Bsun Guyu vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options to consider are the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Lightning, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Bsun Guyu is renowned for its exceptional auditory experience, boasting all-POM housings that enhance acoustics and a long pole stem that creates a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. With smooth keystrokes and a medium weight, typing on the Guyu switch is effortless and provides resonant feedback, resulting in a unique typing rhythm. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is popular for its speed-focused design, making it ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. The Lightning switch offers a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile, giving users a satisfying typing experience. While both switches have their own strengths, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Lightning offer contrasting sound profiles and aesthetics. The Guyu's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing factor to the Lightning switch. On the other hand, the Guyu's POM bottom housing maintains the same deep and muted sound profile as the top housing, whereas the Lightning's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer material.
Despite their differences, the Bsun Guyu and KTT Lightning share the commonality of prioritizing sound quality in their housing materials. Both switches aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience for users, albeit through different means. The POM top housing of the Guyu and the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning each contribute to enhancing the overall sound profile of the switch, catering to different preferences in sound characteristics. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Lightning and the POM bottom housing of the Guyu play a significant role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, highlighting the importance of material choice in switch design.
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Lightning ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic appeal. While the Guyu offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing materials, the Lightning provides a sharper and crisper sound using polycarbonate and nylon materials. Both switches demonstrate how the selection of top and bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound experience when typing on the keyboard. Whether you prefer a clearer and more resonant sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both the Guyu and Lightning switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that both options have relatively light actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes and bottoming out. In terms of weight, both switches can be considered lighter options, which is beneficial for those who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions without experiencing fatigue. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the slight difference in actuation force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Lightning linear switch which has a travel distance of 3 mm. The Guyu falls into the category of shorter travel distances, while the Lightning falls into the more traditional range. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Lightning switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Guyu. Both switches offer a different feel due to their travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing style and preferences.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 stands out for its clacky and resonant feedback, offering a sharp and bright bottom-out noise that adds a touch of rhythm to every typing session. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch also presents a clacky sound profile, but with a high-pitched and chirpy undertone, making it a bit more unique in its auditory experience. Both switches excel in delivering crisp and percussive sounds when pressed, providing users with an engaging typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a deeper and more resonant sound, the Guyu might be the better choice, while the Lightning offers a slightly higher-pitched and chirpy tone.
In terms of feel, the Guyu linear switch is renowned for its creamy and frictionless keystrokes, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that feels effortless and polished. The high-grade UPE stem enhances the overall smoothness of the keystrokes, resulting in a silky sensation that makes typing a delight. Conversely, the KTT Lightning linear switch provides a subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, paired with a polished finish that ensures smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Guyu leaning towards a creamier feel and the Lightning offering a more subtle touch.
In conclusion, both the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer exceptional sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Guyu excels in delivering a clacky and resonant sound with creamy and frictionless keystrokes, the Lightning provides a high-pitched and chirpy sound profile paired with a subtle typing feel and polished finish. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on whether you prefer a deeper and more resonant sound with a creamier feel (Guyu) or a higher-pitched and chirpy sound with a subtle touch (Lightning). Regardless of your selection, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience that will elevate your keyboarding skills.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider the unique qualities each switch offers. If you are looking for a switch that provides a distinctive auditory experience with a balanced sound signature, smooth keystrokes, and a medium weight for effortless typing, the Guyu may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed with a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switch could be the perfect option, especially in scenarios where milliseconds matter. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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