Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Seashell 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 Jerrzi Seashell offer distinct advantages for different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhanced by a bright sound profile that adds a lively touch to every keystroke. With its straightforward linear design, it's an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience, making it ideal for both work and gaming. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch stands out with its stunning purple hue, bringing a splash of aesthetic beauty that is matched by its functionality. Its light and clacky nature provides a delightful typing experience that's equally enjoyable during extended use, catering well to keyboard enthusiasts who relish an engaging tactile response. While both switches cater to the linear enthusiast's desires, they each bring unique qualities to the table. 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
1.20 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
Nylon
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 Seashell, a notable distinction emerges in their top materials. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and more muted sound profile. This is in contrast to the Jerrzi Seashell, which utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched audio experience. The rigid nature of polycarbonate helps produce a clearer and more resonant sound, making this switch particularly appealing for users who prefer pronounced auditory feedback. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the visual appeal of the switch when RGB lighting is incorporated but also plays a crucial role in how sound is produced.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a similar auditory profile. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience. This shared bottom housing material means that regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both switches will still produce a rounded and muted bottom-out sound when pressed. Thus, while the top housings provide contrasting sound profiles, their nylon bottoms ensure a consistent and subdued auditory experience upon key release, demonstrating how the interaction between different materials can influence the overall sound experience.
In essence, the Bumblebee Linear and Seashell switches reflect how variations in top housing materials can create distinctive sound profiles, while the commonality of nylon in the bottom housing acts as a unifying factor in their auditory characteristics. The Bumblebee's POM top generates a blissfully deep sound that is more muted, while the Seashell’s polycarbonate top enhances clarity and sharpness. Therefore, both switches exemplify how different materials serve distinct functions within a switch, with the top housing shaping the sound emitted during release, and the bottom housing contributing to the overall typing experience. When combined together, these characteristics enable users to achieve varied yet satisfying acoustic results, depending on their preferences for tactile audio feedback.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which signifies a light touch required to trigger a keystroke, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, allowing users to experience a pleasant resistance as they press down fully, contributing to a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Seashell's bottom out force remains unknown, leaving potential users without a clear idea of the resistance felt at the end of a keystroke. Ultimately, the Bumblebee Linear is the heavier option at the bottom out stage due to its 50 grams bottom out force, while both switches can provide a similar actuation experience with their matching 45 grams force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we find that the Bumblebee has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Seashell measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that, for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Seashell may be the better choice, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate quicker key presses. However, if a more substantial depth is desired for a more tactile experience, the Bumblebee's longer travel distance makes it an attractive option. Overall, the Bumblebee Linear switch offers a deeper feel, which may appeal to typists who prefer a more pronounced actuation, compared to the more rapid response associated with the Seashell switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell 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 offers a bright sound profile that many users find enjoyable, though specifics on its acoustic character are not detailed. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is defined by its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback during key presses, described as crisp and percussive. This distinct sound adds an element of excitement and engagement to the typing experience. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, which means that users may experience variation in auditory feedback depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is known for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, although further details on its tactile characteristics are not provided. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch provides a notably feathery and polished feel. These switches require minimal force to press, significantly reducing the strain on fingers during lengthy typing sessions. Their easy-to-press nature makes them ideal for users looking for a fatigue-free typing experience, blending a responsive actuation with smooth key travel. This combination of light resistance and a polished finish results in an overall delightful tactile feedback that enhances typing comfort.
In summary, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches deliver unique yet enjoyable typing experiences with their respective sound and feel qualities. While the Bumblebee offers a bright auditory landscape paired with a seamless typing experience, the Seashell excels with its clacky sound and feather-light actuation. Users seeking a balance of aesthetics and comfort will find both options appealing, though the differences in sound and tactile feedback can cater to different preferences. Ultimately, whether one opts for the Bumblebee or the Seashell, they can expect an enjoyable experience attributed to the inherent qualities of linear switches, potentially leaning towards one or the other based on their individual sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice with its light 50-gram bottom-out force that offers a polished feel, making it ideal for extensive typing sessions without inducing fatigue. Additionally, its unique sound profile can cater to those who appreciate a less clacky experience while still enjoying the tactile pleasures of a linear switch. On the other hand, if you're drawn to aesthetics as well as functionality, the Seashell switch may resonate with you; its vibrant purple hue is visually appealing, and it offers a clacky sound that enhances your typing experience with a bright, percussive feedback. The Seashell's feathery and easy-to-press nature also makes it appealing for those who want minimal resistance during key presses, perfect for fast-paced gaming or heavy typing tasks. In essence, whether you lean towards the smooth, polished typing of the Bumblebee or the lively, colorful essence of the Seashell will define your ultimate choice in enhancing your mechanical keyboard experience.
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