Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and sound profile. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke without any tactile resistance. Its bright sound profile can add a lively character to typing sessions, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience, ensuring that each keystroke feels distinct and satisfying. This switch is characterized by a snappy sound profile, which can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the tactile sensation and audible feedback during typing. Both switches carve out their own niche in the mechanical keyboard community—linear for smoothness and tactility for feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches showcase stark contrasts in their chosen materials for housing. The Bumblebee Linear’s top housing is made from POM (Polyoxymethylene), known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This characteristic can be attributed to POM’s inherent properties, which lend a softer resonance that results in a warm typing experience. Conversely, the Polaris Purple utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature allows it to produce more resonant sounds, giving users a heightened auditory sensation when typing. Therefore, if both switches were placed side by side, one would immediately notice the Bumblebee's plush and subdued sound compared to the Polaris's bright and clear tones.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences continue to distinguish the two switches. The Bumblebee Linear employs nylon for its bottom housing, a traditional choice in switch design. Nylon absorbs sound effectively, contributing to a fuller sound profile that complements the muted characteristics of the POM top housing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the bright sound signature established by its top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate at the bottom promotes a more pronounced response, resulting in an overall sharper tactile feedback. This divergence in material choices means that the Bumblebee Linear will produce a rounded sound upon bottoming out, while the Polaris Purple will create a more energetic and crystalline sound characteristic.
In summation, while both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they cater to different sound profiles and user preferences. The Bumblebee Linear’s muted sound, achieved through its combination of POM and nylon, appeals to those who favor a rich and softer typing experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, appeals to enthusiasts seeking clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. Despite their differences, both switches can deliver effective performance for typists or gamers, albeit with contrasting auditory experiences. Ultimately, users looking for similar button feedback might find that they can achieve satisfactory performance with either switch, depending on the auditory environment and tactile response they prefer.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, significant differences emerge. The Bumblebee Linear features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is noticeably heavier at 67 grams, which would appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Thus, while the Bumblebee is the lighter option overall, the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Purple caters to users seeking a firmer response. If both switches had similar actuation forces, users would experience comparable typing efforts, but as it stands, the Bumblebee Linear clearly prevails in the lightness category, making it more suitable for prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we find a notable difference. The Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Polaris Purple measures 4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the shorter option, catering to those who prefer quicker response times typical of gaming environments. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple, with its 4 mm travel distance, is aligned with more traditional switch characteristics, offering a deeper feel that some users favor for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bumblebee Linear will serve you well, whereas if you seek a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Polaris Purple is the better fit.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 examining the sound profile of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, it is noted for its bright sound, which can add a lively quality to your typing experience. This brightness typically results in a more pronounced audio feedback compared to other linear switches, making it a fun and engaging option for users who appreciate auditory cues while typing. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a snappy sound profile, described as neutral. This means it strikes a balance between being unobtrusive yet distinct, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you are at home or in a professional setting. Both switches exhibit their own unique sound characteristics, and ultimately, the experience can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is characteristic of linear switches. This smoothness ensures that there is no resistance or bump during the keypress, making it ideal for users who prefer a fluid and uninterrupted typing motion. The Polaris Purple switch, on the other hand, features a significant tactile bump, which offers an exhilarating tactile feedback. This bump is designed to provide a satisfying acknowledgment of key actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and overall satisfaction. Additionally, the Polaris Purple is noted for a mild feel that caters to users who may find overly aggressive tactile feedback overwhelming. It also boasts a polished finish, which reduces friction for a smooth key travel experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and SP-Star Polaris Purple switches present distinct audio and tactile experiences. The Bumblebee delivers a bright sound and exceptionally smooth feel, appealing to those who enjoy a linear typing experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple offers a snappy sound with a pronounced tactile bump and a polished, mild feel, making it suitable for users who favor noticeable feedback while typing. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that whether you choose the Bumblebee for its smoothness or the Polaris for its tactility, you’ll find satisfying results based on your individual typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a light touch and smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, the Bumblebee Linear is the way to go. Its 50-gram actuation force makes it suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. Additionally, the bright sound profile delivers a satisfying auditory feedback without being too intrusive. On the other hand, if you enjoy feeling a tactile bump with each keystroke for enhanced feedback, the Polaris Purple will serve you better. The medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams might take some getting used to, but the pronounced tactile feedback adds an engaging aspect to your typing experience. Its mild sound profile means it can be enjoyed in quieter environments, making it versatile for both home and office settings. Ultimately, reflect on your personal typing habits: go for the Bumblebee Linear for a smoother and faster experience, or opt for the Polaris Purple if you value tactile feedback and a more substantial feel.
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