Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and the unique typing experience each switch offers. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, making it an ideal option for those who favor rapid typing or gaming without the distraction of tactile bumps. Known for its bright sound profile, it allows for a more auditory feedback experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced audio signature in their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) caters to a different audience by combining a tactile feel with a muted sound, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. With its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel, the Silent T1 provides a satisfying tactile response without the loud clack of traditional switches. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Bumblebee Linear for fluid speed and sound, and the Silent T1 for a responsive yet quiet experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present an interesting comparison in terms of acoustic properties and sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for producing a unique sound characterized by its deeper and more muted tone. This contrasts with the Silent T1's polycarbonate top housing, which tends to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows it to effectively showcase RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for those who prioritize visual elements in their keyboard setup. Therefore, while both switches feature distinct top housing materials, they greatly influence the resulting auditory experience.
Both switches, however, share a common denominator in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This allows both the Bumblebee Linear and the Silent T1 to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out, owing to nylon's softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, regardless of the top housing material, the bottom housing’s impact on the sound profile remains consistent across both switches. While the Bumblebee Linear may feel rounder due to its POM top housing's muted sound, the Silent T1 lessens this effect with its more pronounced resonance from the polycarbonate top.
In summary, the combination of varying top housing materials leads to differing sound profiles for the Bumblebee Linear and the Silent T1, whereas their shared nylon bottom housing reinforces a consistent deeper sound experience. An appreciation for these subtleties in switch design allows users to tailor their keyboard experience according to personal sound preferences. Importantly, those seeking a particular auditory aesthetic can achieve diverse results through the thoughtful selection of housing materials, whether they favor the deeper sound of POM or the crisper resonance of polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom-out forces of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Bumblebee Linear features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users can press keys with minimal effort. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) does not have a specified actuation force, but it has a significantly higher bottom-out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This higher bottom-out force can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer key response. Consequently, the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option overall, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is heavier, making it more appropriate for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback in their typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Bumblebee Linear the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for faster key presses. On the other hand, the Silent T1 offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who appreciate a deeper key press. Ultimately, if you're seeking a quicker response, the Bumblebee's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, whereas the Silent T1 might better suit users who enjoy the sensation of a fuller keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 stands out with a bright sound profile that adds a level of engagement to your typing experience. It provides a pleasant auditory feedback, which many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is designed for noise-sensitive environments, delivering muted sounds that occupy a much quieter spectrum. The Silent T1 is ideal for users looking to minimize disturbances, as it effectively reduces the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards while maintaining a tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for fast and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch features a medium bump, providing a tactile feedback that is both accentuated and mild at the same time. It has a stepped design, meaning users will feel a slight resistance at two stages within the keystroke. The texture is polished, which ensures smooth travel and reduces any scratchiness that some tactile switches might have. This combination results in a refined and comfortable experience, although it is distinctly different from the pure linear feel of the Bumblebee.
In summary, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Bumblebee excels in providing a smooth and bright sound, the Silent T1 focuses on a muted auditory experience suitable for quiet settings. Feel-wise, the Bumblebee delivers a seamless linear action, while the Silent T1 balances tactile feedback with a polished finish, making it suitable for users who appreciate both tactility and noise reduction. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the smoothness and brightness of the Bumblebee Linear or the rich tactile feedback with subtle sound of the Silent T1.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage environment. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a silky smooth typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear switch is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force and bright sound profile make it well-suited for fast-paced gaming and typing where noise is not a concern. However, if you're in a noise-sensitive environment or seek a more tactile experience, the Silent T1 is the way to go. With a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying medium bump and a muted sound profile, which helps to minimize distractions for you and those around you. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate feedback without the associated noise, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. Ultimately, weigh the importance of sound, feel, and the typing force that best fits your personal habits to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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