Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can vastly influence your typing experience, especially between contenders like the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HC Studio Roselle. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing feel and its bright sound profile, which adds a lively character to every keystroke, making it a prime choice for gamers and typists seeking tactile feedback without resistance. On the other hand, the Roselle switches set themselves apart with their unique material blend, offering an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation that leads to a subtly low-pitched sound, catering to those who appreciate a quieter, more refined typing experience. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences: whether you favor a brighter sound with a robust feel or a softer, more muted auditory feedback with a silky touch. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HC Studio Roselle utilize POM (polyoxymethylene) for the top housing, leading to a comparable auditory experience when typing. The shared properties of POM contribute to an incredibly pleasing sound profile characterized as deeper and more muted than some of the alternative materials available for housing switches. This common use of POM in both switch designs indicates that users can expect a similar level of acoustic feedback, particularly when releasing the keys. The enduring nature of POM also ensures durability, enhancing the longevity of both switches while maintaining performance consistency, hence providing a satisfactory experience for users who prioritize sound quality.
When examining the bottom housings, however, differences arise between the two models. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its capacity to absorb sound and create a distinctively deeper and fuller typing experience. Conversely, the Roselle features a POM bottom housing, which, while it retains the appealing qualities of the top housing, may result in a sound profile that is somewhat less rounded compared to the nylon used in the Bumblebee Linear. The impact of these differences is crucial since the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, making each switch feel unique despite their shared top material.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HC Studio Roselle have matching POM top housings which lead to similar sound experiences, the variance in the bottom housing material introduces distinct characteristics to each switch. The Bumblebee's nylon bottom allows for a softer sound profile, making it ideal for users seeking a rounder audio feedback. On the other hand, the Roselle’s POM bottom provides a slightly different auditory and tactile experience, albeit still aligned with the deeper tones characteristic of POM. For users considering these switches, the choice between them may come down to their preference for either a dampened sound via nylon or a more consistent POM sound throughout.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we see some similarities and differences that cater to varying user preferences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them identical in the amount of pressure needed to trigger a keystroke, which can lead to a comparable typing experience for users looking for lighter options. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Roselle requires 52 grams. This slight increase in bottom out force for the Roselle suggests that it provides a bit more resistance when pressed all the way down, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option overall, while the Roselle, with its slightly higher bottom out force, may feel a bit heftier during extended use. For typists or gamers focused on endurance, the Bumblebee would likely be the better choice, while those who favor a more pronounced tactile feedback might find the Roselle more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress experiences when utilizing either switch. With both switches having the same travel distance, enthusiasts can achieve comparable results in terms of keystroke responsiveness and typing comfort. This parity in travel distance highlights the potential for interchangeable use in various keyboard builds, catering to those who prioritize a consistent feel across different setups.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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, offering a delightful auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a subtler, low-pitched sound signature with a bassy quality, creating a deeper and more resonant tone during key presses. This bassy and low-pitched sound can provide a rich auditory experience that many typists find pleasant. While both switches produce distinct sounds, the Bumblebee leans towards a brighter profile, whereas the Roselle offers a mellower, more bass-heavy experience. However, it's essential to keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap selection, meaning one can achieve different auditory results depending on the build.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is known for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, although specific descriptors were not provided. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch is notably frictionless, ensuring an effortless and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. This frictionless quality can make the Roselle feel incredibly smooth and continuous from key press to key press. Additionally, the mild nature of the Roselle promotes a gentle typing experience that likely appeals to a wide range of users. While the Bumblebee's specific feel is less defined, it suggests a similarly satisfying experience that aims to please typists who value smoothness.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HC Studio Roselle linear switches deliver unique sound and feel characteristics catering to different preferences. The Bumblebee offers a bright sound and a smooth experience, while the Roselle excels with its bassy, low-pitched sound and frictionless feel. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to personal taste, as both options provide high-quality typing experiences, with the Bumblebee favoring a livelier audio profile and the Roselle leaning towards a more subdued and fluid touch. Depending on your priorities in sound and feel, either switch will deliver pleasing typing results, assuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HC Studio Roselle Linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation force and enjoy an exceptionally smooth typing experience accompanied by a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is likely your best option. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for fast typists who appreciate quick keystrokes and a lively auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier 52-gram force that still provides a gentle feel, the Roselle Linear may be more suitable. Renowned for its frictionless design and low-pitched, bassy sound profile, this switch is perfect for those seeking a refined and ethereal typing experience that minimizes resistance while still delivering depth. Ultimately, consider how vital sound, actuation force, and typing feel are to your unique keyboard experience, as this will guide you to the switch that aligns best with your needs.