Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Silent Ink Black 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out as distinct options within the linear category. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it ideal for users who enjoy tactile feedback and a bit of auditory satisfaction during their typing sessions. Conversely, the Gateron Silent Ink Black caters to those in quieter environments, offering a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for late-night gaming or office use where discretion is key. While both switches deliver smooth keystrokes, their characteristics appeal to different preferences and use cases. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches, we see distinct differences in the sound profiles produced by their respective top housings. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. This allows for a unique and pleasing acoustic experience that emphasizes a smooth and subdued auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a sound that is relatively high-pitched and more pronounced. This translates to a clackier sound that may appeal to those who prefer a sharper auditory response while typing. The differing properties of these materials lead to contrasting experiences in acoustic feedback, highlighting how housing materials can significantly shape the performance of a switch.
Delving into the bottom housings, we again find a divergence in material choice and resultant character. The Bumblebee Linear's nylon bottom housing is a classic choice that contributes to a fuller and rounder sound profile. Its softer composition enhances the absorption of sound, leading to a deeper auditory experience with a lower bottom-out profile. The Silent Ink Black’s bottom housing, made from the same proprietary INK blend as its top, offers a contrasting pointed and higher-pitched sound. Similar to the role of the top housing, the bottom housing aids in the overall sound experience, but due to its harder material composition, it produces a crisper sound when bottoming out. Thus, while both switches feature different bottom housings, the varying material characteristics ensure that each has a unique acoustic behavior, emphasizing the sound engineering behind mechanical switches.
Overall, although both switches utilize distinctly different materials for their top and bottom housings, similar results can be achieved in terms of customizable sound profiles. Swapping these switches in comparable keyboard setups may yield a unique combination of softer and muted sounds with the Bumblebee Linear, versus crisper and sharper auditory feedback with the Silent Ink Black. Even though they leverage different materials, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience that can be further personalized through the choice of keyboard and user preference. This interplay between housing materials and sound profiles showcases the complexity of designing mechanical keyboards, ultimately influencing not only the acoustics but also the tactile feedback experienced by the user.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can greatly influence the typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced and substantial feel during typing. This makes the Bumblebee Linear a better choice for casual typists or gamers seeking comfort, while the Silent Ink Black might satisfy individuals who favor a firmer push for an enhanced tactile experience. Overall, the Bumblebee Linear offers a lighter overall feel compared to the heavier Silent Ink Black, allowing for different user preferences based on their typing habits.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a clear difference. The Bumblebee Linear features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Silent Ink Black, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Bumblebee, you can expect a more responsive feel when pressing the keys, appealing particularly to gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a more traditional depth with its 4 mm travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Thus, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is better for those seeking swift responses, the Gateron Silent Ink Black will cater to those who enjoy a fuller and more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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, providing a notable acoustic presence that stands out during use. This may appeal to users who prefer a bit more auditory feedback while typing, enriching the overall experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is crafted for quieter environments and emits a much more subdued sound. Its muted characteristics minimize the typical clattering associated with mechanical switches, making it ideal for users who require a more discreet typing experience, such as in shared office settings or libraries.
Regarding feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is recognized for delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, though additional specifics on its tactile characteristics are not detailed. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as having both a silky and polished feel. This means it not only provides a smooth journey from keypress to key release, but also minimizes resistance thanks to its refined finish. This combination ensures that each keystroke feels effortless and fluid, enhancing the overall typing efficiency.
In conclusion, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Bumblebee offers a bright auditory feedback that appeals to those who enjoy the engagement of typing sounds, whereas the Silent Ink Black prioritizes stealth with its muted profile perfect for quiet settings. In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black is refined and silky, enhancing smoothness with its polished design, while the Bumblebee promises smoothness as well without specific descriptors. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will be guided by whether you value sound presence or the need for quieter operation in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a lighter key feel with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a bright sound profile and a particularly smooth typing experience. This switch is ideal for casual typing or gaming where you want a quick actuation without any significant fatigue. However, if you find yourself in a quieter setting—such as an office or shared workspace—where noise control is crucial, the Gateron Silent Ink Black should be your go-to. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it provides a cushy and polished feel while significantly dampening sound, making it perfect for prolonged use in noise-sensitive environments. Overall, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize lighter and more audible keystrokes or a muted, heavier typing experience that promotes quieter operation.
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