Bsun Guyu vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Guyu is renowned for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that deepen acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. Its medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes make typing sessions effortless and enjoyable, with resonant feedback for a satisfying rhythm. On the other hand, the Koala strikes a balance for those who want a tactile response without overwhelming force. With a stepped tactility and pronounced bump, the Koala offers a bit of resonance without being overly loud. While the Guyu is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', the Koala is 'Polished', 'Low-pitched', and 'Stepped'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Durock Koala, one can see significant differences in sound profiles. The POM top housing of the Guyu creates a deep and muted sound, while the Koala's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This distinction highlights how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with POM providing a more subdued sound and polycarbonate offering a clearer and more resonant profile. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the functionality of the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housings of the two switches, the Guyu's POM bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing, creating a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Koala's nylon bottom housing produces a fuller and rounder sound, thanks to nylon's softer composition that absorbs more sound. This difference in material highlights how the bottom housing can significantly impact the sound and feel of a key press, with nylon providing a more cushioned typing experience compared to POM.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in determining its sound profile and feel. While the Guyu and Koala may have contrasting top and bottom housings, each material contributes distinct qualities to the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during key press, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater effect when releasing a key. Understanding the unique characteristics of housing materials like POM, polycarbonate, and nylon can help enthusiasts select switches that align with their preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the Guyu is lighter in terms of both forces. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Koala has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Guyu provides a lighter typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Koala offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. The actuation force of the Koala is unknown, but given its higher bottom out force, it is likely to provide a more tactile and responsive typing experience compared to the Guyu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for either a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Durock Koala tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. The Koala has a slightly longer travel distance than the Guyu, which may result in a slightly deeper key press feel. However, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and should provide a satisfactory typing experience for most users. If you prefer a faster response time and a shallower key press, the Guyu with its shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly deeper and more substantial key press, the Koala with its longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 offers a clacky experience with sharp and snappy tones that are crisp, bright, and percussive, thanks to its all-POM housing and long pole stem. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone without being overly loud. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Guyu leaning towards a brighter and crisper bottom-out sound, while the Koala offers a bit of resonance without being too pronounced.
In terms of feel, the Guyu switch boasts a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, providing smooth and effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance. Its super-smooth keystrokes make typing feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch offers a polished and accented tactile feel, with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. This switch provides a medium tactile experience with a two-stage feel, adding a bit of stiffness to the typing process.
In conclusion, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Guyu excels in delivering a bright and crisp sound with smooth keystrokes, the Koala provides a more neutral sound profile with a pronounced bump and a medium tactile feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you are looking for a smooth and effortless typing session with a unique auditory experience, the Guyu may be the switch for you. Its light bottom out force, creamy feel, and clacky sound make it ideal for those who value smooth keystrokes and distinct acoustics. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced bump in your keystrokes without being too heavy, the Koala is a great option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force, polished feel, and low-pitched, neutral sound profile, the Koalas strike a balance between tactility and resonance. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preference for typing feel and sound, so consider these factors when choosing between the two switches.
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