Bsun Guyu vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Guyu and PH Studio Jacaranda are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Guyu is praised for its deep and resonant sound thanks to its all-POM housing and long pole stem, creating a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. With a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, typing on the Guyu feels effortless and satisfying. On the other hand, the Jacaranda, known for its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force and clacky sound signature, provides a fatigue-free typing experience with its uniquely bouncy 22mm spring. While both switches fall under the category of 'Clacky' and offer a silky smooth typing experience, they differ in terms of their sound profile and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the BSUN Guyu and PH Studio Jacaranda will depend on 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
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the PH Studio Jacaranda, one key difference lies in the type of plastic used. The Guyu features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Jacaranda utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles is a result of the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the softness of POM. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, providing an aesthetic advantage over POM.
Another distinction between the two keyboards is found in their bottom housing materials. The Guyu boasts a POM bottom housing, which contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile. In contrast, the Jacaranda's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to the material's absorbent properties. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to the harder POM, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile.
In terms of overall switch performance, the combination of housing materials in both the top and bottom of the switch plays a significant role in the typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether it be POM or nylon, have a direct impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing material, whether it be POM or polycarbonate, affects the sound when a key is released. Understanding the properties of each material helps users choose a switch that aligns with their desired sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it is clear that both switches are on the lighter side of the spectrum. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. The Guyu switch requires slightly more force for actuation and bottoming out compared to the Jacaranda, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter typing experience would find both switches to be suitable options.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Guyu offering a slightly longer press compared to the Jacaranda. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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, both the Bsun Guyu and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches fall under the descriptor of "clacky," providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Guyu offers a deeper acoustics experience with a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound due to its all-POM housing and long pole stem. On the other hand, the Jacaranda's sound signature leans towards a slightly higher-pitched and resonant profile, enhancing the auditory feedback with a unique bouncy sensation from its extended 22mm spring. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can expect a satisfying auditory experience from both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Guyu is characterized by a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless glide with each keystroke. The high-grade UPE stem contributes to the super-smooth feel of the medium-weight switch, creating a comfortable typing session that minimizes friction and maximizes comfort. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience that enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a seamless typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a smooth and comfortable feel when typing for extended periods.
Overall, the Bsun Guyu and PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches offer unique and satisfying qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Guyu provides a distinctive auditory experience with a balanced blend of depth and clarity, complemented by a super-smooth keystroke feel, the Jacaranda stands out with its clacky sound profile and silky smooth typing sensation, thanks to the extended spring design. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches deliver a high-quality typing experience that prioritizes comfort and performance, making them excellent choices for enthusiasts seeking a premium mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch with a unique auditory experience that delivers deep acoustics and a brighter bottom-out sound, the Guyu may be the right choice for you. Its super-smooth keystrokes and medium weight provide an effortless typing experience with resonant feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that is easy on the fingers with a clacky sound profile and a uniquely bouncy sensation due to an extended spring, the Jacaranda could be more suitable for you. Both switches offer a light bottom out force, but the Jacaranda stands out for its silky smooth typing feel. Consider your typing preferences and whether you value sound or feel more when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your individual preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
