Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Yunhai both stand out in the realm of linear switches yet cater to different preferences and styles. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a crisp and responsive feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches present a unique typing experience characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, appealing to typists who favor a softer, more effortless touch. While both switches fall under the linear category, their distinct auditory and tactile properties may sway users to one over the other, depending on their typing habits and style. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Yunhai, it becomes clear that both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to a similar acoustic profile. The Bumblebee Linear features a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This quality is not unique to the Bumblebee; the Yunhai also uses a nylon bottom housing, granting both switches comparable sound characteristics. Given that both models utilize nylon in their bottom halves, users can expect a similar muted and round sound when the keys are bottomed out, further enhancing the overall typing experience.
However, the differences in top housing materials between the two switches add a layer of distinctiveness to their sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear's top housing is made from POM, a material noted for its capability to create an engaging and unique sound signature that tilts towards the deeper end of the spectrum. In contrast, the Yunhai employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that is also deeper and fuller yet lacks some of the clarity and distinctiveness that POM offers. This indicates that while both switches might produce a rich typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is likely to provide a more refined auditory feedback when releasing keys, thanks to its POM top housing.
Ultimately, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the difference in materials for the top housings leads to nuanced variations in their sound profiles. The Bumblebee Linear's POM top enhances the acoustic experience by contributing to more pronounced sounds upon release, while the Yunhai's nylon top results in a softer, more rounded sound. This distinction means that users might prefer one over the other based on their sound preference, despite the underlying similarity in the fundamental auditory impact derived from the nylon bottom housings both switches share. Therefore, fans of deeper, fuller sounds can expect satisfying results from either switch, albeit with slightly different tonal characteristics based on their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Yunhai Linear switch, both offer a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. The Bumblebee Linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Yunhai switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams, with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. While both switches bottom out at the same force, the Yunhai is the lighter option in terms of actuation, likely providing a more effortless typing experience. Those who prefer a softer touch may gravitate towards the Yunhai, while users looking for a more substantial feel might appreciate the Bumblebee’s slightly stronger actuation. Ultimately, if you value a lighter actuation force, the TTC Yunhai would be the preferable choice, while the Bsun Bumblebee offers a marginally more resistant feel.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches will deliver comparable tactile feedback and actuation feel, making them equally suitable for those seeking a uniform typing experience. Consequently, users switching from one to the other can expect consistent performance without any significant changes in their typing dynamics.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, which contributes to an engaging auditory experience while typing. This switch's sound is likely to be more pronounced and higher in pitch, making it suitable for users who enjoy a lively acoustical environment. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch features a deep, rounded sound profile that tends to offer a more subdued auditory feedback. This depth can create a more satisfying thock-like sound, appealing to those who prefer a mellow and less intrusive typing experience. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, it's essential to remember that the final audio experience can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Bumblebee Linear provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience that enhances responsiveness and ease of typing. This smoothness is likely to be a significant factor in its appeal for users who enjoy a seamless glide with each keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switch is noted for its incredibly light actuation force, which results in a gentle, effortless feel during typing. This lightweight nature can be particularly advantageous for those who prefer to type quickly or with minimal resistance. While the Bumblebee focuses on smoothness, the Yunhai places emphasis on low actuation effort, making each switch feel distinct in their tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Yunhai linear switches offer unique experiences tailored to different user preferences. While the Bumblebee captivates with its bright sound and smooth feel, the Yunhai stands out with its deep sound and light actuation force. Ultimately, both switches can cater to varied typing styles, allowing users to find their ideal balance of auditory and tactile satisfaction, and personal choice will play a crucial role in determining which switch best meets individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel in your typing experience. If you’re drawn to a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and light typing experience paired with a bright auditory profile, the Bumblebee Linear would be an excellent choice for you. This makes it particularly desirable for those who appreciate a swift and responsive keystroke while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, rounded sound combined with a gentle and effortless feel, the TTC Yunhai switch would be more suited to your tastes. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a light touch without sacrificing the unique auditory feedback that comes with it. Ultimately, consider what aspects of sound and feel matter most to you, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.