Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock White Lotus both offer unique experiences tailored to different types of users. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize seamless keystrokes and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a light tactile switch that caters to the discerning typist, providing a delicate tactility that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and comfort. This makes the White Lotus particularly appealing for long typing sessions, as it delivers just enough tactile sensation without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the removable light column in the White Lotus enhances the keyboard aesthetics with vibrant RGB lighting effects. Both switches have their strengths, with the Bumblebee Linear excelling in smoothness and sound, while the White Lotus shines in its subtle tactile feedback and stunning illumination. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock White Lotus switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, known for its ability to produce a pleasing and unique sound that tends towards a deeper and more muted tone. In contrast, the White Lotus sports a modified PC (Polycarbonate) and UPE (Ultra-Polyethylene) blend top housing, which is designed to deliver a premium feel and enhances the overall acoustic experience of the switch. While the Bumblebee's POM housing promotes a specific sound character, the modified blend of PC and UPE in the White Lotus provides a different texture and responsiveness, impacting how each switch sounds during key releases.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Bumblebee Linear and the Durock White Lotus employ nylon, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This similarity in bottom housing material results in an absorbing quality that contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile when typing. Given that nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively dampens the sound, irrespective of the variations in the top housing materials. Thus, while the Bumblebee Linear’s POM top may contribute to a distinct sound when releasing the key, the nylon bottom remains consistent in enhancing that deeper sound profile shared by both switches.
In summary, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and Durock White Lotus switches differ in their top housing materials—offering unique sound characteristics stemming from their respective designs—their identical nylon bottom housings ensure a common auditory experience with a richer tonal quality. When pressed, the nimbleness of nylon absorbs sound and produces a satisfying bottom-out feel in both switches. Thus, though the overall acoustic signatures may diverge due to their contrasting top materials, the foundational sound dynamics rooted in their shared nylon bottoms help create a comparable auditory experience in terms of depth and fullness.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we observe differences in actuation and bottom out forces that cater to diverse user preferences. The Bumblebee Linear features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it light and suitable for extended typing sessions, ideal for users who prefer effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the White Lotus switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. Consequently, the Bumblebee Linear switch is the lighter option, while the White Lotus offers a more substantial push feel due to its heavier forces. Although the actuation and bottom out forces are relatively close, the distinct weights ensure that users will experience different levels of feedback and typing comfort, allowing them to choose based on their personal typing styles and preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Bumblebee Linear boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you opt for the Bumblebee, you'll experience a more responsive feel, which can be particularly appealing to gamers who prioritize quick key presses. In contrast, the White Lotus offers a more traditional depth of travel, providing a fuller tactile experience that some users may find more satisfying for typing or programming. Ultimately, if you're leaning towards a switch with a shallower travel, the Bumblebee is the shorter option, whereas the White Lotus presents a longer path to activation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience combined with a bright sound profile. This means that you can expect a lively, crisp auditory feedback while typing, which can be quite engaging for many users. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch has a sound quality described as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched sound leans towards a more bass-driven, mellow tone, making it less sharp than many other options, while the neutral aspect ensures that it maintains a moderate sound level suitable for various environments. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the Bumblebee Linear is brighter, making it more attention-grabbing, whereas the White Lotus provides a more subdued auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch excels in providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that is generally preferred by users looking for a consistently fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch is characterized as easy-to-press and mild. This means that while it offers gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, the overall "mild" nature of the switch means it’s very approachable without overwhelming the user with pronounced sensations. Users who appreciate a smooth typing action will find satisfaction with both, but those who favor a gentle tactile response might lean towards the White Lotus switch for extended use.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock White Lotus switches present unique qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Bumblebee Linear stands out for its bright sound and smooth feel, perfect for those looking for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus provides a tranquil typing experience with low-pitched auditory feedback and light tactility, making it ideal for prolonged use. Ultimately, while you can achieve delightful results with either switch, your choice will depend heavily on whether you prioritize sound vibrancy or a more subdued, gentle typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with less resistance, the Bumblebee Linear's light 50-gram actuation force will suit you well, especially for rapid key presses in gaming or fast-paced typing situations. Its brighter sound profile and fluid feel make it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a straightforward, linear switch that allows for a clean and quick keystroke response. Conversely, if you seek a more tactile feedback during your typing but still enjoy a light touch, the Durock White Lotus with its 56-gram actuation force offers a delightful blend of mild tactility without overwhelming feedback. Its low-pitched sound and easy-to-press design are perfect for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for work environments or casual use at home. Furthermore, the White Lotus’s ability to showcase vibrant RGB lighting through its removable light column adds an aesthetic dimension that the Bumblebee Linear does not provide. Ultimately, choose the Bumblebee for a low-resistance, smooth experience, and select the White Lotus for gentle tactile feedback and visual flair.
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