TTC Gold Red vs. Bsun Guyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Bsun Guyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the TTC Gold Red and the Bsun Guyu, both linear switches with unique qualities. The Gold Red is beloved for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance, offering a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Guyu stands out for its all-POM housing that deepens acoustics and a long pole stem that creates a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. The medium weight of the Guyu complements its super-smooth keystrokes, providing an effortless glide with resonant feedback. While the Gold Red is categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Subtle', the Guyu falls into categories like 'Clacky' and 'Snappy'. Each switch offers its own unique attributes that may appeal to different users, highlighting the importance of diving deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and Bsun Guyu both have unique housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Guyu's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer distinct advantages; polycarbonate's stiffness provides a clear and resonant sound, while POM's characteristics create a pleasing and unique tone. Despite their differences, both materials are effective in enhancing the overall sound quality of the switches.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gold Red utilizes nylon while the Guyu uses POM. Nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound than harder plastics like POM. On the other hand, POM's bottom housing contributes to the deeper and more muted sound profile of the Guyu switches. While the two materials offer different sound profiles, they both enhance the overall typing experience by providing a unique feel and sound.
The utilization of different housing materials in the top and bottom portions of the switches leads to a nuanced typing experience. The characteristics of each material are evident in different aspects of typing; the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gold Red and Guyu switches, both offer distinct advantages that cater to individual preferences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Guyu has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches share a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure needed to fully press the keys. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gold Red may be the preferred choice, while the Guyu offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In either case, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with similar results due to their comparable bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it slightly longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Bsun Guyu linear switch. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being a bit on the longer side. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Guyu for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Gold Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and how each individual user prefers their typing or gaming experience to feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out for its thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing sound that is not too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a clacky sound with a bright and percussive tone that adds a lively touch to your typing sessions. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences - the Gold Red for a more mellow and neutral sound, and the Guyu for a sharper and more vibrant sound. Ultimately, your choice between the two would depend on the type of sound profile you prefer, whether it be the deep thock of the Gold Red or the crisp clack of the Guyu.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red switch is praised for its mild and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle keypress that is comfortable for extended use. The subtle and polished feel of the Gold Red provides a refined and effortless typing sensation that is suitable for various typing needs. On the other hand, the Bsun Guyu switch boasts a creamy and frictionless feel, allowing for an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. With a polished and silky feel, the Guyu switch ensures a luxurious typing experience that is both comfortable and efficient. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and refined typing feel, with the Gold Red leaning towards a mild and polished experience, while the Guyu offers a creamy and frictionless sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red focuses on delivering a thocky and low-pitched sound with a mild and silky typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a more neutral and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Guyu provides a clacky and percussive sound with a creamy and frictionless feel, catering to individuals who enjoy a brighter and smoother typing sensation. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer excellent options that guarantee a high-quality typing experience. Whether you choose the Gold Red or the Guyu, you can expect a reliable and satisfying typing experience that meets your unique needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Guyu linear switch, consider the following factors. Select the Gold Red if you prefer a neutral sound profile with a low-pitched, thocky sound and a mild, silky typing experience with subtle resistance. The Gold Red offers a smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, perfect for a wide range of users. On the other hand, opt for the Guyu if you appreciate a clacky sound profile with creamy, polished, or silky typing feel. The Guyu delivers a unique auditory experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound and a medium weight for super-smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on your preference for sound and feel, as both offer high-quality typing experiences.