SP-Star Ayara vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Guyu both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ayara switch is well-known for its medium heftness, providing a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and a perfectly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Guyu switch delivers a distinctive auditory experience with all-POM housings that deepen the acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. The Guyu switch's medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes make typing sessions effortless, creating a distinct typing rhythm. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Guyu, we can see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Ayara features a nylon top and bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. On the other hand, the Guyu utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, creating a more subdued and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side. While both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, the Ayara's nylon housing may provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the Guyu's POM housing.
In terms of sound and feel, the nylon bottom housing of the Ayara influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to its deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Guyu may offer a different feel and sound experience due to its unique properties. When it comes to the top housing, the nylon top housing of the Ayara and the POM top housing of the Guyu will impact the sound when releasing a key, with the Ayara potentially providing a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Guyu's more muted sound profile.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Guyu offer a distinctive and satisfying sound experience. While the Ayara's nylon housing may provide a deeper and fuller sound, the Guyu's POM housing creates a more muted and unique sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as both offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it likely has a very light touch for triggering keystrokes, while the Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams, providing slightly more resistance. In terms of bottom out force, the Ayara requires 62 grams, which is a medium amount of pressure, while the Guyu only needs 50 grams, making it lighter. Those who enjoy a lighter touch may prefer the Bsun Guyu for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to activate and bottom out. In contrast, the SP-Star Ayara may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Ayara linear 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 Ayara has a longer travel distance compared to the Guyu. The Ayara's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper feel when typing or gaming, while the Guyu's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower experience. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Ayara leaning towards the deeper end and the Guyu towards the shallower end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keyboard feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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 Ayara linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments and experience levels. On the other hand, the Guyu linear switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. Both switches offer unique auditory qualities, with the Ayara having a softer bottom-out sound while the Guyu produces a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound due to its POM housings and long pole stem design. It's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also impact the overall sound of the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Ayara linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Guyu linear switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its high-grade UPE stem and lubricated design. Typing on the Guyu switch feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, with each keystroke feeling silky and smooth. Additionally, the Guyu switch is noted for its snappy response, adding a sense of liveliness to the typing experience. Both switches promise a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, with the Ayara focusing on a polished finish and the Guyu emphasizing a creamy sensation.
Overall, the SP-Star Ayara and Bsun Guyu linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Ayara switch provides a balanced sound profile and a polished typing experience, catering to those who prefer a medium heftness and a soft bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Guyu switch stands out with its clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, offering a unique auditory experience with smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback. Depending on personal preferences, both switches guarantee a satisfying typing experience, whether you prioritize a neutral sound profile and polished feel (Ayara) or a clacky sound and creamy sensation (Guyu). Ultimately, selecting between these switches will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a hearty typing experience with a medium bottom out force, we recommend choosing the SP-Star Ayara linear switches. These switches provide a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, making each keystroke satisfying and resonant. However, if you prefer a lighter touch and a unique auditory experience, the Bsun Guyu linear switches are the way to go. With their all-POM housings and high-grade UPE stem, these switches offer a smooth keystroke and a bright, crisp bottom-out sound that enhances your typing rhythm. Ultimately, the choice between the Ayara and Guyu switches comes down to your preference for weight, sound, and feel during your typing sessions.
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