Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Rice Pudding are worth considering. The Bumblebee Linear switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a bright sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy an auditory feedback while typing. This linear switch is ideal for users who prefer a straightforward keystroke without the tactile bumps commonly found in other switch types. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is renowned for its unique blend of smooth operation and a deeper sound, delivering a balanced typing experience that is both satisfying and precise. This hall effect switch gains additional appeal through its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making it a versatile choice for enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Bumblebee Linear may be ideal for users who favor a bright audio experience, while the Rice Pudding is perfect for those who prioritize a balanced typing feel with added versatility. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Rice Pudding, one notices a distinct difference between their top housings. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and relatively muted profile. This contrasts sharply with the Rice Pudding, which features a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that resonates more clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but is also aesthetically advantageous for RGB lighting, as it allows for a vibrant illumination effect. Hence, while both switches can offer satisfying auditory experiences, the Bumblebee Linear is tailored for those who prefer a more subdued and warm sound, while the Rice Pudding caters to users looking for a crisp, bright response.
The bottom housings of both switches are uniform in their use of nylon, providing a commonality that forms the foundation of their acoustic profiles. Nylon is celebrated in the keyboard community for its sound-absorbing properties, which lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic remains consistent between both switches, ensuring that the bottom-out sound and feel are enriched by the nylon material. Consequently, the distinct qualities of nylon ensure that both switches maintain a similar auditory experience when it comes to the impact of the bottom housing—delivering a satisfying roundness to the sound that typists have come to enjoy.
Overall, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Everglide Rice Pudding differ in their top housing materials—impacting the overall sound profile—they share a crucial similarity in their nylon bottom housings. This shared material allows for a deeper and fuller acoustic experience, which helps balance the contrasting qualities found in their respective top housings. While users may gravitate toward one switch for its specific auditory characteristic—muted versus bright—the nylon bottom housing assures that both switches deliver a substantial typing experience, proving to be synergistic in achieving overall satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both options are considered light but differ slightly in their specifications. The Bumblebee Linear has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes the Rice Pudding the lighter option overall, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Bumblebee is marginally heavier, indicating a slightly more substantial feel when fully depressed. While both switches are relatively light, those seeking a softer touch may prefer the Rice Pudding, whereas users who enjoy a more defined push feel may lean toward the Bumblebee. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lighter typing experience, the Rice Pudding would be the preferable choice.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rice Pudding features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users who favor a more responsive experience may lean towards the Rice Pudding switch due to its marginally shorter distance, which can enhance reaction times in gaming scenarios. Conversely, those who enjoy a firmer key press with more depth might prefer the Bumblebee Linear, given that its travel distance is slightly greater. Although the difference is minimal, it could contribute to the overall tactile experience, making the Bumblebee Linear the better choice for users seeking that extra depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 switch is bright, contributing to an engaging auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers a deeper sound, providing a more resonant auditory feedback. It's essential to remember that the overall sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various external factors, such as the type of keyboard used and the keycap material, meaning that while these switches may feature distinct sound qualities on their own, the actual experience could vary based on your setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth action, ensuring a seamless typing experience without any tactile bumps or resistance. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switch also emphasizes smoothness, delivering a blend of satisfying responsiveness and precise actuation. Both switches are designed to provide a fluid typing experience, so regardless of your choice between the two, you'll likely appreciate the overall comfort and ease of typing they each offer.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Everglide Rice Pudding switches excel in providing smooth operation, though they differ in their sound profiles—bright versus deep. Therefore, choosing between them may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound and any specific keyboard compatibility needs, especially for those considering performance-oriented setups.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and lightweight typing experience while enjoying a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear could be your best bet. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it feel effortless to type on, perfect for long writing sessions or fast-paced gaming without fatigue. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a satisfying balance of smooth operation and a deeper sound while also being compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, the Rice Pudding is the way to go. With a slightly lower bottom-out force of 48 grams, it offers a precise and refined typing experience that appeals to both casual users and enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the unique compatibility of the Rice Pudding with innovative setups adds a layer of versatility that could enhance your overall keyboard experience. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you value a brighter sound and linear responsiveness or a deeper audio profile with added compatibility.
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