Kailh Berry vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Kailh Berry and the Bsun Guyu mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, they each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Berry switch is renowned for its springy typing experience with a chalk-like texture, producing a deep sound profile categorized as 'Textured', 'Low-pitched', and 'Bassy'. On the other hand, the Guyu switch stands out for its all-POM housing that enhances acoustics, combined with a long pole stem for a brighter and crisper bottom-out sound. The medium weight of the Guyu switch complements its super-smooth keystrokes, providing an effortless glide with resonant feedback and a distinctive sound signature categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. Therefore, depending on whether you prioritize a springy typing experience with a deep sound or a smooth typing session with a distinctive sound signature, each switch offers something unique. 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
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and the Bsun Guyu both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Berry's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiff nature that resonates well. In contrast, the Guyu's POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer different sound experiences, catering to varying preferences in typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Berry uses nylon while the Guyu uses POM. The nylon bottom housing of the Berry produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Guyu also creates a deep and muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a sound experience that is pleasing and unique, albeit with subtle variations.
Overall, the split between the top and bottom housings of the switches allows for a balanced sound profile when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, providing a more complete sound profile for users to enjoy. While the Berry and Guyu may have differences in their housing materials, they both excel in providing a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Berry linear switch to the Bsun Guyu linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly. The Kailh Berry has an actuation force of None grams, making it a lighter option, while its bottom out force is 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is also relatively light. This means that the Berry switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Guyu switch provides a lighter touch. For those who prefer typing for extended periods, the lighter actuation force of the Guyu may be more comfortable, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Berry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Berry linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and uniform typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, the Kailh Berry and Bsun Guyu switches provide equal key travel distances, ensuring a familiar typing feel for users of either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Berry linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and mellow tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and percussive sound that is bright and crisp. The Berry switch provides a deep acoustics experience, while the Guyu switch delivers a distinct typing rhythm with a balance of depth and clarity. Depending on personal preferences and the accompanying keyboard setup, users can expect different sound experiences from these switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Berry linear switch is noted for its textured typing experience, providing a springy feel with a chalk-like texture when pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, with super-smooth keystrokes thanks to the high-grade UPE stem. The Guyu switch allows for effortless glide with resonant feedback, making each keystroke feel like a silky sensation. With various descriptors such as creamy, polished, and snappy, the Guyu switch offers a range of feels that cater to different user preferences.
In conclusion, the Kailh Berry and Bsun Guyu linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics to users. While the Berry switch provides a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a textured typing feel, the Guyu switch offers a clacky sound experience and a creamy, frictionless typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Berry switch offering a springy and textured typing experience, while the Guyu switch provides a smooth and effortless glide with resonant feedback. Users can choose between the switches based on their desired sound and feel preferences, knowing that both options offer quality performance in their own unique ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Kailh Berry linear switch or the Bsun Guyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a springy feel and chalk-like texture for a deep sound profile, the Berry switch would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter bottom out force with super-smooth keystrokes and a unique auditory experience from the all-POM housing creating a bright, crisp sound, then the Guyu switch would be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you value a heavier, textured typing experience with deep sound tones or a lighter, smoother typing experience with bright, clear sound tones.
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