Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Strawberry 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 KTT Strawberry both stand out as compelling options, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience paired with a bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who value auditory feedback alongside seamless keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry boasts a visually appealing design with its pink and clear housings, and is celebrated for its frictionless actuation and buttery feel—attributes that enhance overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences can significantly influence your typing journey. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
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 KTT Strawberry switches diverge significantly, particularly in their top constructions. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for creating a deeper, more muted sound profile that lends itself to a unique auditory experience. This inherent softness in POM allows it to absorb sound, thus leading to a mellower acoustic atmosphere that many typists appreciate for its less intrusive nature. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its crisp and sharper sound signature. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant and bright auditory profile, making it an ideal choice if a user prioritizes a clear and lively typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting.
When examining the bottom housing materials, further distinctions emerge. The Bumblebee Linear utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall depth of sound and provides a fuller, rounder acoustic profile. The soft nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, making the switch feel quieter and more cohesive when typed upon. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of the top. This choice results in a sharper and more pronounced sound, reflecting the inherent qualities of polycarbonate. As such, the contrasts in the housing materials directly impact the auditory experience; whereas the Bumblebee Linear achieves a more subdued and deep tone, the KTT Strawberry captures a brighter resonance with its rigid construction.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch creates a unique bimodal experience. Despite their differences, it’s important to note that the overall sound profile resulting from each housing type influences how one perceives the switch behavior on keypress and release. In the Bumblebee Linear, the softer POM top collaborates with the nylon bottom to deliver a deeper acoustic depth, while in the KTT Strawberry, the cohesive polycarbonate build produces a sharpened auditory clarity. Users who seek a balanced auditory experience might find similar results in terms of depth and clarity by mixing or matching these materials, but for a continuous and distinctly characteristic response, each switch holds its own in sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal notable differences. The Bumblebee Linear requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry necessitates a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams but has a significantly higher bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that while both switches offer relatively close actuation forces, the Bumblebee provides a more comfortable transition to the bottom, which may be preferable for those engaging in extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a firmer tactile response. Overall, the Bumblebee Linear switch is the lighter option, while the KTT Strawberry is heavier, thus appealing to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we find that they exhibit different characteristics. The Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Bumblebee switch offers a more responsive experience, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch may provide a more pronounced tactile feel due to its greater depth, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the Bumblebee Linear is the shorter switch, while the KTT Strawberry is the longer option, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99, whereas the KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91.
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 a bright sound profile, which can permeate through the acoustics of your setup, making it pleasant for everyday keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch has a low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that many users find satisfying for quieter work environments. The audible differences suggest that the Bumblebee may be more suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound while typing, while the KTT Strawberry caters to individuals looking for a more subdued auditory experience. It's important to note that various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material also play a significant role in the final sound produced.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience. However, the specific descriptions of its tactile qualities are not provided, so further details about its friction characteristics remain unknown. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry switch exudes a remarkably smooth and effortless typing experience, with descriptors such as "frictionless," "silky," "buttery," and "polished" underscoring its high-quality feel. These terms highlight how the Strawberry is designed to minimize resistance and provide a fluid keystroke that many typists find enjoyable. If the Bumblebee switch shares similar smoothness, users may find both options deliver a gratifying typing sensation.
Overall, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Strawberry linear switches possess unique sonic and tactile qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Bumblebee is bright in sound and notably smooth in feel, while the Strawberry offers a mellow auditory profile paired with an extraordinarily refined typing experience. If you favor auditory feedback, the Bumblebee might be your go-to, whereas if you prioritize a seamless tactile experience, the KTT Strawberry could be the better fit. Both switches can potentially deliver satisfying outcomes based on their respective strengths, allowing newcomers to explore various preferences within the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Strawberry linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenario. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience perfect for fast, repetitive tasks such as gaming or typing where rapid key presses are essential. Its unique sound can also add a pleasant auditory dimension to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that offers a more controlled feel, the KTT Strawberry, weighing in at 62 grams, might be your ideal choice. Its low-pitched sound adds a mellow tone to your keystrokes, while its frictionless and silky characteristics ensure a reliable and comfortable experience, making it well-suited for longer typing sessions or coding. In essence, select the Bumblebee Linear for speed and liveliness and the KTT Strawberry for comfort and stability, aligning your choice with how you intend to use your keyboard most effectively.
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