Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. On one end of the spectrum, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch excels with its remarkably smooth keypresses, delivering an uninterrupted typing experience paired with a bright sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who value speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each press, making it a favored option for those who enjoy the sensation of each key actuation while still benefiting from a balanced sound profile. Users looking for a responsive feel without the clicky noise may find the Weightlessness to be their ideal match. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness, we see a fundamental difference in their top housings. The Bumblebee's top housing is crafted from POM (Polyoxymethylene), a material renowned for its ability to deliver a unique and pleasing sound profile that tends to be deeper and relatively muted. This characteristic allows for a sound that is less intrusive, making it ideal for users looking for quieter typing experiences. On the other hand, the Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, which is often celebrated for its classics in switch design. Nylon's softer nature contributes to a fuller sound profile, amplifying the auditory feedback during key release in comparison to POM, matching its deeper tones but being richer in its timbre. Thus, while both switches can produce enjoyable sound experiences, their respective housing materials lead to distinct auditory results.
The bottom housing materials of both switches, however, present a striking similarity. Both the Bumblebee Linear and the Weightlessness utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is a traditional choice celebrated for providing a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon effectively absorbs sound due to its softer plastic composition, users can expect a muted response when bottoming out the keys while engaging in typing or gaming. This shared attribute ensures that both switches deliver a comparable experience in terms of sound mitigation and tactile feel, creating a consistent bottom-out noise that complements the overall typing experience of both switches.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the two switches will dictate their distinct sound profiles while their nylon bottom housings ensure a similar experience in terms of bottom-out sound. When pressed down, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear will present the deeper, more muted qualities of its POM top housing, while the Gateron Weightlessness will showcase the louder and fuller sound elicited by its nylon top. As such, users looking for a specific auditory characteristic will need to consider the top housing choice, but they can still expect a satisfying typing experience known for sound absorption and soft tactile feedback from the nylon bottoms of both switches.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Bumblebee Linear features a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, potentially offering a more substantial typing experience. However, its bottom out force is unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare how it feels when fully pressed down. Consequently, while the Bumblebee Linear is the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, the Weightlessness may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. This difference in force preference highlights the importance of individual typing style when selecting a switch, as both options cater to different user needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Bumblebee Linear has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Bumblebee Linear switch offers a more substantial depth, which some users may prefer for a richer typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel of the Weightlessness switch might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Ultimately, those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the Bumblebee Linear, while those who favor brisk action might opt for the Weightlessness tactile switch. Hence, if you are looking for a more traditional feel, the Bumblebee Linear is the better choice with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 profile of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear is characterized by a bright tone, providing an engaging auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a more balanced and moderate sound profile that pairs well with its tactile qualities. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and the materials used in keycaps, meaning that both switches may exhibit varied sound characteristics depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear excels with its exceptionally smooth typing experience, lacking any tactile bumps that could disrupt the flow of keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which serves to provide some satisfying resistance during keypresses without being overly pronounced. This results in a distinct typing sensation for users who appreciate feeling the actuation point.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and brightness, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear might be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a bit of tactile feedback along with balanced sound, the Gateron Weightlessness is likely to suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a linear typing experience or a tactile sensation with sound that still complements the typing rhythm.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a bright sound, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent option, particularly if you prefer light actuation forces, making it great for fast typists or gamers who enjoy rapid keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feel that offers feedback without being overly obvious, the Weightlessness switch would likely be more to your liking. Its subtle tactile bump can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a little more depth in their keystrokes without a disruptive sound. Overall, consider the type of work you do and whether you value a quieter, more tactile experience or a smoother, faster typing sensation.