Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gazzew U4

Overview

When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, personal preferences play a crucial role in determining the best fit for your typing experience. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch stands out for its remarkably smooth keystrokes, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate a seamless feel and a bright sound profile. This linear switch allows for rapid key presses without the tactile feedback, ideal for gamers seeking quick, uninterrupted action. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a distinct typing experience with a sharp tactile bump that provides reassuring feedback, enhanced by a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Highly regarded for their muted, low-pitched sound, the U4s cater to users who value both style and a quieter environment, making them suitable for office settings or shared spaces. While both switches have unique advantages—smoothness versus tactile feedback—users must consider their specific needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.

By the numbers

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

Gazzew U4 Tactile

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gazzew U4, it is evident that both switches utilize materials that aim to enhance the acoustic experience, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Bumblebee Linear features a top housing made from POM, which is known for producing a unique sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted tone. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 uses a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for its top housing, which also aims for a rich and deep sound. While both materials are designed to yield a pleasing auditory result, the POM's slightly muted quality could provide a different acoustic experience compared to the fuller resonance sought through the Gazzew blend.

Delving deeper into the bottom housing composition, both the Bumblebee Linear and the U4 utilize nylon and a proprietary plastic blend, respectively, but with similar acoustic intentions. The Bumblebee Linear's nylon bottom housing is heralded for its classic properties, producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound and creates a rounder profile. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4's bottom housing shares a comparable aim by employing its "boba plastic," which similarly provides a rich and deep sound profile. Here, the significance of the bottom housing becomes clear: whether it’s nylon or the Gazzew blend, the smooth surface and softness contribute to an overall auditory experience that may resonate with users seeking deeper feedback.

Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gazzew U4 are crafted from different materials, they share a common goal of creating a satisfying sound profile. The interaction between these materials means that even with the differing compositions, many users may find that they achieve similar results in terms of sound quality. The top housing influences the sound feedback when releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out feel and sound. Consequently, regardless of the exact material used, the end result can be a comparable auditory experience, making both switches appealing for enthusiasts who prioritize deep and rich sound profiles.

Weight

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch exhibit distinct characteristics when comparing their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar initial resistance when pressing the keys. However, the bottom out force differentiates them, with the Bumblebee Linear switch registering at 50 grams, making it lighter overall compared to the Gazzew U4, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This indicates that while the actuation feels relatively light for both switches, the Bumblebee will provide a softer landing when fully pressed down, which may appeal to those who favor longer typing sessions without finger fatigue. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the U4 may cater to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer feedback when the key is fully depressed. Ultimately, while the actuation forces are the same, the differences in bottom out forces highlight the unique sensations and experiences these two switches offer.

Travel distance

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that users will experience an identical distance when pressing down on either key. This equal travel distance results in comparable tactile feedback and key press engagement for both switches, allowing for a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of feel and response when using either option.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch offers a bright sound profile that complements its exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it enjoyable for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch is characterized by a muted and low-pitched sound, creating a softer and quieter typing environment. The U4's sound profile minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. While both switches provide unique auditory characteristics, the Bumblebee offers a more pronounced sound, while the U4 caters to those seeking a subdued environment.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch provides a remarkably smooth typing experience, enabling effortless key presses with no tactile feedback to interrupt the flow. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is designed to deliver a sharp tactile bump that provides intense feedback, clearly marking each keystroke with a satisfying sensation. The U4's plush, felt-like bottom-out adds another layer of comfort that contrasts with the linear nature of the Bumblebee, which is all about fluidity without additional tactile interruptions.

In summary, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Gazzew U4 tactile switches present distinct choices for different preferences. The Bumblebee Linear caters to those who appreciate bright auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, making it ideal for a lively setup. In contrast, the U4 is tailored for users who prefer a quieter, more muted sound signature paired with a pronounced tactile feedback and plush bottom-out sensation. Depending on your typing style and environment, either switch can provide an enjoyable experience, though they deliver it in remarkably different ways.

Conclusion

To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth and light typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear switch is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force offers an effortless keystroke that is particularly enjoyable for fast typists or gamers who prioritize quick reactions. The linear design eliminates tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who want a more fluid typing experience without interruption. On the other hand, if you appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and a plush bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 is your switch. With a medium 62-gram bottom-out force, it provides a sharp and exhilarating bump that can enhance your typing accuracy and satisfaction. The U4's muted, low-pitched sound profile makes it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is a priority. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize speed and smoothness or tactile response and sound dampening, ensuring that your keyboard experience aligns perfectly with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

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Gazzew U4 Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more