspect in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch boasts a quiet yet satisfying "thocky" sound. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise levels are a concern, as it minimizes disruption while still providing some auditory feedback. Both switches' sound profiles can be affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the linearity of the Bumblebee typically results in a more resonant sound compared to the dampened tones of the Silent Yellow Jade.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear excels with its exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is a hallmark of linear switches. This smoothness allows for uninterrupted keystrokes, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming where speed and precision are key. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile experience with a decisive "thocky" bump. This tactile feedback provides a pleasurable sensation, indicating actuation without the need for additional force, making it particularly satisfying for users who enjoy the tactile aspect of their typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches cater to different preferences. The Bumblebee Linear appeals to those who favor a smooth typing experience with bright auditory feedback, while the Silent Yellow Jade offers a quieter, more tactile option with its satisfying, muted sound. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you may find one switch more suitable than the other. Ultimately, both switches can enhance your typing experience, but choosing the right one will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness and sound or tactile satisfaction and quietness.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches largely depends on your personal preferences and the primary use case for your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience with an engaging sound profile and you're using your keyboard in a setting where feedback and speed are priorities—such as gaming or typing extensively—then the Bumblebee Linear, with its 50-gram bottoming out force, is an excellent choice. Its linear nature means that you won’t experience any tactile bumps, making it ideal for those who desire uninterrupted key travel without noise distractions. Conversely, if you value a tactile feel and a quieter typing environment—perhaps for office use or late-night typing sessions—then the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade with its medium-heavy 65-gram actuation force would be more suitable. The satisfying tactile bump combined with its muted "thocky" sound makes these switches great for typists who enjoy feedback without the disruptive sound profile typical of many mechanical switches. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness or tactile response and quietness, aligning your choice with your specific typing needs and environment.
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