Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and use case, especially between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which are linear switches. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for providing an incredibly smooth typing experience coupled with a bright sound profile, making it a great option for users who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailor-made for gamers, featuring a minimal actuation distance of just 1mm, which allows for rapid-fire inputs that are essential in competitive gaming scenarios. Its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel also add to its overall appeal for those in need of speed and responsiveness. While both switches offer unique advantages, one more suited for general typing and the other aimed at gaming performance, selecting the right switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, renowned for producing a unique and engaging sound signature that leans towards being deeper and more muted. This material's hardness facilitates a more pronounced bottom-out sound that complements the switch's overall auditory experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus relies on a nylon top housing, a classic choice in switch design known for its softer nature. This softer profile contributes to a sound that is equally deep but also more rounded and full, creating a richer auditory experience as you press the keys.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Vintage Citrus utilize nylon, a material that effectively absorbs sound due to its softer composition. This shared material means that both switches are likely to produce a muted and fuller sound profile when bottoming out, fostering a deep and pleasant auditory experience. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the sound and sensation during key presses, users of either switch can expect a consistent performance in that regard. The similarities in bottom housing material may lead to comparable physical feedback and acoustic results when typing or gaming on either switch, reinforcing a desirable feel during usage.
Despite the differences in their top housing, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and HMX Vintage Citrus switches can deliver similar results in terms of typing experience. While the Bumblebee's POM top contributes to a deeper, muted sound signature, and the Vintage Citrus's nylon top creates a fuller auditory experience, both switches capitalize on the sound-dampening qualities of their nylon bottom housing. This shared characteristic ensures that users will encounter a consistent feel and sound when bottoming out regardless of the top housing material. Ultimately, this combination of materials in both switches allows for an engaging typing experience, appealing to those who prioritize deep acoustics and a grounded key feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, making the Bumblebee the more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Bumblebee again edges ahead with 50 grams compared to the Vintage Citrus’s 53 grams. This difference means that the Bumblebee provides a softer landing, which can enhance comfort over prolonged use. For those seeking a more substantial typing experience, the heavier forces of the Vintage Citrus may be preferable, as it offers a firmer resistance that some users may favor. Overall, if a lighter key feel is desired, the Bumblebee Linear is the better choice, whereas the Vintage Citrus offers a moderately heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there is a discernible difference. The Bumblebee Linear features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. Given that shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers for their quicker response times, the Vintage Citrus might appeal more to those who prioritize speed. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear, with its greater distance, may attract users who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, offering a sense of depth that some might find more satisfying. Thus, if you're seeking responsiveness, you might lean towards the Vintage Citrus, while those who appreciate a more deliberate typing action may opt for the Bumblebee Linear.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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
The sound profiles of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches both lean towards brighter tones, but they manifest differently. The Bumblebee Linear is known for its bright sound profile, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience when typing. Likewise, the Vintage Citrus also features a bright and clacky sound, making it well-suited for gamers who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback during fast-paced gameplay. While both switches share this brightness in sound, the clacky aspect of the Vintage Citrus might provide a more dynamic auditory response, especially under rapid keystrokes.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, allowing for a pleasant and seamless key press without any noticeable friction or resistance. This characteristic makes it suitable for general typing tasks and leisurely gaming alike. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch, designed specifically for high-speed inputs, also boasts a remarkably smooth push feel, but it excels with its low actuation force of just 1mm, facilitating rapid actuation. Both switches provide a smooth experience, but the Vintage Citrus’ design is tailored for speed, making it potentially more advantageous for competitive gaming scenarios.
Overall, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches provide smooth feels and bright sound profiles, catering to different preferences and use cases. The Bumblebee Linear is ideal for typists who enjoy a smooth and bright auditory experience, while the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers looking for quick actuation and a clacky sound. Ultimately, your specific needs—whether for typing or gaming—will determine which switch is the better fit for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming needs. If you prioritize a smooth and consistent typing experience, along with a bright sound that adds a lively atmosphere to your keystrokes, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice. Its lighter 50-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for long typing sessions where minimal resistance can help reduce fatigue. On the other hand, if you are primarily a gamer seeking rapid response and quick actuation, the Vintage Citrus with its slightly higher 53-gram bottom-out force offers a superb option. Its 1mm actuation distance means you can unleash commands faster, which is vital during intense gaming sessions. The clacky sound profile of the Vintage Citrus can also enhance the excitement during gameplay. Ultimately, consider whether your focus is on typing comfort or gaming performance to make an informed decision between these two compelling options.
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