HMX Cheese vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the HMX Cheese and the BSUN Guyu, both linear switches with unique characteristics. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound. These ultra-light switches offer a class of their own, being lighter than 90% of all switches. On the other hand, the BSUN Guyu switch delivers a unique auditory experience with all-POM housings that deepen acoustics and a long pole stem creating a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. The medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes of the Guyu switches make typing sessions effortless and enjoyable. While the HMX Cheese switch offers a light and smooth typing experience with a distinct sound signature, the BSUN Guyu switch provides a more balanced and resonant feedback. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and Bsun Guyu switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The Cheese's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder sound. In contrast, the Guyu's POM top housing generates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials offer a deep sound profile, the way they absorb and reflect sound differs, leading to variations in the overall sound signature of the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, the Cheese and Guyu switches also showcase differences in their materials. The Cheese's nylon bottom housing, similar to its top housing, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the Guyu's POM bottom housing offers a uniquely pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, adding to the overall typing experience. These differences in bottom housing materials highlight how the composition of the switch housing can impact the sound and feel of typing, showcasing the importance of material selection in switch design.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can significantly influence the typing experience. While the Cheese and Guyu switches both aim to provide a deep and unique sound profile, their use of nylon and POM materials in their housing components leads to differences in sound characteristics. Understanding how each material absorbs and reflects sound can help enthusiasts make informed decisions about switch selection based on their sound preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Cheese and Guyu switches will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Guyu linear switches, it is evident that both switches fall into the lighter category. The actuation force of the Cheese is slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the Guyu's 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Cheese is 46 grams, lighter than the Guyu's 50 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Cheese to be more suitable, while the Guyu offers a slightly heavier feel for those looking for a bit more resistance in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference towards lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Cheese linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be significantly noticeable in terms of feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter (Cheese) or longer (Guyu) travel distance, with both options offering a relatively compact and responsive key press experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch provides a unique auditory experience with its deep acoustics and bright bottom-out sound, thanks to the all-POM housing and long pole stem. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and setup.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness, providing a pristine typing experience with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu switch offers a super-smooth typing experience, attributed to the high-grade UPE stem and medium weight of the switch. The Guyu switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, highlighting the effortless glide and refined finish of the switch. Both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing feel, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and Bsun Guyu linear switches excel in providing unique sound and feel qualities that can elevate the typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. Whether you prefer a clacky and crispy sound profile or a creamy and polished tactile feel, these switches offer a range of options to suit different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the BSUN Guyu linear switch, consider your preference for a lighter bottom out force. If you value an ultra-light typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-weight switch with a unique auditory experience that delivers a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, the BSUN Guyu switch could be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer smooth keystrokes and distinctive sound signatures, so your decision may come down to whether you prioritize lightness or a more resonant feedback in your typing experience.
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