Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer two distinct experiences for users seeking that perfect typing feel. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth action and bright sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize auditory feedback alongside a fluid keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver stands out with its short travel distance—allowing for lightning-fast actuation—while delivering a thocky sound with a feather-light touch, catering to gamers and typists looking for minimal resistance. While both switches fall into the linear category and aim to provide a seamless typing experience, they differ significantly in sound and actuation feel. 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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it's evident that both switches utilize POM for their top housing. This shared material contributes to a distinctly pleasing and unique sound profile characterized by its deeper and more muted tone. The POM's acoustic properties play a critical role in achieving this auditory experience, making it a favored choice among those looking for a switch that offers both a rich sound quality and effective sound dampening. Thus, users of either switch can expect similar auditory results when pressing the keys, as the top housing minimizes harsh sounds and promotes an overall satisfying acoustic feedback.
However, a key difference arises in the bottom housing materials, where the Bumblebee Linear employs nylon, while the Smoothie Silver features POM as well. Nylon, being a softer plastic, inherently absorbs more sound compared to the harder POM. This element leads to a fuller and deeper sound profile when typing on the Bumblebee Linear. The switch's overall aesthetic is influenced by its nylon bottom housing, contributing to a rounder and more subdued sound. In contrast, the use of POM for the Smoothie Silver's bottom housing echoes the sound quality of its top but lacks the depth offered by nylon, creating a different typing experience despite retaining a similar muted sound character.
The variances in the housing materials demonstrate how each contributes distinctly to the overall tactile and auditory sensations experienced by the user. While the POM top housings of both switches ensure a consistent auditory quality, the contrasting bottom housings will lead to variations in sound depth and typing feel. Users can anticipate that the Bumblebee Linear will provide a more rounded sound due to its nylon bottom, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver will retain a cohesive sound profile thanks to both housings being made of POM. Thus, although both switches may appear similar visually at a glance, the materials used in their combinations will dictate the subtleties in sound and feel, allowing enthusiasts to choose the switch that best aligns with their personal preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that both switches require an equal amount of force to register a keystroke. However, a key difference lies in the bottom out force: the Bumblebee Linear switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a firmer push when the key is pressed all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver is unknown, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of resistance at maximum depression. Based on available data, the Bumblebee Linear can be classified as the heavier option due to its measurable bottom out force, while the Smoothie Silver remains a lighter choice in terms of unquantified force resistance. For users who prefer longer typing sessions, the Bumblebee Linear’s lighter actuation force may be more comfortable, while those seeking a more substantial tactile experience may lean towards switches with higher or unknown bottom out forces, depending on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Bumblebee Linear, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile experience for those who prefer a robust key press, offering a deeper feel that many users enjoy. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance caters to gamers and those who favor quick response times, enabling faster actuation. Thus, while both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is better suited for users who appreciate a more substantial depth, while the Smoothie Silver is ideal for those seeking speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 is characterized by a bright sound profile, though specific descriptions are limited. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver produces a notably thocky sound, marked by a deep, rich quality that can be described as a soft "thud" when pressed. This switch also has low-pitched characteristics, producing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Additionally, the Smoothie Silver’s sound is subdued, offering a dampened experience that is quieter and more refined compared to conventional switches. Due to the differences in sound profiles, users can expect a different auditory experience when typing on each switch, which may further be affected by their keyboard setup.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience that many users appreciate, though further details on its tactile feedback are not specified. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, in contrast, is celebrated for its buttery and creamy sensations, which contribute to a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. The buttery nature lends itself to a typing feel that is smooth and uniform, while the creamy texture promotes a silky sensation with every keystroke. Overall, the Bumblebee Linear is likely to offer a smooth experience as well, but the Smoothie Silver is known for its superior tactile qualities.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches provide unique qualities that can cater to different preferences. While the Bumblebee offers a bright sound and a smooth typing experience, the Smoothie Silver excels with its thocky sound and creamy feel. Depending on what a user values—either a bright auditory experience with a consistent keystroke or a more subtle sound with exceptional smoothness—both switches can offer satisfying results. Ultimately, trying out each switch would be the best way to determine personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, the choice largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a typing experience that is exceptionally smooth coupled with a brighter sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear, with its light 50-gram actuation force, can provide a delightful sensation for extended typing sessions, making it an ideal option for those who prefer a more traditional linear feel. On the other hand, if you seek rapid actuation and unparalleled smoothness in a light and short-travel switch, the Smoothie Silver is perfect for gaming and fast-paced typing, offering a thocky, low-pitched sound that adds a satisfying auditory element while allowing for an effortless keystroke. Your choice should reflect not only the tactile experience you desire but also the type of activities you engage in most, whether that’s gaming, typing, or simply enjoying the distinct sound and feel of your keyboard. Ultimately, it's about finding the switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience and feels right beneath your fingers.
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