Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Yellow, both linear switches. The Bsun Guyu stands out for its unique auditory experience, with all-POM housings creating deep acoustics and a bright bottom-out sound. Its medium weight and smooth keystrokes make typing effortless and enjoyable, offering a distinctive sound signature with depth and clarity. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow features a shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience in between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. Known for its smoothness and clackiness, this switch offers a pleasant feel during typing sessions. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Yellow, one major difference is in the sound profile they create. The POM top housing of the Guyu produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Yellow has a higher-pitched and slightly clacky sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a quieter or more tactile key feel.
Another point of comparison is in the construction of the bottom housing. Both the Guyu and the Ink Yellow utilize POM material for their bottom housings, which contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. However, while the Guyu's bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and more muted sound, the Ink Yellow's bottom housing complements the higher-pitched and clacky sound of its top housing. This difference highlights how the combination of housing materials can influence the overall typing experience and sound feedback of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Ink Yellow showcase how the choice of POM or proprietary INK blend can impact the sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch. Users can expect a unique and pleasing typing experience from either switch, with the Guyu offering a deeper and more muted sound while the Ink Yellow provides a higher-pitched and clacky sound. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch, allowing enthusiasts to select the option that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Guyu is lighter in both aspects compared to the Ink Yellow. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This makes the Guyu better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Yellow provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. Choosing between the two depends on personal preference, with the Bsun Guyu providing a slightly deeper key press experience compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow. Ultimately, if you prioritize a bit more depth in your key presses, the Bsun Guyu may be the better option, while those looking for a slightly quicker response time may lean towards the Gateron Ink Yellow.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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 is known for its clacky bottom-out sound, which provides a sharp and snappy typing experience with crisp and bright acoustics. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile that falls between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard, with a touch of clackiness. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, but the Guyu offers a more pronounced and vibrant sound, while the Ink Yellow provides a softer and more versatile sound that can cater to a wider range of preferences. Ultimately, the sound produced by these switches will also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is lauded for its creamy and frictionless keystrokes, offering a silky smooth typing experience that feels like effortlessly gliding across the keys. The switch boasts a polished finish that enhances the overall typing feel, creating a refined and sleek sensation with minimal resistance. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy, providing super responsive feedback that adds liveliness to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is noted for its mild and polished feel, delivering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide smooth key travel and reduced friction, but the Guyu offers a more luxurious and frictionless typing experience compared to the more subdued feel of the Ink Yellow.
In conclusion, the Bsun Guyu linear switch stands out for its unique auditory experience with a clacky sound and creamy, polished feel that emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile with a touch of clackiness and a mild, polished feel that caters to a wider audience. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, with the Guyu offering a more vibrant and luxurious feel, while the Ink Yellow provides a versatile and approachable option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both offer high-quality performance with their own distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider the factors of sound and feel. If you value a unique auditory experience with a balance of depth and clarity, along with super-smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback, the Guyu switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a smooth and pleasant feel, the Ink Yellow switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing.
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