Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Guyu switch is renowned for its distinctive auditory experience, featuring an all-POM housing and long pole stem that create a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. With a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, typing on the Guyu switch is a smooth and effortless glide with resonant feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch stands out for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing style. The Ink Red switch is praised for its smooth feel, crispy and clacky sound profile, and ease of typing. While the Guyu switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless', the Ink Red switch is described as 'Neutral', 'Silky', and 'Chirpy'. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Gateron Ink Red switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The POM top and bottom housing of the Guyu create a deep and muted sound, providing a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing produce a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, resulting in a more clacky sensation when typing. These differences can greatly influence the overall feel and acoustics of the keyboard.
While the top and bottom housings of both switches vary in material and sound profile, they each play a significant role in the typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with the POM bottom housing of the Guyu contributing to its deep and muted sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red adds to its sharp and clacky sound. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with the POM top housing of the Guyu offering a unique and pleasing sound, and the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red producing a higher-pitched and satisfyingly clacky sound.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Gateron Ink Red switches showcase the importance of material selection in keyboard switches. The contrasting sound profiles and tactile experiences provided by the POM and INK blend housings offer users a range of options to suit their typing preferences. Whether you prefer a deep and rounded sound like the Guyu or a sharp and clacky sound like the Ink Red, these housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of a mechanical keyboard.
Weight
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, which also has an actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Guyu requires 50 grams while the Ink Red requires 60 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Guyu may be the better choice as it allows for easier keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Red provides a bit more resistance, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that the Guyu has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Guyu's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter distances can lead to quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Red may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial key press. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference, with the Guyu providing a quicker feel and the Ink Red offering a more deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and priorities.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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 offers a distinctive clacky sound with deep acoustics and a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch provides a satisfyingly smooth and crispy clacky sound profile, making it effortless to type on. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the Guyu leans towards a deeper, resonant feedback with clarity, while the Ink Red provides a lighter, chirpy sound with a moderate actuation force requirement.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless glide with a refined finish. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch provides a silky smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, along with a mild and polished feel for a gentle typing experience. Both switches excel in providing a smooth typing feel, with the Guyu leaning towards a more refined and snappy response, while the Ink Red opts for a gentler and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Guyu linear switch excels in offering a unique auditory experience with a deep and crisp sound profile, coupled with a super-smooth keystroke for effortless typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch provides a satisfyingly smooth and chirpy sound with a lighter actuation force and a silky smooth typing experience. Both switches have their strengths in sound and feel, catering to different preferences in typing style. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the sound profile and typing feel desired for an enhanced typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique typing experience with a focus on auditory feedback, the Bsun Guyu linear switch would be a great choice. The Guyu switch offers a medium weight and smooth keystrokes, delivering a distinctive sound signature that pairs depth and clarity for an unmatched typing rhythm. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing style and a satisfyingly smooth experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for auditory feedback and typing feel.
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