Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Perky are two compelling options that cater to distinct preferences. The Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, paired with a bright sound profile that many typists find pleasing. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize a fluid keystroke and enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch offers a unique appeal with its softer and glittery nylon housings, providing a neutral yet deeply satisfying typing experience. The Perky's shorter travel distance contributes to a more condensed feel, making it a great choice for rapid typists or gamers who value speed and precision. Both switches have their merits, attracting users based on their tactile and auditory preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Perky switches showcase distinct yet complementary housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic properties. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, which is known for producing a uniquely pleasing sound profile that is generally deeper and more muted compared to other materials. In contrast, the Perky utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice renowned for its ability to generate a fuller and deeper sound. While the POM material in the Bumblebee offers a distinctive auditory experience, the nylon in the Perky still generates a satisfying sound feel but with a slightly different tonal quality. This stark difference in top housing composition leads to notable contrasts in the switches' overall sound signature.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches employ nylon, a common choice that provides consistency in the qualities attributed to the lower portion of the switch. The Bumblebee Linear's nylon bottom housing and the Perky's nylon bottom housing equally contribute to the switch's deeper and fuller sound profile. The soft and sound-absorbent nature of nylon aids in achieving a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it conducive for users seeking a thorough and muted sound. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, they share similarities in performance characteristics at the bottom-out point and can be expected to yield comparable results during use.
Ultimately, the interplay of different materials in the top and bottom housings results in a unique sound experience for each switch. The Bumblebee Linear’s POM top paired with nylon in the bottom creates a blended sound profile that emphasizes richer tones during key releases, while the Perky's uniform nylon housing emphasizes its consistent deeper auditory signature. However, due to the shared nylon composition in the lower section of both switches, users can anticipate a similar sound quality and tactile feel at the bottom-out position. Therefore, despite their material differences at the top, both switches create an enjoyable typing experience rooted in their shared bottom housing characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch to the HMX Perky linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom-out forces, making them suitable choices for those who prefer lighter typing experiences. The Bumblebee Linear has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Perky switch is slightly lighter at 43 grams; both switches share a bottom-out force of 50 grams. This similarity in bottom-out force indicates that users will experience the same resistance when pressing the switches down completely, regardless of which switch they choose. For typists or gamers looking for prolonged usage without fatigue, the lighter actuation force of the Perky may offer a marginal advantage. However, for those who appreciate a bit more resistance in their typing experience, the Bumblebee's slightly higher actuation force may feel more substantial. Overall, both switches cater to users who prefer lighter keypresses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Bumblebee stands out with a distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more traditional experience with a hearty depth, the Bumblebee would be the preferable option, offering a more pronounced key press. On the other hand, if you favor a quicker and more responsive feel, the Perky's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, especially for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for travel distance and how it aligns with your typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 switches is characterized by a bright tonal quality, which can bring a certain vibrancy to the typing experience. This brightness is often accentuated by the materials of the housing and keycaps used. In contrast, the HMX Perky switches offer a more neutral sound that is described as softer. This less pronounced auditory feedback could appeal to those who prefer a quieter typing environment. It’s essential to remember that the final sound produced by any switch is influenced by various factors, including the keyboard plate material and keycap design, meaning that both switches could sound different depending on their pairing.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear is renowned for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes. This smoothness can lead to a highly enjoyable typing rhythm, particularly for those who spend long hours at the keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switches offer a deeply satisfying typing experience with a neutral feedback, along with a shorter travel distance that can lend itself to a more condensed and responsive feel. This difference in travel distance presents a unique typing experience, catering to those who prefer quick key presses.
In summary, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Perky linear switches have their distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both cater to different preferences that can appeal to various typists. The Bumblebee Linear provides a bright auditory experience with a smooth keystroke, while the Perky offers a softer sound and a more condensed feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches promise unique and enjoyable typing experiences influenced by your keyboard setup and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Perky linear switches, consider your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you're after an exceptionally smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear would be an ideal choice. Its light actuation force of 50 grams allows for quick keystrokes, making it suitable for fast typists or gamers who value responsiveness. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more neutral yet deeply satisfying feel, the HMX Perky switch would be more to your liking. Its softer nylon housing provides a unique condensed typing experience due to its shorter travel distance, making it great for those who appreciate comfort and tactile feedback in their typing. Both switches feature the same bottom-out force, but the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize the smoother and brighter characteristics of the Bumblebee Linear or the softer, satisfying experience of the HMX Perky. Thus, take into account your personal preferences in sound and feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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