Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Guyu switch is renowned for its unique auditory experience, offering a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, while the Mini i switch provides a gentler tactility with a muted sound profile that is perfect for office settings. The Guyu switch offers smooth keystrokes and a distinctive sound signature, ideal for those looking for a polished and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i switch is lightweight and easy-to-press, making it suitable for long hours of comfortable typing without the disruptive clack. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Mini i switches both contribute to a deep and pleasing sound profile. The Guyu's POM top and bottom housings create a unique sound that is relatively muted and on the deeper side, echoing throughout the keypress. On the other hand, the Mini i's nylon housings also produce a deep and full sound profile due to the softness of the material absorbing more sound. Both switches offer a similar auditory experience with their respective housing materials.
While both switches offer similar sound profiles, the materials used in their housings differ in their impact on the typing experience. The POM housing of the Bsun Guyu provides a slightly softer and more muted bottom-out sound, while the nylon housing of the Gateron Mini i offers a deeper and fuller bottom-out feel. The bottom housing material plays a key role in determining the overall feel and sound of the switch, with each material contributing its unique characteristics to the typing experience.
Additionally, the top housing of the switches also plays a significant role in the sound produced during the keypress. The POM top housing of the Bsun Guyu adds to the deep and unique sound profile by slightly muting the sound during key release. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Gateron Mini i enhances the fuller sound profile with a rounder and duller sound upon key release. Both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a focus on creating a deep and pleasing sound with their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we find that the Guyu has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of force required to fully press the keys. The Guyu switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier for users to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. In contrast, the Mini i switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar bottom out force, so users can expect similar results in terms of key press resistance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Guyu. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The Guyu's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth compared to the Mini i's 3.4 mm travel distance, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, both switches provide similar results, but with a slight difference in travel distance for users to consider based on their 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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 is often described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound that suits various scenarios without being overly loud or distracting. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used, so it's important to consider the entire setup when evaluating sound quality.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Guyu linear switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to the smooth UPE stem and polished housing that result in a silky and effortless glide across the keys. The switch is also noted for its snappy responsiveness, adding to the overall tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press typing feel, with a mild tactile bump that enhances keypress feedback without being too pronounced. The subtle and stepped nature of the switch ensures a comfortable and low-impact typing experience that is suitable for prolonged use.
In conclusion, the Bsun Guyu linear switch stands out for its unique clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel, providing a tactile and auditory experience that is both responsive and smooth. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel, catering to users who prefer a subtle and gentle typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing sessions, ultimately providing a satisfying and comfortable typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a unique auditory experience with bright, crisp sounds and smooth keystrokes, the Guyu switch might be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactility, lightweight feel, and a more muted sound profile for a quiet office setting, the Mini i switch could be the better choice. Consider the sound and feel descriptions provided for each switch to help guide your decision and ultimately select the switch that best suits your typing style. Happy typing!
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