Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing feel and a bright sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who value auditory feedback alongside tactile comfort. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches stand out not only for their aesthetic appeal, available in five pastel colors, but also for their proprietary material blend that creates a unique, airy typing experience. With a 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches provide a surprising lightness that belies their firm resistance, offering a distinctively hollow sound signature that sets them apart. While both switches promise smoothness, the Bumblebee is favored for its pronounced auditory presence, while the Sea Glass focuses on a delicate, feathery touch. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Sea Glass exhibit distinct characteristics that affect their overall sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Bumblebee Linear is designed with a top housing made from POM, which is noted for producing a deeper and more muted sound. This acoustic signature results from the material’s natural properties, leading to a unique sound experience that can be described as pleasantly satisfying yet subdued. In contrast, the Sea Glass employs a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing, which results in a brighter sound profile. This blend introduces a sense of clarity and vibrancy, making for an auditory experience that is distinctive yet also pleasing, albeit less muted than that of the Bumblebee Linear.
When examining the bottom housings, the differences between the two switches continue to play a significant role in shaping their respective sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, revered for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's relatively soft plastic properties, which absorb sound waves and contribute to a rounder auditory output when the switch is activated. Conversely, the Sea Glass’s bottom housing also features a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend, similarly designed to create a pleasant sound profile that is brighter. While both switches utilize nylon in their constructions, the introduction of UHMWPE in the Durock Sea Glass creates a nuanced differentiation that brightens the overall sound emission, providing a different tactile feedback and sound quality upon bottoming out.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches reveals fundamental differences in how sound is perceived during use. In the Bumblebee Linear, the POM top delivers a dampened sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom enhances the depth during activation, creating a delightful tactile contrast. However, the Sea Glass's top and bottom blend works synergistically to produce a consistent yet more vibrant experience throughout. If one were to seek a similar overall tactile feel, the hybrid nature of the Durock Sea Glass allows it to capture some of the depth characteristic of the Bumblebee Linear, albeit with a different acoustic flavor. Through careful consideration of these materials, users can choose switches that align with their personal sound preferences, knowing that both designs offer enjoyable tactile and auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for users looking for a light typing experience. However, the bottom out forces tell a different story. The Bumblebee Linear boasts a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter, while the Sea Glass has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, giving it a more substantial feel when pressed down completely. This difference in bottom out forces may appeal to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lighter touch for extended use, the Bumblebee would be more favorable, whereas the Sea Glass might cater to those looking for a firmer response when bottoming out.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Bumblebee allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch, with its longer travel distance, might provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a deeper and more deliberate keypress. Ultimately, if responsiveness is your top priority, the shorter Bumblebee could be the better choice, whereas the Sea Glass might appeal to users who appreciate a more traditional and hefty typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 profiles of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Durock Sea Glass switches present distinct auditory experiences. The Bumblebee Linear is characterized by a bright sound profile that contributes to an overall lively typing atmosphere. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches produce a uniquely hollow sound signature, which may evoke a sense of airiness yet remains pleasant to the ear. It's essential to note that the final sound output can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which means users can achieve different nuances with either switch based on their setup.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Bumblebee Linear offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enabling easy transitions across keys with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switches present a milder and more gentle typing experience that can be described as feathery. This lightness, complemented by their easy-to-press nature, makes the Sea Glass switches particularly comfortable for extended use, minimizing finger fatigue significantly during long typing sessions. While both switches emphasize smoothness, the Sea Glass switches provide a unique combination of softness and effortless actuation that might cater to users who prefer a less aggressive typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Bumblebee Linear and Durock Sea Glass switches cater to different audio and tactile preferences, both offer appealing qualities to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bumblebee's bright sound and exceptionally smooth feel contrast with the Sea Glass's hollow sound and feathery actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing experience and sound, as both switches can deliver satisfying performance tailored to user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth typing experience with a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams that reduces finger fatigue, the Bumblebee Linear might be your go-to option, especially for extended typing sessions or gaming. Its bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory experience, making each key press feel lively and responsive. On the other hand, if you lean towards a medium force of 62 grams and appreciate a typing feel that offers a unique combination of dryness and airiness, the Sea Glass switches are worth considering. Their feathery touch and mild characteristics create a gentle typing experience that remains smooth, while the distinctly hollow sound signature may cater to those who enjoy a quieter setup. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch and vibrant feedback with the Bumblebee Linear or a more balanced, textured feel with the Sea Glass. Both switches can provide an exceptional typing experience, so consider your specific needs and preferences to find the best fit for you.
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