Bsun Guyu vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu linear switch is celebrated for its unique auditory experience, characterized by all-POM housings that enhance acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. With medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes from a high-grade UPE stem, typing on these switches is effortless and satisfying. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is hailed as a classic with a substantial heft and textured typing experience, incorporating updated materials and springs for a blend of tradition and modern innovation. While the Guyu offers a distinctive sound signature with depth and clarity, the Nixie provides a traditional yet innovative typing feel. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Cherry Nixie switches both bring unique qualities to the typing experience. The Guyu's POM top and bottom housings create a deep and muted sound profile, while the Nixie's nylon top and bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound. Both materials offer a softer plastic composition, with nylon specifically being known for its sound absorbing properties. However, the POM material in the Guyu switches provides a more pleasing and unique sound compared to the duller and rounder sound of the Nixie's nylon material.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both the Bsun Guyu and Cherry Nixie switches share similarities in their housing material compositions. Both switches utilize top and bottom housings made of either POM or nylon, focusing on deep and full sound profiles characteristic of these softer plastics. The impact of the housing materials on the typing experience is evident in the unique sound each switch produces, whether it be the pleasing and unique sound of the Guyu's POM material or the deeper and fuller sound of the Nixie's nylon material.
In terms of functionality, the split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch allows for a diverse typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials showcases the importance of material composition in creating a distinctive typing experience in both the Bsun Guyu and Cherry Nixie switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear 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, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it heavier. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Guyu make it ideal for those looking for a smoother typing experience that requires less force. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Nixie provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches fall within the shorter travel distance spectrum compared to a traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may lean towards the Bsun Guyu for its faster response time with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Cherry Nixie with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress 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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 known for its clacky and bright bottom-out sound, offering a crisp and percussive typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep, rich, and mellow tone with a satisfying feel. This means that users can expect a more snappy and energetic sound from the Guyu, while the Nixie offers a more solid and bass-heavy auditory feedback. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the type of typing experience you prefer.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Guyu linear switch is recognized for its smooth and creamy keystrokes, offering a frictionless and polished typing experience. This results in effortless gliding and a silky sensation when typing, creating a highly satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as textured, indicating that it may have noticeable friction when pressed. This means that users of the Nixie switch might experience a more tactile and possibly slightly rough feel compared to the smooth and polished keystrokes of the Guyu switch. Overall, both switches provide unique tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Guyu excels in providing a clacky and creamy typing experience with a bright bottom-out sound, while the Nixie delivers a thocky and textured feel with a low-pitched and satisfying sound. Choosing between these switches would come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, as they offer different typing experiences that cater to diverse user preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and innovative features that enhance the overall typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless typing experience, the Bsun Guyu switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound and don't mind a textured typing feel, the Cherry Nixie switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of auditory and tactile experience you value most in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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