KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, you are presented with two distinct options. The Ash Gray switch is praised for its tactile response that strikes a perfect balance between feedback and actuation, making it ideal for those who prefer a light touch with a noticeable but not overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Guyu linear switch stands out with its smooth keystrokes and unique auditory experience, featuring a bright and crisp bottom-out sound that is complemented by its medium weight. While the Ash Gray switch is categorized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Guyu switch falls under categories like 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Guyu both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Ash Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. In contrast, the Guyu features a POM top housing that produces a deeper, more muted sound. While the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound with its softer plastic composition, the Guyu also boasts a POM bottom housing that contributes to the overall deep and pleasing sound quality.
Despite their differences, both the Ash Gray and the Guyu share similarities in their housing materials. Both switches feature POM housing components, albeit in different parts of the switch. This allows for a consistent sound profile that is deep and pleasing, whether it be on the top or bottom housing. Additionally, the use of unique housing materials such as polycarbonate and nylon in the Ash Gray provides a different sound experience compared to the Guyu's POM components. However, they each offer their own distinct advantages in terms of sound quality and feel.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it's important to note how each component contributes to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch, whether it be made of nylon or POM, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing, such as polycarbonate or POM, affects the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the qualities of each housing material, users can make an informed decision based on their preference for sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it is evident that the Ash Gray requires a lighter touch overall. The Ash Gray has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Guyu's 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ash Gray requires a heavier force of 53 grams compared to the Guyu's 50 grams. This means that while the Ash Gray may be easier to actuate, it does require a bit more force to fully press the key. In terms of weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Guyu, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ash Gray. Overall, both switches provide a unique typing experience, with the Ash Gray being slightly lighter overall compared to the Guyu.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Guyu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ash Gray. Both switches fall in the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Ash Gray may provide a slightly more responsive feel due to its slightly shorter distance. On the other hand, the Guyu may offer a bit more depth to the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known for its balanced and unobtrusive sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. This switch provides a moderate sound that doesn't draw unnecessary attention but still offers a pleasant auditory feedback during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch stands out for its unique clacky sound signature, characterized by sharp and snappy keystrokes that produce a crisp and bright noise. The all-POM housing and UPE stem contribute to the distinct acoustics of the Guyu, creating a keyboarding experience with depth and clarity.
When it comes to feel, the Ash Gray offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, showcasing gentle resistance and a light actuation force that enhances overall comfort and reduces finger fatigue. This switch provides a smooth and approachable feel that appeals to a broad range of users, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch boasts a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel. These qualities contribute to a buttery smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, allowing for effortless typing and a fluid key travel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ash Gray provides a neutral sound profile and an easy-to-press, mild typing experience, catering to users looking for a balanced and comfortable typing feel. Alternatively, the Bsun Guyu stands out with its clacky sound signature and creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing feel, offering a more diverse and specialized typing experience. Depending on your preferences and typing style, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboarding experience, albeit with different characteristics. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force that provides a subtle yet noticeable tactile feedback, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a lighter bottom out force that offers a smooth keystroke experience with a unique auditory profile, the Bsun Guyu switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, whether you favor a neutral typing experience or a clacky one, as well as the feel you desire during typing sessions, whether it be easy-to-press or creamy and polished. Consider these factors when selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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