Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options like the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Wine Red, both linear switches that cater to different typing preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, coupled with a bright sound profile that can make each keystroke feel lively and energetic. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red offers a delightful pillowy feel while typing, enhanced by a satisfyingly deep and rich sound that imparts a sense of luxurious comfort. While both switches provide a linear action that eliminates tactile bumps for a fluid press, they cater to distinct auditory and tactile preferences, making the choice highly personal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the KTT Wine Red switches, a clear contrast emerges in their acoustic properties due to the differing compositions of their top and bottom housings. The Bumblebee Linear features a top housing made from POM (polyoxymethylene), known for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. This material's inherent qualities create a pleasing auditory experience that is characterized by warmth and fullness. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance, making it ideal for producing a clear sound, especially beneficial for setups employing RGB lighting due to its translucency.
The bottom housings of these switches further exemplify the differences in their sound signatures. The Bumblebee Linear is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its softer nature that tends to absorb sound, thus resulting in a more rounded and deeper auditory experience. This characteristic can create a robust tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing sensation. Conversely, the Wine Red's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate, maintaining that stiffer characteristic which contributes to a higher-pitched sound profile. This material aspect reinforces the switch's clarity and resonance, ensuring that the sharpness noted in the top housing is consistent throughout the switch's performance.
Despite these differences, there is a commonality in how the housing materials influence the overall user experience. If a switch features different materials for its top and bottom housings, the acoustic and tactile qualities will be effectively intermingled, resulting in a unique combination of sound and feel. In the case of the Bumblebee Linear and KTT Wine Red, the POM and nylon materials in the Bumblebee Linear create a more subdued auditory feedback, while the polycarbonate utilized in both the top and bottom of the Wine Red delivers a uniform experience marked by clarity and crispness. Therefore, if one seeks similar auditory results to the Bumblebee Linear's deeper tones while utilizing a polycarbonate material, adjustments such as switching to a softer bottom housing or tuning the change in keystroke feel would be necessary to achieve a balanced experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences among users. The Bumblebee Linear switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams to register a keystroke, while the Wine Red switch is slightly lighter at 44 grams. However, the Bumblebee switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter compared to the Wine Red switch, which has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams. Thus, users who favor a lighter touch and longer typing sessions might prefer the Bumblebee for its overall lower forces, whereas those who appreciate a heavier feel may lean toward the Wine Red, particularly due to its more substantial bottoming out experience. In summary, the Bumblebee is the lighter option overall, making it better suited for prolonged usage, while the Wine Red is slightly heavier, offering a more tactile typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Bumblebee switch may provide quicker response times, appealing to gamers or those who favor rapid key presses. In contrast, the Wine Red switch's longer travel distance might be more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth when typing, offering a smoother transition with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences: those who seek responsiveness may lean toward the Bumblebee, while those who favor a more traditional feel might opt for the Wine Red.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99, whereas the KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71.
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 offers a bright sound profile that can add a lively touch to your typing experience. This brightness suggests a higher frequency response, which can make each keystroke feel sharp and clear. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a deep and rich sound characterized as bassy and low-pitched. This means that when you type on the Wine Red switches, you experience a fuller, more resonant sound that envelops each key press. It is essential to note that the overall sound experience can vary dramatically based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, which can amplify or dampen these unique sound qualities.
When considering the feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is celebrated for delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users often enjoy the fluidity of the linear switch, which allows for uninterrupted keystrokes without any tactile feedback or bumps. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red switch is known for its pillowy, light typing feel. This suggests that although both switches are linear and do not have tactile bumps, the Wine Red provides a cushiony sensation that might make the typing experience feel a bit softer compared to the smoothness of the Bumblebee.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Wine Red linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. While the Bumblebee offers a bright sound and an ultra-smooth feel, the Wine Red shines with its deep and rich audio profile combined with a softer typing sensation. If you seek a lively and crisp sound with a smooth action, the Bumblebee is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more rounded sound and a plush typing experience, the Wine Red excels in these areas. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying typing results, but your preference will largely depend on whether you lean more towards brightness or depth in sound, and smoothness versus a gentle light feel in touch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and KTT Wine Red linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation force along with a smooth and bright typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear switch could be the better choice for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it easy on the fingers, allowing for faster and more fluid keystrokes, which is ideal for gaming or rapid typing tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a bit of resistance and prefer a deeper, richer sound profile, the KTT Wine Red switches with their 55-gram bottom-out force will likely suit you better. These switches offer a pillowy feel that can enhance comfort during long typing sessions while delivering a satisfying, bass-heavy sound that can make your mechanical keyboard feel more fulfilling. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, the feel you prefer, and the auditory feedback that enhances your overall experience when deciding between these two switches.