Bsun Guyu vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Guyu linear switches to the Durock Ice King Linear switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Guyu switches are renowned for their distinctive auditory experience, with all-POM housings enhancing acoustics and a long pole stem creating a bright, crisp sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switches provide a smooth typing experience due to their full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. While the Guyu switches offer a more resonant feedback and medium weight for effortless keystrokes, the Ice King Linears focus on silky smoothness and a subdued typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference - 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Bsun Guyu and the Durock Ice King Linear switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The Guyu features a POM top housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. In contrast, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. While both materials offer a deep sound profile, the POM top housing of the Guyu may provide a slightly different sound experience compared to the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear.
The bottom housing of the Bsun Guyu is also made of POM, resulting in a similar sound profile as the top housing. The relatively more muted sound of POM creates a cohesive auditory experience when combined with the top housing material. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switches feature a nylon bottom housing, which further contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of switches utilizing nylon materials. This difference in bottom housing materials may result in a subtle variation in sound and feel compared to the Guyu switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to recognize how the top and bottom housings work together to create a cohesive sound profile and feel. With the Bsun Guyu switches, both the top and bottom housings are made of POM, allowing for a consistent and pleasing sound throughout the typing process. Conversely, the Durock Ice King Linear switches have a split between nylon top and bottom housings, which may affect the typing experience differently. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, combined with the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key, results in a unique typing experience characteristic of each switch's housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Linear switch which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Guyu requires 50 grams while the Ice King Linear needs 62 grams, making the Ice King Linear the heavier option in both categories. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Guyu switch, while users looking for a more substantial and tactile typing experience may find the Ice King Linear switch more suitable. Both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, but the slight differences can cater to different preferences based on the user's typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Guyu would provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Ice King Linear, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference for a slightly longer or slightly shorter travel distance. Both options would offer a similar level of responsiveness, so users can expect comparable results regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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
The Bsun Guyu linear switch is known for its distinctive sound profile, characterized by a clacky and percussive bottom-out noise that resonates with a bright and crisp quality. The all-POM housing and UPE stem contribute to this unique auditory experience, setting it apart from other linear switches on the market. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch presents a more subdued sound, offering a dampened and subtle typing experience with its full nylon construction and factory lubrication. While the Guyu emphasizes depth and clarity in its sound signature, the Ice King Linear focuses on a smoother and quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, both the Bsun Guyu and Durock Ice King Linear switches offer a silky-smooth typing experience. The Guyu switch provides a creamy and frictionless feel, allowing for effortless keystrokes with a polished finish that minimizes friction. This results in a typing sensation akin to gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Similarly, the Ice King Linear switch also offers a silky and frictionless feel, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced resistance during typing. Both switches prioritize a seamless and refined typing experience, catering to users who prefer a fluid and comfortable feel while typing.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Guyu and Durock Ice King Linear switches differ in their sound profiles, they both excel in providing a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a clacky and bright sound or a subdued and quiet typing experience, both switches offer a high level of satisfaction in terms of feel. With their shared emphasis on smoothness and effortless keystrokes, users can expect similar results in terms of typing comfort regardless of which switch they choose. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ensuring that users can find the perfect linear switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prioritize a bright and crisp bottom-out sound with a medium weight for smooth keystrokes, the Guyu may be the perfect choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky typing experience and appreciate a switch that offers a creamy, polished, and frictionless feel, the Guyu switch may be the ideal fit for your preferences. On the other hand, if you prefer a subdued sound and desire a silky smooth typing experience with a medium bottom-out force, the Ice King Linear switch could be the one for you. With its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, the Ice King Linear offers a refined and effortless typing feel. Ultimately, whichever switch you choose, both the Bsun Guyu and Durock Ice King Linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable keyboard experience.
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