Bsun Guyu vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu linear switch is renowned for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that deepen acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper sound upon bottoming out. The medium weight of the switches, combined with the high-grade UPE stem, facilitates super-smooth keystrokes for effortless typing sessions with resonant feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch, perfected by Cherry with Hyperglide tooling, offers a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile while typing. The MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched, textured, and stiff characteristics. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Cherry MX Black switches both play a significant role in dictating the sound profile of the switches. The Guyu's POM top housing and the MX Black's nylon top housing both contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit in slightly different ways. The POM housing of the Guyu creates a more muted sound compared to the fuller sound produced by the nylon housing of the MX Black. However, both materials have the commonality of creating a pleasing sound that is unique to their respective switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Bsun Guyu and Cherry MX Black switches also exhibit similar characteristics in influencing the sound profile. The POM bottom housing of the Guyu and the nylon bottom housing of the MX Black both contribute to a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. While the specific feel and sound may vary slightly between the two switches, the overall impact of the housing material on the sound produced remains consistent.
The distinction between the top and bottom housing materials of switches becomes apparent when analyzing the specific qualities each brings to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing of a switch has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. Despite some differences in sound profile and feel, both the Bsun Guyu and Cherry MX Black switches utilize their housing materials effectively to create a pleasing typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that there is a noticeable difference in weight between the two. The Guyu switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switch boasts a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial and forceful typing feel. Those who appreciate a stronger push when typing or gaming may gravitate towards the MX Black switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Guyu switch more to their liking. In terms of weight preferences, the MX Black switch is heavier, while the Guyu switch is lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal typing preferences and how they value actuation and bottom out forces in their keyboard switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Guyu linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance at 4 mm. The Guyu offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the MX Black provides a bit more depth, which some users may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Black being on the longer side compared to the Guyu. Overall, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired keyboard 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
Overall, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is clear that they offer distinct experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Guyu switch provides a clacky sound profile with a creamy and frictionless typing feel, creating a smooth and effortless typing experience with a unique auditory feedback. On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a textured and stiff typing feel, providing a classic and familiar typing experience with a different tactile feedback. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the individual's preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, whether you enjoy the brighter, crisper sound of the Guyu or the bass-heavy, mellow tones of the MX Black switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you value a unique auditory experience with a medium-weight switch that provides super-smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback, the Bsun Guyu linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile with a heavier bottom out force, the Cherry MX Black linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose wisely based on what resonates with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
