Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options to consider are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Swift, both of which offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it a favored choice among users who prioritize a fluid keypress feel while enjoying a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Swift distinguishes itself with a deeper sound profile and a silky smoothness, thanks in part to its full nylon housing and a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. These characteristics lend the Swift a clacky yet feathery feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to your individual preferences regarding sound and typing sensation; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Swift reveal interesting similarities and differences that impact their overall acoustic profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, which is known for producing a unique sound characterized as deep and more muted. This contrasts with the Swift, which employs a nylon top housing that elicits a deeper, fuller sound profile through its inherent acoustic properties. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear's POM top may offer a slightly sharper sound, maintaining a balance of clarity and thickness, while the nylon in the Swift absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic signature. This variance emphasizes how switching materials play a crucial role in defining the auditory experience of each keyboard.
Both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which further unifies the two models in terms of acoustic performance. The nylon material contributes to a deeper sound, enhancing the overall sensation when typing. Since nylon is softer, it effectively absorbs sound waves, which diminishes the sharper tones that might arise from harder plastics. Consequently, regardless of the upper housing’s material, the common use of nylon at the bottom ensures that both the Bumblebee Linear and the Swift offer a cohesive typing experience with a satisfying, muted thock when bottomed out. The consistency in bottom housing material across both models guarantees familiarity for users switching between the two.
The distinction in top housing materials between the Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Swift illustrates how the sound profile and tactile feedback can vary, making each switch unique. The POM top of the Bumblebee Linear sharpens the potential clarity of keystrokes while adding some muted characteristics. In contrast, the Swift’s nylon top enhances dampening and creates a softer sound, allowing for a more enveloped typing experience. This combination of materials ensures that each switch can cater to different preferences; the Bumblebee Linear could appeal to users seeking a more pronounced acoustic response, whereas the HMX Swift might be favored by those who appreciate a subtler, rounder sound profile. While they each draw from the qualities of their respective materials, the characteristics differ and can influence the overall tactile feel and sound signature of the typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged use in work or gaming environments. The Bumblebee Linear features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Swift has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams while maintaining the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users will experience a slightly easier actuation with the Swift switch, providing a subtler touch. Although both switches bottom out at the same force, the Bumblebee is heavier when it comes to the initial actuation. For those who prefer a lighter push for extended typing sessions, the HMX Swift linear switch will be more appealing, while the Bumblebee offers a slightly more substantial feel despite being generally classified as light.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that they differ, with the Bumblebee having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Swift at 3.9 mm. The Bumblebee Linear switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the HMX Swift, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional feel that some users might prefer for a more satisfying depth during keypresses. For those who enjoy a rapid key response, the Bumblebee Linear would be the better choice, while those who like a more pronounced key travel may gravitate towards the Swift. Therefore, depending on personal preference for key sensitivity and response, the differences in travel distance can significantly influence the overall experience of each switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift for $2.99.
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 delivers a bright sound profile that adds a lively character to your typing experience. This acoustic quality is aimed at producing a pleasant auditory feedback, making the typing experience engaging without being overly harsh. In contrast, the HMX Swift features a deeper sound profile attributed to its full nylon housings, which contributes to a more resonant tone that is generally perceived as clackier and sharper. While the Bumblebee Linear might appeal to those who enjoy a brighter sound, the Swift caters to users who prefer a more pronounced and resonant auditory feedback, although both could vary depending on your keyboard's design and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear offers a notably smooth typing experience, though exact descriptors for its touch aren't specified. On the other hand, the HMX Swift excels in providing a very light actuation force of 42g, combined with a plethora of tactile feelings. It is characterized by being easy to press, which fosters a sense of comfort during long typing sessions. The switch's feathery and bouncy qualities give it a lively, responsive nature, offering users a delightful tactile experience with minimal fatigue. The creamy sensation further enhances this overall comfort, resulting in an effortless glide across the keys.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Swift linear switches offer smooth experiences, they cater to different sound preferences and tactile sensations. The Bumblebee features a brighter sound with a smooth typing feel, whereas the Swift provides a deeper, clacky tone complemented by a lightweight and diverse tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you value a lively auditory experience or a comfortable typing feel, sensing that each switch has its unique charm. Though they have different characteristics, you can still achieve a delightful typing experience with either switch depending on your personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you prioritize a typing experience with a bright sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Bumblebee Linear may be the perfect fit for you, especially if you enjoy feedback that is engaging without being overly loud. Its light bottom-out force can make it an excellent choice for those who type frequently or require precision and clarity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound with a silky smoothness and a gentle actuation that feels almost effortless, the HMX Swift is likely your best bet. Its easy-to-press design, combined with the lighter actuation force and bouncy responsiveness, caters well to long typing sessions, whether for gaming, work, or study. Ultimately, consider your typing style and sound preferences when making your choice, as both switches offer unique benefits that can enhance your overall experience.
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