Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Venus both offer unique yet appealing typing experiences, catering to different preferences for keyboard users. The Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth feel and bright sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch stands out with its innovative internal design that provides a frictionless glide, reminiscent of the delightful chewiness of tapioca pearls, and features a lighter actuation force for rapid typing. While the Venus offers a subdued sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter workspace, the Bumblebee's vibrant acoustics cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches could depend on whether you prioritize sound feedback or a soft, muted typing environment. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Venus, it is evident that both switches share similarities in their top housing but diverge in their bottom housing. Both models utilize POM (Polyoxymethylene) for their top housings, which is known for delivering a unique and pleasing sound profile. This shared characteristic results in a deeper, relatively muted auditory experience for both switches. Thus, while their overall sound can be expected to have a solid foundation due to the POM tops, users can anticipate a consistent auditory experience when both switches are engaged, highlighting the synergy of their top housing materials.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Bumblebee Linear and the Venus create a notable difference in their overall sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear employs nylon for its bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This softness allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, producing a more rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the TTC Venus's polycarbonate bottom housing introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer material that enhances the resonant qualities of the sound. Users may experience a unique typing sensation and auditory characteristic depending on the bottom housing material, resulting in distinctive tactile responses even with the same top housing.
Ultimately, these differences in bottom housing materials highlight how a switch's overall performance is shaped by the interplay between its top and bottom components. While both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Venus deliver a similar depth of sound due to their POM top housings, the nylon and polycarbonate bottom housings contribute uniquely to their sound profiles and typing experiences. Therefore, a typist's preference for deeper, mellower sounds might lead them toward the Bumblebee Linear, while those seeking a sharper and more resonant typing experience might prefer the TTC Venus. This complexity within switch design underscores the importance of housing materials in tailoring a user’s overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a similar feel when initiating a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Bumblebee Linear has a force of 50 grams, while the Venus is slightly heavier at 52 grams. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation, the Venus switch presents a bit more resistance when fully pressed down, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, if you favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Bumblebee Linear might be the more comfortable choice, while the Venus provides a slightly firmer response at the end of the keystroke. Overall, while they share the same actuation force, the Bumblebee is the lighter option, making it a better fit for those who prioritize ease and comfort in extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, the Bumblebee boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This distinction means that if you prefer a more responsive feel for quick keypresses, the Bumblebee would be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, which aligns with the trend of gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Venus, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial keypress experience, as it offers a deeper travel that some users find more satisfying. Therefore, if you're looking for a swift and reactive typing experience, opt for the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, whereas the TTC Venus linear switch may be better suited for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keypresses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by its exceptionally bright sound profile, which can create an engaging auditory experience while typing. This bright quality contributes to a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch possesses a low-pitched, muted sound signature that results in a quieter and more subdued typing experience. The Venus's thocky characteristics deliver a deep and rich sound, reminiscent of a soft thud when a key is engaged. While the Bumblebee may be more pronounced, both options offer distinct auditory experiences suited to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear is known for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, which allows for rapid and effortless input. However, the specifics of its texture and resistance are unclear. By comparison, the TTC Venus features an ingenious internal design that creates a frictionless feel, augmented by a buttery and gummy quality that provides a unique tactile sensation. The Venus's mild and polished nature offers a refined, comfortable experience that can be particularly enjoyable for extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, both the Bumblebee Linear and TTC Venus linear switches are designed to cater to specific typing preferences. The Bumblebee's bright sound and smooth feel make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback, while the Venus offers a quieter and subtler experience with its low-pitched sound and frictionless glide. While they differ in some qualities, both switches promise a satisfactory experience, allowing newcomers to select based on personal auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Venus linear switch should ultimately depend on your specific typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a lighter touch and a brighter sound profile, the Bumblebee Linear, with its 50g bottom-out force, offers an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience that's likely to enhance your speed and accuracy. This switch is well-suited for gaming, casual use, or any environment where you value an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more robust feel with a medium-light actuation force of 52 grams, the TTC Venus might be your go-to option. Its frictionless glide combined with a muted sound signature creates an inviting typing experience that’s best for quieter environments, like at the office, where noise levels need to be kept in check. The "Q-texture" of the Venus also adds a unique tactile quality that might resonate with you. Ultimately, consider where and how you will be using your keyboard; your choice between these two switches can significantly shape your overall experience.
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