Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu linear switch is renowned for its unique auditory experience, characterized by all-POM housings that enhance acoustics and a long pole stem for a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. The medium weight of the Guyu switch complements its super-smooth keystrokes, attributed to the high-grade UPE stem, providing an effortless typing experience with resonant feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is a classic favorite in the keyboard community known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack. Despite both being linear switches, the Guyu is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', while the Ink Black V2 is categorized as 'low-pitched', 'bassy', and 'chirpy'. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The main difference between the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Black V2 lies in the sound profile they produce. The POM top and bottom housing of the Guyu creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience depending on the user's preference for sound.
Despite their different sound profiles, both the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Black V2 use high-quality materials for their housing. The POM material of the Guyu is known for its unique sound profile that many users find pleasing, while the proprietary INK blend material of the Ink Black V2 adds a satisfyingly clacky sound to typing. Both materials are durable and provide a solid housing for the switches, ensuring a consistent typing experience over time.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their sound profiles, the overall typing experience may still be similar due to the quality of the materials used. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that can enhance the typing experience for different users. Whether you prefer a deeper and more muted sound or a higher-pitched clacky sound, both switches provide a high-quality housing material that contributes to the overall performance of the switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the force required for each. The Bsun Guyu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Guyu provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it more ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired level of force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ink Black V2 the longer travel distance of the two switches. A shorter travel distance is often preferred by gamers for faster response times, making the Guyu a good choice for those looking for quick movements. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper press. Both switches offer different benefits depending on personal preference, with the Guyu providing a shorter travel distance and the Ink Black V2 offering a longer one.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is known for its clacky and crisp bottom-out sound that is both bright and percussive, thanks to the POM housing and long pole stem. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with a touch of chirpiness, creating a more mellow and rich auditory experience. The choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference, with the Guyu providing a sharper sound while the Ink Black V2 offers a deeper and more laid-back tone.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is renowned for its creamy and frictionless keystrokes, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with a polished finish that enhances the overall typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentler typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Guyu emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness while the Ink Black V2 offers a more approachable and middle-ground feel.
Overall, when considering the subjective qualities of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it's clear that they each have their own unique sound and feel characteristics. While the Guyu delivers a brighter and crisper sound with super-smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback, the Ink Black V2 offers a more mellow and rich sound with a gentle typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless feel or a deeper, bassy sound and a mild, polished feel, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on the sound and feel profile you find most appealing for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique auditory experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound and super-smooth keystrokes, along with a distinctive sound signature pairing depth and clarity, the Guyu switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic smooth downstroke with a rich clack, and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Ink Black V2 switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should be based on whether you value a distinctive sound profile and silky typing experience (Guyu) or a smooth and gentle typing experience with a medium-heavy feel (Ink Black V2).
Mentioned in this article
