Aflion Panda vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering different mechanical keyboard switches, the Aflion Panda and Bsun Guyu stand out as unique options with their distinctive features. The Panda offers hyper-tactile feedback and a deep, sonorous sound profile, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Guyu provides a smooth keystroke with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound, perfect for users seeking a seamless and polished typing rhythm. While the Panda is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', and 'Resonant', the Guyu is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-stage 15mm long spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Guyu feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Panda's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Guyu's POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Panda allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, while the POM material of the Guyu offers a pleasing and unique look. Although they differ in sound profile and visual appeal, both switches utilize top housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Panda and Guyu switches also play a crucial role in shaping their sound profiles. The Panda's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Guyu contributes to its overall deep and muted sound profile. While the top housings may have more of an impact on the sound when pressing down or releasing a key, the bottom housings play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of each switch.
Despite their differences, both the Aflion Panda and the Bsun Guyu showcase how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether it's the stiffer and clearer sound of polycarbonate in the Panda or the softer and more muted sound of POM in the Guyu, each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. While the Panda's top housing and bottom housing offer a contrast in sound profiles, the Guyu's consistent POM material creates a coherent overall typing experience with a focus on deeper and more pleasing sounds.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Panda tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Panda has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Guyu's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, the Panda has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Guyu has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. These differences mean that the Panda provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a slightly heavier switch. In contrast, the Guyu offers a lighter keystroke, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Aflion Panda tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Guyu linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Panda tactile switch. The Panda's 4 mm travel distance is more in line with traditional switch distances, providing a bit more depth when pressed. On the other hand, the Guyu's 3.6 mm travel distance is shallower and may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Panda has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Panda for $3.56.
The Bsun Guyu has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Guyu for $3.70.
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 Aflion Panda offers a resonant and thocky profile that provides a deep and immersive auditory experience, creating a sonorous echo with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu presents a clacky and bright sound, thanks to its POM housing and long pole stem, resulting in a crisp and percussive bottom-out noise. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Panda focusing on a deeper, more tactile feedback, while the Guyu delivers a brighter and snappier sound signature.
When it comes to feel, the Aflion Panda provides an invigorating and accented tactile sensation that is responsive and satisfying, offering a medium level of tactility that is engaging without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Bsun Guyu offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance and enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke. The Panda excels in offering a pronounced tactile feedback, while the Guyu prioritizes a silky and frictionless typing experience for effortless keystrokes.
Overall, the Aflion Panda and Bsun Guyu switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Panda excels in providing a hyper-tactile feel with a deep thocky sound, perfect for those who value a responsive typing experience with a rich auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Guyu focuses on a smooth and buttery feel with a bright and clacky sound profile, ideal for users seeking a seamless and effortless typing experience with a crisp bottom-out sound. Both switches offer unique sensations that cater to different preferences, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between Aflion Panda tactile switches and Bsun Guyu linear switches, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you prioritize a hyper-tactile sensation with a deep thocky sound profile, the Aflion Panda switches would be ideal for you. These switches offer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a brighter bottom-out sound, the Bsun Guyu linear switches with a bottom out force of 50 grams and creamy, frictionless feel might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on whether you prefer a hyper-tactile, resonant typing experience or a smooth, clacky typing feel.
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