Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice both present compelling options tailored to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, offering a bright sound profile that enhances the auditory feedback during use. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a quieter yet fluid keystroke, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions without the distraction of sharp noises. In contrast, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches are celebrated for their vibrant, clacky characteristics that deliver a light touch and energetic feedback. This makes them an excellent choice for users seeking a more responsive and engaging typing experience, especially for gamers and fast typists who thrive on tactile sensations. While both switches are linear and designed for a smooth keystroke, their distinct sound profiles and feedback characteristics cater to different user preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, a clear divergence emerges between their top housing components. The Bumblebee Linear employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper, more muted sound profile, providing a warmer auditory experience that some typists might prefer for a more subdued atmosphere. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer properties. This difference in material not only affects the auditory feedback of each switch but also contributes to their aesthetic appeal; polycarbonate's translucency is particularly advantageous for showcasing RGB lighting effects, whereas POM's opaque finish offers a more understated look.
The bottom housings of the two switches further emphasize the differences in sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its housing material that absorbs sound and creates a fuller, deeper tone. This characteristic complements the POM top, resulting in a switch that emphasizes rounded sound profiles, suitable for users seeking a softer auditory experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning its sound profile closely with that of its top housing, leading to a more pronounced clarity and vibrancy in auditory feedback. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to the overall crispness of the sound, establishing a more tactile sensation that can be thrilling for users who enjoy the auditory sharpness while typing.
Overall, even though the Bumblebee Linear and the Salt Ice employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, they each harness their distinct qualities to achieve separate sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear, with its combination of POM and nylon, focuses on muted auditory feedback, appealing to users who favor a warmer and softer typing experience. In contrast, the Salt Ice's dual use of polycarbonate solidifies a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes sharpness and clarity. While these qualities lead to different user experiences, both switches can achieve a satisfying acoustic sensation tailored to user preference, illustrating how housing materials play a vital role in keyboard design and interaction.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, we see notable similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similar sensation when pressing down to trigger a keypress. However, the Bumblebee switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which adds a slightly heavier feel when fully pressed down, enhancing the tactile feedback for those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. The Salt Ice switch, on the other hand, does not have a bottom out force specified, making it difficult to directly compare how it feels when reaching the bottom of the keypress. As a result, even though the actuation forces are equal, the Bumblebee might be more favorable for users seeking a definitive feel when bottoming out. In terms of weight, the Bumblebee switch is considered lighter overall due to its clearly defined bottom out force. Consequently, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use might opt for the Bumblebee, while the unknown bottom out force of the Salt Ice leaves its overall weight and typing feel less certain.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, the Bumblebee Linear offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Salt Ice has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Bumblebee Linear switch provides a more pronounced keypress depth compared to the Salt Ice. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Salt Ice may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate quicker key presses—a trait often favored by gamers. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial keypress experience, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear with its longer travel distance may suit your preferences better. Overall, while both switches cater to different tactile experiences, the Bumblebee Linear leads with its greater travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a bright sound profile, characterized by a clear and resonant tone during typing. This ringing quality can provide an engaging auditory experience that enhances the typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice switch is noted for its bright and clacky characteristics, which can lend itself to a lively and energetic sound when activated. Both switches can produce similar acoustic results; however, the distinction lies in the type of brightness they exhibit. Sound profiles can also vary significantly depending on the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps, so users might find that their experience with either switch may differ based on their setup.
Regarding feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is praised for offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This smoothness typically translates into a fluid keystroke, making it a pleasure for long typing sessions. Conversely, the Salt Ice switch features vibrant feedback and an effortless actuation, which allows for a light touch and responds quickly to key presses. This responsiveness can create a sensation of immediacy as the switch activates, making it appealing for users who favor a more dynamic typing feel. While both switches provide pleasant typing sensations, the Bumblebee Linear emphasizes smoothness, whereas the Salt Ice leans towards a more noticeable feedback and lighter actuation.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches offer bright and engaging sound profiles, they diverge in feel and type of feedback. The Bumblebee Linear is notably smooth, catering to those who enjoy seamless keystrokes, while the Salt Ice excels with its quick and lively response. Ultimately, your preference between the two will come down to whether you prioritize smoothness or vibrancy in your typing experience. Both switches can lead to satisfactory results, depending on your typing style and the overall keyboard setup you choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. If you prefer a lighter touch and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear may be the better option for you, especially with its 50 grams bottom-out force which provides a satisfying glide without requiring much effort. Ideal for long typing sessions or if you enjoy a quieter work environment, the Bumblebee’s bright sound profile offers a pleasant balance without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a more vibrant and energetic typing experience, the Salt Ice switch might be your go-to choice. Even though it has an unavailable bottom-out force, its clacky nature and effortless actuation can elevate your typing with a lively feedback that many users find exhilarating. Consider your environment and typing style—whether you value a smooth, subdued feel with the Bumblebee or a lively, responsive touch with the Salt Ice—as you make your decision.
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