Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth actuation and bright sound profile, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy), featuring Ly stems, offers not only a similarly smooth typing experience but also boasts a resonant sound profile that enhances the tactile pleasure of each keystroke. While both switches cater to users looking for linear switches, they differ in their sound characteristics and overall feel, allowing for varied typing preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present an interesting contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile that creates an incredibly pleasing and unique auditory experience. In comparison, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characteristically stiffer and results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in material not only affects the overall sound but also the aesthetic qualities; polycarbonate is often clear, making it particularly advantageous for those who wish to enhance their RGB lighting experience. Therefore, users of the Bumblebee Linear can expect a more subdued acoustic performance, while those opting for the Tomcat (Heavy) will enjoy a more vibrant and resonant sound.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Tomcat (Heavy) share the same nylon bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent qualities of nylon make it effective at absorbing sound, which contributes to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Because both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, they exhibit similar performance characteristics in terms of auditory depth and sound absorption, regardless of their differing top housings. This shared material allows for a consistently pleasing typing experience centered around the impact of the bottom-out sound generated by the switches.
The overall performance of these switches can be understood through the interplay of their housing materials. While the Bumblebee Linear's POM top housing creates a muted acoustic experience, and the Tomcat (Heavy)’s polycarbonate top housing produces a more vibrant sound, the nylon bottoms in both switches maintain a similar foundation for the overall sound profile. When pressed, users will feel the impact of the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the depth and fullness during typing. Upon releasing the key, however, the tone changes, influenced by the distinct qualities of the top housing material. Thus, while the two switches might cater to different auditory preferences, by leveraging the shared properties in their bottom housings, users can still expect comparable results in terms of sound fullness and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different preferences in 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 value extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing. Consequently, the Bumblebee is the lighter of the two, while the Tomcat offers a heavier push, thus providing a more significant resistance that some users may find more satisfying. The differences in these forces mean that users will experience contrasting levels of effort when engaging with each switch, allowing for a tailored experience based on personal preference and use case.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equality in travel distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, as the distance each travels from the top to the bottom is the same. Consequently, whether choosing the Bumblebee or the Tomcat switch, you will achieve comparable results in terms of key actuation depth and overall feel during typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $2.99. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Bumblebee Linear and Tomcat (Heavy).
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, which contributes to a lively auditory experience as you type. This brightness can create an engaging atmosphere for typists who appreciate a perceptible feedback during their keystrokes. Conversely, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch offers a resonant sound profile, which tends to give off a deeper, more rounded acoustics. This difference in auditory characteristics can impact your overall typing experience, as it aligns with personal preferences for how switches should sound.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is recognized for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it a joy for users who enjoy a seamless keystroke without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) also aims to deliver a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems. While both switches excel in providing a fluid motion, they might have different weight and resistance that also contribute to the feeling during use.
In conclusion, when considering the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches, both are designed to serve users who value smoothness in their keystrokes, albeit with distinct sound profiles that may appeal to different preferences. If you enjoy a bright, lively sound, the Bumblebee Linear is a fitting choice, whereas those who prefer a deeper resonance may lean towards the Tomcat (Heavy). Ultimately, your overall typing experience will hinge not only on the switches themselves but also on the keyboard and keycap combination you choose, allowing for a tailored experience in either case.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches, it ultimately boils down to your typing style and personal preferences. If you appreciate a lighter touch and are looking for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear with its 50-gram bottom-out force is ideal; it provides a bright sound profile that adds a bit of flair to your keystrokes, making it a great choice for casual typing or gaming where speed and ease of pressing matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers and a heavier resistance that can offer greater tactile feedback while typing, the Tomcat (Heavy) with its 64-gram bottom-out force would be more suitable for you. Its resonant sound profile combined with the super smooth Ly stems not only enhances the auditory experience but also provides a satisfying heft that can be appreciated during long typing sessions. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you'll use the keyboard to decide which switch aligns better with your needs.
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