Kailh Box Royal vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal stands out as a top choice for those seeking an intense tactile experience. With a sharp and binary tactility, these switches offer an almost aggressive feel with a relatively higher pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switches provide a unique auditory journey with all-POM housings enhancing acoustics and a long pole stem creating a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. The smooth keystrokes and medium weight of the Guyu switches make typing sessions effortless and provide resonant feedback. Both switches offer distinct advantages, but each caters 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Guyu switches differ in composition, with the Box Royal featuring a nylon top and bottom housing while the Guyu utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, POM housings are said to create a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials offer their own distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference.
Despite the differences in material composition, both the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Guyu switches offer a similar typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Box Royal and the POM top housing of the Guyu may result in slightly different sound profiles when pressing down on the switch, but the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel remains consistent. In terms of feel and sound when letting go of a key, the top housing will play a more significant role in both switches, influencing the overall typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Guyu switches demonstrate how the choice of material can affect the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether opting for the softer and fuller sound profile of nylon in the Box Royal or the unique and pleasing sound of POM in the Guyu, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel while typing, as each housing material brings its own set of qualities to the table.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch are both 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Royal has a heavier force of 70 grams compared to the Guyu's lighter 50 grams. This means that the Box Royal offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Guyu provides a lighter touch that may be better suited for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance is the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, creating the tactile or linear feel when pressing down on a key. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels when pressed. Users who prefer a medium travel distance will find both switches suitable for their typing needs. The similarity in travel distance between the Box Royal and the Guyu showcases that both switches offer consistent performance in this particular aspect.
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 Royal 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 Box Royal switch is characterized by a high-pitched profile, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a unique auditory experience with a clacky sound, described as sharp, bright, and percussive. The choice between the two switches will ultimately depend on your preference for sound profiles, with the Box Royal providing a higher-pitched tone and the Guyu delivering a brighter and crisper bottom-out sound.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump with each keypress. In contrast, the Bsun Guyu linear switch provides a smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by its creamy and frictionless feel. The Guyu switch has a medium weight and utilizes high-grade materials to create a silky sensation while typing, resulting in a polished and snappy key feel.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Royal is ideal for those seeking a highly tactile switch with a sharp, high-pitched sound, while the Guyu appeals to individuals looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky bottom-out sound. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can choose between the aggressive tactility of the Box Royal or the buttery smoothness of the Guyu, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a highly tactile switch with a sharp and crisp bump, as well as a higher-pitched sound profile, the Box Royal may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer smooth, creamy keystrokes with a unique clacky sound profile and a lighter actuation force, the Guyu switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, whether you prioritize tactility or sound in your typing experience will guide you towards the switch that is the best fit for your needs.
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