I finally sat down to build a new board with the bsun raw linear switches, and it's been an interesting experience comparing them to my old favorites. If you've spent any time looking at enthusiast-grade switches lately, you've probably noticed that Bsun has basically taken over the conversation. They've moved from being a relatively obscure manufacturer to the go-to choice for anyone who wants that specific, snappy, "poppy" sound profile that seems to be dominating the hobby right now.
The bsun raw linear is part of a broader trend of "Raw" series switches that prioritize material quality and tight tolerances over flashy colors or excessive factory marketing. When I first pulled them out of the bag, the first thing I noticed was just how solid they felt. There's no housing wobble to speak of, which is already a huge win before you even get them into a keyboard.
What Makes the Raw Linear Different?
A lot of people ask why they should care about yet another linear switch when we already have thousands of options. To be fair, it's a valid question. But the bsun raw linear isn't just a recolor of a budget switch. These were designed with a very specific "no-nonsense" philosophy. Most of the time, manufacturers try to hide imperfections with thick factory lube or fancy aesthetics. These switches, however, are meant to stand on their own merits.
The housing materials are a classic combo: a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom. This is a tried-and-true pairing for a reason. You get the clarity and "clack" from the PC top, while the nylon bottom keeps the bottom-out sound from feeling too thin or tinny. Inside, you've got a POM stem, which is the standard for smoothness. But it's the execution here that really matters. The tolerances are so tight that you don't really feel the need to film them, which is a massive time-saver if you're like me and hate the tedium of opening up a hundred switches just to add a tiny piece of plastic.
That Signature Bsun Sound
If you're buying a bsun raw linear, you're probably doing it for the sound. Bsun has developed a reputation for producing switches that sound "lively." They aren't the deepest, "thockiest" switches on the market, and they don't try to be. Instead, they offer a very clean, crisp, and rhythmic sound.
When I installed them in my aluminum TKL, the sound was immediately recognizable. It's a long-pole linear, which means the stem is slightly longer than a standard switch. This causes the stem to hit the bottom of the housing earlier and more abruptly. The result? A very satisfying, loud "pop" every time you bottom out. For some people, this can be a bit fatiguing if they're used to softer, muffled switches. But if you like that acoustic feedback while you're typing at 100 words per minute, these are hard to beat.
The Lube Situation
One thing that drives me crazy about modern switches is the inconsistent factory lube. Sometimes you get a switch that's bone dry, and the next one in the bag is practically drowning in oil. The bsun raw linear takes a more minimalist approach. Depending on where you buy them, they often come with a very light application of factory lube—just enough to take away the scratchiness without ruining the natural character of the materials.
I'll be honest, though: I still ended up hand-lubing mine. While they're decent out of the box, a thin layer of Krytox 205g0 really brings them to life. It smooths out the travel just a bit more and deepens the sound profile slightly. If you're a purist, you could definitely use them stock, but if you have a free Saturday and some patience, lubing them is definitely worth the effort. Just stay away from the legs of the stem if you want to keep that snappy feel.
Typing Feel and Weighting
The spring in the bsun raw linear is usually around 60g to 62g bottom-out, which is right in that "goldilocks" zone for most people. It's heavy enough that you aren't accidentally triggering keys just by resting your fingers on them, but light enough that your hands don't feel like they've gone through a workout after an hour of gaming or writing.
The long-pole stem does change the feel quite a bit compared to something like a standard Cherry MX Red. The travel distance is slightly shorter, so the "bottom" feels much more immediate. It gives the switch a very aggressive, tactile-adjacent feeling even though it's a pure linear. You know exactly when you've hit the key, which makes these fantastic for gaming. I found that in fast-paced shooters, the reset feels quicker and more deliberate.
How Do They Compare to Other Bsun Switches?
It's easy to get confused with Bsun's lineup because they've been releasing so many hits lately. You've got the Bsun X, the Bsun Pine, and various collaborations with designers. The bsun raw linear sits in a spot where it's meant to be the "daily driver." It's not as experimental as some of their other stuff, but it's more refined than their older budget offerings.
Compared to something like the Bsun X, the Raw linear feels a bit more grounded. The X is very loud and very clacky, whereas the Raw feels a bit more balanced thanks to that nylon bottom housing. It's still a loud switch, don't get me wrong, but it's not "annoy your neighbors in the next apartment" loud. It has a bit more character than a standard Gateron Yellow, which can sometimes feel a bit "plain" after you've tried a few high-end linears.
Is It Worth the Hype?
I think we're at a point in the hobby where "diminishing returns" hits pretty hard. You can spend $0.20 per switch or $1.20 per switch, and the difference isn't always night and day. However, the bsun raw linear usually hits a very fair price point for what you're getting. You're paying for the manufacturing precision and the specific sound profile of the long pole.
If you already have a board full of high-end linears like Black Inks or Oil Kings, you might not feel the need to rush out and buy these immediately. But if you're looking for something that sounds a bit more modern—that "marble on glass" sound that's all over YouTube—then these are a fantastic entry point. They're easier to work with than many other switches and they look great in any build thanks to the clean, industrial aesthetic.
Final Thoughts on the Build
After using the bsun raw linear for about a week now, I've decided they're staying in my main board for a while. There's a certain "crispness" to them that makes typing feel less like a chore and more like a tactile experience. I didn't even bother with films, and I don't regret it at all; the housings are tighter than some of my much more expensive boutique switches.
If you're on the fence, I'd say go for it. Just be prepared for the long-pole feel if you've never tried it before. It's a bit of a departure from "traditional" switches, but once you get used to that snappy bottom-out, it's really hard to go back to anything else. Just grab a small tub of lube, put on a podcast, and spend an hour or two prepping them. Your ears (and your fingers) will thank you.