Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Pine offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a bright sound profile that adds a unique auditory dimension to your keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Pine Linear Switch boasts a translucent, forest green design and is known for its medium-heavy feel, delivering a buttery smooth experience that minimizes friction thanks to its polished, factory-lubed finish. Where the Bumblebee might appeal to those seeking a brighter and more pronounced acoustic feedback, the KTT Pine is designed for users who appreciate a low-pitched, creamy sound with a weightier tactile response. Both switches aim to enhance your typing enjoyment, making them solid options for different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Pine switches employ notably different housing materials for their tops, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. POM’s unique characteristics lend themselves to generating a pleasing auditory experience that is generally appreciated by users desiring a softer typing sound. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material recognized for its capacity to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer acoustic output, resulting in a more resonant sound when keys are released. Therefore, despite both switches functioning as linear switches, the distinct top housing materials lead to markedly different auditory experiences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bumblebee Linear opts for nylon while the KTT Pine incorporates polycarbonate, creating an additional layer of contrast. The nylon bottom housing of the Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, yielding a deeper and fuller tone. This softer material contributes to a sound profile that is rounder and less harsh, enhancing the warm auditory qualities when typing. Conversely, the KTT Pine features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing to produce a crisp, clearer sound. Given that polycarbonate is a stiffer material, it amplifies high frequencies, thereby providing a brighter typing experience. This fundamental difference in bottom housing materials ensures that each switch carries its unique auditory signature, further diversifying user preference according to auditory and tactile sensations.
Ultimately, the distinct characteristics of the top and bottom housings in the Bumblebee Linear and KTT Pine switches work in tandem to create their unique sound profiles. For the Bumblebee Linear, the POM top works harmoniously with the nylon bottom to produce a rich, muted sound that caters to those who value softness in their typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine's polycarbonate top and bottom enhance the switch's clarity, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced sound. While both switches provide varied auditory engagements, those seeking similar outcomes in sound profiles might find ways to balance their typing experience through selective customization. For example, mixing and matching components of different switches can lead to tailored auditory experiences, allowing users to explore personal preferences effectively.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they offer a similarly light touch when it comes to triggering keystrokes, making them suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming due to their low fatigue potential. However, the bottom out forces differ between the two; the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Pine's is heavier at 58 grams. This distinction implies that the KTT Pine provides a more substantial tactile feedback upon bottoming out, which some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Therefore, while both switches ensure a light actuation for ease of use, the Bumblebee Linear is overall the lighter switch due to its lower bottom out force, making it a better choice for those who favor a softer, less heavy-feeling key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Bumblebee Linear measuring 3.6 mm and the Pine at a longer 4 mm. This difference highlights the Bumblebee's shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, while the Pine's additional 0.4 mm offers a more traditional and possibly satisfying depth for those who prefer a firmer key press. Therefore, individuals who enjoy a snappier feel with less travel may lean towards the Bumblebee, whereas those who favor a more pronounced actuation may opt for the Pine.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, though specific details about its acoustic qualities are not provided. On the other hand, the KTT Pine Linear switch is notable for its bassy and low-pitched sound, which creates a richer and deeper auditory experience during key presses. The Pine's sound can be described as having a mellow tone that resonates lower in frequency, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. It’s important to note that individual sound perceptions can vary based on other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycap materials; thus, while the Bumblebee boasts brightness, the Pine emphasizes depth.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, contributing to a pleasing moment of tactile engagement. Although precise descriptors regarding its feel are not specified, it is inherently associated with a seamless key travel experience. In contrast, the KTT Pine Linear switch is renowned for its buttery and creamy feel, delivering a silky and frictionless typing sensation. The factory-lubed finish enhances this experience, ensuring minimal resistance during keystrokes. While both switches promise smoothness, the Pine offers an added dimension of ease and fluidity with its creamy texture, likely stemming from its factory lubrication.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Pine Linear switches emphasize a smooth typing experience, they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations. The Bumblebee Linear is bright and smooth, whereas the KTT Pine delivers a deeper, bassy tone along with a creamy keystroke feel. Both options provide enjoyable experiences, though personal preference for sound and typing sensation will ultimately guide the choice, as each switch presents unique attributes that enhance the typing journey in their own ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Pine linear switches, you'll want to consider your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear would be your best choice. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for quick and effortless keystrokes, perfect for rapid typists or gamers who need precision without the fatigue of heavier switches. However, if you lean towards a more medium weighted switch with a richer sound and a buttery smooth feel, the KTT Pine is the way to go. Offering a 58-gram bottom out force, these switches deliver a deeper, bassy sound and a creamy tactile experience, making them suitable for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback while typing. In essence, choose the Bumblebee for a lightweight, bright experience, and the KTT Pine for a more substantial, harmonious typing journey.
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