Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gazzew U4Tx stand out for their unique characteristics, catering to different typing preferences. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, free of tactile bumps, which makes it perfect for users who favor a fluid keystroke and a bright sound profile that adds a lively touch to their typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx combines the best qualities of tactile feedback with a refined auditory experience, offering a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet sound upon release. This tactile switch ensures that each keystroke provides a distinct and satisfying bump, enhancing the overall luxurious feel of typing. Whether you lean towards the seamless flow of the Bumblebee Linear or the engaging feedback of the U4Tx, both switches offer compelling reasons to consider them. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$2.99 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gazzew U4Tx switches exhibit both similarities and differences. Both switches utilize a soft housing construction which contributes to a deep and rich sound profile. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing known for its muted characteristics, allowing for a distinctly pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx implements a proprietary blend of plastic referred to as “boba plastic” for its top housing, which similarly supports a deeper sound due to its softness. While the Bumblebee's POM material offers a unique sonic quality, the U4Tx’s proprietary blend leverages its own formulation to achieve comparably rich sound outputs. This similarity in the soft top housing materials suggests that both switches could deliver satisfying auditory results, albeit through different manufacturing processes.

When examining the bottom housings, the two switches further illustrate both divergence and commonality. The Bumblebee Linear employs a traditional nylon bottom housing, celebrated for its ability to absorb sound and contribute to a fuller auditory experience. This characteristic of nylon is particularly notable for its rounder and duller sound profile, resonating well with users seeking a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the U4Tx also features a bottom housing made from the proprietary “boba plastic.” Similar to the nylon, this blend is designed to achieve a rich sound profile; however, it may provide different tactile feedback compared to the Nylon due to its unique characteristics. Therefore, while both materials aim to enhance the sound quality, their distinct natures could lead to varying experiences in terms of feel and auditory nuance.

Ultimately, the interaction of the top and bottom housings in each switch plays a crucial role in defining their sound profiles. For the Bumblebee Linear, the impact of the nylon bottom housing on the bottom-out sound is complemented by the POM top, which caters to the sound released during key releases. In the case of the U4Tx, the proprietary blends in both housing components work together to create a harmonious sound experience, where each housing's respective softness contributes to the overall auditory output. Despite their variations, both switches highlight how the qualities of their respective materials can lead to similar results in terms of sound, showcasing the importance of housing composition in mechanical switch performance.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that can significantly influence user preference. The Bumblebee Linear features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience. The U4Tx's lack of an explicitly defined actuation force could suggest a softer initial push but still requires more force to reach the bottom, making it less ideal for prolonged use without fatigue. Ultimately, those looking for a lighter feel might lean towards the Bumblebee Linear, while those who enjoy a firmer push should opt for the U4Tx for a more substantial tactile response.

Travel distance

The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they will provide a similar keypress experience. With this equal travel distance, users can expect a consistent feel when pressing down on either switch, making them comparable in terms of responsiveness and feedback. Since both switches have the same measurement, those seeking a linear or tactile switch can confidently choose either, knowing that they will achieve similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches are notable for their bright sound profile, offering a more pronounced and vibrant auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches are designed to produce a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, along with a whisper-quiet sound when topping out, resulting in a distinct combination of bassy depth and muted tones. This duality allows for an acoustically pleasing interaction, but it's essential to remember that the overall sound can vary significantly based on the keyboard board and keycap selection.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches are recognized for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience without tactile feedback, which many users find desirable for seamless key presses. Meanwhile, the Gazzew U4Tx switches offer a prominent tactile bump that is sharp and crisp, delivering high feedback intensity with each keystroke. This tactile engagement can cater to those who enjoy being physically and perceptually connected to their typing experience.

In conclusion, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound and feel. If you prefer a smooth, bright typing experience without tactile feedback, the Bumblebee might be your best bet. However, if you appreciate a tactile bump coupled with a rich sound profile, the U4Tx would be a more suitable choice. While both switches excel in creating unique typing experiences, each has its own distinct qualities that can cater to varying user needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter, exceptionally smooth typing experience with a brighter sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke, making it great for long typing sessions or gaming where speed is key. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a richer acoustic experience, the Gazzew U4Tx is likely to be more suitable. With its signature deep "thock" sound and sharper tactile bump, this switch offers a more pronounced typing experience that many find satisfying, especially in a quieter environment where the muted characteristics come into play. So, in the end, consider what matters most to you – lightness and smoothness with the Bumblebee Linear or tactile feedback and a refined sound with the U4Tx – to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Bumblebee Linear Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more