Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch stands out with its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and bright sound profile, making it an excellent option for users who crave uninterrupted, fluid typing during gaming or typing sessions. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch caters to those who appreciate a tactile feedback experience; its medium tactility combined with a fairly light touch creates a balanced feel that many consider a "Goldilocks" choice. The Violet Gold Pro's neutral sound signature further enhances its appeal for both professional and casual environments. Ultimately, whether you prioritize the seamlessness of a linear switch like the Bumblebee or the tactile responsiveness of the Violet Gold Pro, each has its unique advantages. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, it's evident that they present distinctive sound profiles attributable to their differing top housing materials. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, which is known for producing a more muted and deeper sound. This characteristic is particularly appealing to users who prefer a softer auditory experience. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, that results in a sharper and higher-pitched audio feedback. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition contributes to this clarity and resonance, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound during typing. The aesthetic advantage of the Violet Gold Pro's polycarbonate is its translucency, which allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing visual appeal in addition to sound.
On the flip side, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer texture absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, which means both switches ultimately produce a rounder and subdued auditory output when bottomed out. This creates a harmonious balance, allowing both switches to evoke a pleasing auditory experience despite their differing top housings. Consequently, while the Bumblebee Linear leans toward a muted sound from the POM top, the overall auditory profile will still encompass the deeper qualities imparted by the nylon bottom, leading to a rich typing experience that can be appreciated across both switches.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials highlight the unique characteristics and user preferences for each switch, while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures they maintain a comparable level of warmth and body in sound. If you're someone who enjoys switch acoustics, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Violet Gold Pro can satisfy similar auditory cravings, each offering distinct experiences tailored to different tastes. Whereas the Bumblebee Linear provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top, the Violet Gold Pro presents a crisper and brighter sound, balanced by the fuller tones derived from the nylon bottom.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in that regard. This similar actuation force can offer a comfortable typing experience, especially for extended sessions, appealing to those who favor lighter switches for work or long gaming periods. However, the Bumblebee Linear has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it has a more defined tactile feedback when fully pressed, while the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unspecified. This absence of data suggests that it might not provide a concrete bottoming out experience or that its resistance could vary. Thus, for users seeking a more substantial feel, the Bumblebee Linear would be the preferable choice due to its available bottom out force, while the Violet Gold Pro's performance in that aspect remains unknown. Ultimately, the Bumblebee Linear can be seen as the heavier option given its defined bottom out resistance, making it more suitable for users who enjoy a stronger push feel compared to the uncertainty surrounding the Dareu Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you opt for the Bumblebee Linear, you’ll experience a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which is often favored by gamers who prioritize quick keypress responses. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro’s longer 3.8 mm travel distance may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, which can be appealing to those who prefer a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two involves considering whether you value responsiveness or a more substantial keypress feel, with the Bumblebee Linear being the shorter option and the Violet Gold Pro the longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches are characterized by their bright sound profile. This makes them relatively loud and noticeable during use, which can add a layer of auditory feedback that's satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches deliver a neutral sound signature. This moderation means they're versatile and approachable for a wide range of users, whether typing in a quiet office or gaming at home; they won't disrupt your surroundings while still providing audible feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth typing experience. The lack of tactile resistance allows users to glide from key to key effortlessly, appealing specifically to those who prefer a fluid and unhindered keystroke without bumps or interruptions. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactile bump, which is often described as stepped. This means that users will experience a mild tactile feedback that is felt in two stages of the keystroke, offering a more engaging typing experience for those who appreciate a tactile sensation without being overly disruptive.
In conclusion, both switch options present unique advantages depending on user preferences. The Bumblebee Linear excels in providing a bright sound and a smoothly linear feel, making them ideal for users seeking a more dynamic auditory and tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Violet Gold Pro offers a balanced and neutral sound that suits various environments, coupled with a gentle tactile bump for users who want a bit of feedback without an overwhelming sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the two will largely depend on whether you prioritize sound and smoothness or a balanced tactile feedback experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smoother keystroke with a lighter touch, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy the distinct sound profile it offers during each press, making it great for fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balanced tactile experience that feels satisfying without being overly pronounced, the Violet Gold Pro is the way to go. Its medium tactility provides a pleasant feedback without interrupting your flow, making it adaptable for both focused work and leisure typing. Furthermore, its neutral sound signature makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're at home or in an office setting. Ultimately, assess your needs: go for the Bumblebee Linear for smoothness and sound or the Violet Gold Pro for a versatile, tactile feel.
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