Kailh Box Jade vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Kailh Box Jade, a clicky switch, and the Bsun Guyu, a linear switch. The Box Jade is ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, featuring crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Guyu offers a unique auditory experience with all-POM housings for deep acoustics and a bright bottom-out sound, along with smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback. While the Box Jade is known for its high-pitched and invigorating feel, the Guyu provides a smoother and creamier typing experience. 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
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Guyu switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their unique composition. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Guyu's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, both switches have a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound profile for both switches. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch allows for a balanced combination of sound qualities.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade offers the advantage of translucency for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature for those who prioritize customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Guyu may not offer the same visual appeal, but it contributes to a distinct sound profile. Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, with the softer plastic of nylon absorbing more sound to create a fuller and deeper typing experience. This contrasts with the POM bottom housing of the Guyu, which complements the deeper sound profile created by its POM top housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Guyu switches showcase the impact of different plastics on sound and tactile feedback. While the Box Jade offers a sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and fuller sound with its nylon bottom housing, the Guyu provides a unique, deeper sound experience with both its POM top and bottom housings. The combination of different housing materials in each switch highlights the importance of material selection in achieving desired sound characteristics and tactile responses in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch provide different typing experiences. The Box Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Guyu's 45 grams, making it require a bit more force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade sits at 60 grams, while the Guyu is lighter at 50 grams. This means that while the Box Jade offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Guyu provides a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter feel of the Guyu for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Box Jade for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that you can expect to get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key for both switches. However, it is worth noting that the travel distance of these switches may feel different due to other factors such as the actuation force or the tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether you prefer shorter or longer travel distances will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Box Jade clicky switch is best described as producing a high-pitched and crunchy sound when pressed, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp leaves. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive in nature. The sound produced by each switch is unique and dependent on various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, providing users with distinct auditory experiences tailored to their preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Box Jade switch is characterized by an accented and invigorating typing sensation, offering a medium tactile experience with pronounced feedback and moderate actuation force. In contrast, the Bsun Guyu linear switch provides a creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, thanks to the high-grade materials used in its construction and factory lubrication. The switch offers a smooth and buttery feel, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys with reduced friction and enhanced key travel.
Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Box Jade delivers a crisp and crunchy sound with an invigorating tactile feedback, the Bsun Guyu provides a clacky sound with a creamy and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing rhythm and sensation. Ultimately, selecting either switch will result in a satisfying typing experience tailored to the user's preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Box Jade is the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a unique auditory experience, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of typing experience you value most. Happy typing!
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