Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch. The Guyu is known for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that deepen the acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. With its medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, typing on the Guyu switch is effortless and provides resonant feedback, creating an unmatched typing rhythm. On the other hand, Gateron's Melodic switch reinvigorates the clicky switch category by incorporating smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. Both switches offer their own advantages, with the Guyu being described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', while the Melodic is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy'. 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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Melodic both offer unique sound profiles based on their different housing materials. The Guyu's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Melodic's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Guyu contributes to its deep and pleasing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic results in a fuller and rounder sound. These contrasting sound profiles make each switch suitable for different preferences and typing experiences.
Despite their differences, both switches exhibit a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in their housing materials. The use of POM and polycarbonate in the top housing of the Guyu and Melodic, respectively, demonstrates a commitment to creating a unique sound experience for users. In addition, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing of the Melodic showcases a focus on creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the materials may be different, the end result is a premium typing experience that caters to a variety of sound preferences.
In terms of design and aesthetics, the use of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the Guyu and Melodic allows for a customized sound experience based on key press and release. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel, combined with the influence of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key, showcases the thoughtful construction of each switch. Whether you prefer the deeper and muted sound of the Guyu or the sharper and crisper sound of the Melodic, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles attributed to their distinctive housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Guyu is lighter in both aspects. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. On the other hand, the Melodic has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 60 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more force to press all the way down compared to the Guyu. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches highlights the varying preferences among users when it comes to typing experience. Some may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Guyu for extended typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Melodic for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing experience and desired force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is evident that the Guyu has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Melodic has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing experience. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Guyu with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Melodic. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 best characterized by its clacky and bright bottom-out sound that provides a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound profile, ensuring a clean and sharp auditory experience reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. This marks a clear difference in sound between the two switches, catering to different preferences based on their individual characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Guyu switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, allowing users to effortlessly glide their fingers across the keys with reduced resistance and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, providing pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy feel for an immersive typing experience. These distinct feel qualities cater to users seeking either a smooth and buttery or a responsive and invigorating typing experience.
In conclusion, the BSUN Guyu linear switch stands out for its unique auditory experience with a clacky and bright bottom-out sound, complemented by a medium weight for super-smooth keystrokes, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch redefines the clicky switch category with its resonant sound and smooth factory lubrication for a classic yet smooth typing experience. While each switch offers its own set of sound and feel qualities, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel by selecting the switch that aligns with their preferences and pairing it with a suitable keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Guyu linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch that delivers a unique auditory experience with a balance of depth and clarity, paired with super-smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback, then the Guyu may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness, the Melodic switch from Gateron may be more suitable for your typing style. Consider the sound profile described as "clacky" for the Guyu and "resonant" and "crunchy" for the Melodic, as well as the feel described as "creamy," "frictionless," "polished," and "silky" for Guyu and "buttery" and "invigorating" for Melodic. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
