Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, some distinctive features come to light. The Bsun Guyu switch is renowned for its unique auditory experience, offering deep acoustics with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound due to its all-POM housings and long pole stem. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Guyu switch provides a balanced typing experience with a medium weight and smooth keystrokes, the Ink Box Black switch offers a high-pitched sound signature and silky feel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Box Black differ in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The Guyu's POM top and bottom housing create a deeper, more muted sound, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a higher-pitched, clacky sound that adds a satisfying tactile feel to each keystroke. These differences in sound profiles make each switch suitable for different preferences and typing styles.
Despite the differences in sound profile, both the Guyu and the Ink Box Black offer a satisfying typing experience due to their unique housing materials. The POM housings of the Guyu provide a soft and cushioned feel, offering a quieter typing experience that may be preferred in quieter environments. On the other hand, the INK blend housings of the Ink Box Black deliver a more pronounced, higher-pitched sound that adds a level of tactility and feedback to each keystroke. Both switches offer their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Box Black play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch. While the Guyu's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend housing produces a higher-pitched, clacky sound that adds a unique tactile feel to typing. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style, as each offers a distinct typing experience that can cater to different needs and preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Guyu is also lighter at 50 grams, while the Ink Box Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch and typing for extended periods, the Guyu may be a better choice. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel is desired, the Ink Box Black would be the suitable option. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose according to their preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The travel distance for both switches is equal, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of key press depth. This makes them both suitable options for those looking for a consistent and familiar typing feel in their mechanical keyboard.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Bsun Guyu linear switch provides a unique auditory experience with its deep acoustics and bright bottom-out sound, creating a distinctive rhythm. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which may not be as refined or distinctive as the Guyu. However, both switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Guyu switch is known for its medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, resulting in an effortless glide with resonant feedback. Described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, the tactile experience of typing on the Guyu switch is silky and polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel, although the specific details of its tactile experience may differ from the Guyu.
In conclusion, the Bsun Guyu linear switch stands out for its unique auditory experience and smooth keystrokes, offering a distinctive typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provides a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken and a silky, polished feel. While both switches possess similar qualities in terms of sound and feel, the specific nuances and overall typing experience may vary slightly between the two switches. Ultimately, choosing between the Bsun Guyu and Gateron Ink Box Black switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique auditory experience with a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, along with a balance of depth and clarity in sound signature, the Bsun Guyu may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for incredibly smooth and creamy switches with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, the Gateron Ink Box Black could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience, whether it's the effortless glide and resonant feedback of the Guyu or the silky smooth and polished feel of the Ink Box Black.
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