Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a vital role, particularly in the case of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Red Panda. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, providing a seamless feel with each keystroke, complemented by a bright sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a quieter yet refined auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a tactile typing experience, providing a light to medium amount of tactility that delivers satisfying feedback during use. Its unique sound profile features a bassier, raindrop-like bottom out, providing a contrast to the clackier, higher-pitched top out that many users find delightful. While the Bumblebee Linear is often favored for its speed and smoothness—ideal for gamers and fast typists—the Red Panda appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation in their typing, making it great for writers and programmers. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Red Panda switches feature distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a deeper, muted sound. This softer acoustic characteristic is attributed to POM's composition, which minimizes resonance and creates a unique auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Red Panda employs a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper and more resonant sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure amplifies higher frequencies, resulting in a clearer and crisper auditory profile. Therefore, the choice between these two top materials can lead to notably different sound experiences, making it essential for users to consider their preference for sound profile when selecting a switch.
While the top housings differ, both the Bumblebee Linear and Red Panda switches share a common bottom housing material—nylon. This material is recognized as a classic in switch construction because it contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its soft composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. As a result, both switches will exhibit a rounder tonal quality from the base when typing, as nylon reduces excess resonance. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the top housing's inherent qualities, both switches will have a consistent bottom-out feel and sound due to the nylon bottom housing that rounds out their acoustic profiles.
In conclusion, the contrasting top housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Outemu Red Panda switches create distinct sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a cohesive foundation of depth and fullness. The Bumblebee Linear's POM top housing quiets the sound and resonates at lower frequencies, while the polycarbonate of the Red Panda sharpens and elevates the sound profile. This combination shows how material choices in switch construction can lead to varied yet complementary auditory experiences, and it highlights how understanding each material's impact allows users to tailor their typing experience to their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good choice for users who prefer a switch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a stronger keystroke resistance. While both switches have distinct actuation and bottom out forces, the Bumblebee Linear is designed for a lighter, more effortless typing experience, whereas the Red Panda offers a firmer tactile feedback. Therefore, users' preferences will ultimately guide their choice between a lightweight sensation and a more robust engagement.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Bumblebee switch offers a greater depth, potentially providing a more substantial feel when pressed. Those who appreciate the sensation of a deeper keypress may prefer the Bumblebee, whereas gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times might gravitate towards the Red Panda due to its shorter travel distance. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Bumblebee being the longer option and the Red Panda being the shorter one, making them distinct choices depending on the user’s desired typing experience.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its exceptionally bright profile, producing a crisp and clear auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This can make each keystroke feel lively and engaging, particularly in quiet environments where the brightness can stand out. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a more complex sound signature, characterized by a thocky quality, which produces a rich, deep sound upon keypresses. The bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound coupled with a higher-pitched top-out creates a dynamic auditory experience that provides both depth and clarity. The difference lies in the Bumblebee’s bright tone suited for those who prefer a more straightforward linear sound, while the Red Panda’s thocky nature appeals to those who enjoy a more textured auditory experience.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it perfect for users who prioritize a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda offers a light-medium amount of tactility, which provides a gentle yet satisfying feedback upon activation. This mild tactility creates a balanced experience that’s approachable for most users while still giving a subtle indication of key actuation. The smoothness of the Bumblebee plays well for speed typists or gamers, whereas the Red Panda caters to those who enjoy the tactile confirmation of their keystrokes.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Outemu Red Panda switches cater to distinct typing preferences through their unique sound and feel characteristics. The Bumblebee’s bright sound and smooth, unbroken keystrokes offer a linear experience ideal for speed and efficiency. In contrast, the Red Panda's thocky sounds and mild tactility provide a more engaging and satisfying typing experience that many may find pleasant due to its richness. Depending on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can lead to an enjoyable typing experience, though they will deliver fundamentally different sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a smooth and consistent typing experience with lighter actuation, the Bumblebee Linear is a fantastic choice, particularly for fast typists or gamers who thrive on quick key presses and a bright auditory feedback. Its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams allows for effortless actuation, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile experience with a satisfying feedback and a richer sound profile, the Red Panda would be more suitable. The 60 grams of force required for actuation provides a more pronounced feel, enhancing your typing experience with its mild tactility and that thocky sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. Thus, if you're looking for a balance between sound and feel that is approachable and enjoyable, the Red Panda is likely the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and speed or tactility and satisfying auditory feedback in your keyboard experience.
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