KTT Darling vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling, a linear switch, offers a typing sensation that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out creates a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the BSUN Guyu linear switches provide a distinct auditory experience with all-POM housings that deepen the acoustics and a long pole stem that creates a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. The medium weight of the Guyu switches complements their super-smooth keystrokes, making every typing session effortless and enjoyable. 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
53g
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
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Bsun Guyu, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their top housing materials. The Darling's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer plastic composition. In contrast, the Guyu's POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience for users. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound depth and clarity.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Darling's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Guyu's POM bottom housing. Nylon's softer plastic composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, POM offers a unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum and is relatively more muted. Despite their differences, both housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound experience of the switch, with nylon providing a more resonant sound and POM offering a distinct muted tone.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact in a switch, it becomes apparent that the qualities brought by each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound produced when a key is released. This division of qualities allows users to experience a well-rounded sound profile that combines the unique characteristics of both the top and bottom housing materials, creating a harmonious typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch have similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Darling switch is slightly heavier at 53 grams, while the Guyu switch is lighter at 50 grams. The Darling switch provides a medium-light typing experience, allowing for a more substantial feel when bottoming out, while the Guyu switch offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Darling switch slightly shorter in terms of travel distance compared to the Guyu switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing. If you prefer a more abrupt key press, the Darling switch may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly deeper feel may prefer the Guyu switch. Overall, both switches are suitable for those looking for shorter travel distances, with the Darling being slightly shorter than the Guyu.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant typing experience, producing a crisp and engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the BSUN Guyu linear switch presents a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and percussive tone. While the Darling focuses on a rich, tactile sound, the Guyu excels in providing a bright and distinct bottom-out sound. Both switches offer unique acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Darling leaning towards a more tactile and immersive sound, and the Guyu delivering a sharper and crisper auditory experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy feedback with each keystroke. This lively feel enhances the typing experience, giving a sense of rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the BSUN Guyu switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless key presses. The polished finish of the Guyu switch contributes to a sleek typing feel, offering a silky sensation that minimizes resistance and enhances overall smoothness. While the Darling focuses on a bouncy and substantial feel, the Guyu excels in providing a buttery and polished typing experience, making each keystroke glide with ease.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch and the BSUN Guyu linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling presents a tactile and resonant sound paired with a bouncy typing sensation, while the Guyu delivers a clacky sound profile and a creamy frictionless feel. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of auditory and tactile feedback, providing unique typing experiences that users can choose based on their individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would depend on whether one prefers a more tactile and bouncy typing experience (Darling) or a smoother and creamier feel (Guyu).
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Darling linear switch and the BSUN Guyu linear switch, consider the characteristics that best align with your preferences. If you enjoy a typing sensation that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Darling may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound, the Guyu, with its creamy, frictionless, polished feel, may be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a unique tactile experience or a distinct auditory feedback when typing.
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