TTC Flame Red vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Guyu mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes clear that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Flame Red is renowned for its stunning light diffuser, making it the ideal choice for those who prefer a backlit, RGB keyboard. Typing on the Flame Reds provides a weighty smoothness and a clacky sound profile, characterized as neutral, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switches stand out for their all-POM housings that enhance acoustics and a long pole stem that creates a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. With a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes attributed to the high-grade UPE stem, the Guyu switches offer an effortless glide with resonant feedback, characterized as clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
24.5mm long spring
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Guyu switches may seem similar at first glance, as they both use nylon for the top housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. However, the Flame Red's nylon top housing may result in a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Guyu's POM top housing, which creates a more unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both switches differ, with the Flame Red using nylon and the Guyu utilizing POM. Nylon in the Flame Red's bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, much like its top housing. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Guyu produces a sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted, adding a subtle difference to the overall sound of the switch.
The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the overall typing experience. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. With the Flame Red and Guyu switches, the differences in their top and bottom housing materials contribute to unique sound profiles, with the nylon of the Flame Red providing a slightly duller sound compared to the more muted and deep sound of the POM used in the Guyu. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will affect the sound and feel of typing on each switch.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Flame Red has a bottom out force of 54 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Guyu, which has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Flame Red provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier feel compared to the lighter Guyu switch. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Guyu, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Flame Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, the Flame Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Guyu has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Flame Red has a slightly longer travel distance than the Guyu. The Flame Red's 4.0mm distance falls into the more traditional range, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Guyu's 3.6mm distance is slightly shorter, making it a better choice for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar feel and function, but the Flame Red provides a slightly longer travel distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Flame Red switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Guyu switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, creating a distinct auditory experience. Both switches offer different sound characteristics that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Flame Red switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. In contrast, the Guyu switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, characterized by smooth and buttery keystrokes with minimal resistance or friction. The Guyu switch's unique blend of elements creates an effortless glide with resonant feedback, enhancing the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, the Flame Red switch is best known for its visual appeal with a dazzling light diffuser for RGB keyboards, as well as its weighty smoothness and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Guyu switch stands out for its unique auditory experience with all-POM housings, a long pole stem, and high-grade UPE stem, resulting in a distinct and unmatched typing rhythm. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a different yet satisfying typing experience that can cater to various user preferences. Ultimately, both the TTC Flame Red and the Bsun Guyu linear switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Flame Red linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value visual aesthetics and enjoy a weightier, clacky sound profile with a smooth typing experience, the Flame Red may be the right choice for you, especially if you have a backlit, RGB keyboard. On the other hand, if you appreciate a unique auditory experience with a medium weight switch that offers super-smooth keystrokes and a distinctive sound signature, the Guyu may be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, so it's important to choose based on what matters most to you in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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