Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu linear switch is well-known for its unique auditory experience with all-POM housings that deepen acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter bottom-out sound. The medium weight of the Guyu switch complements its super-smooth keystrokes, making typing sessions effortless with resonant feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King linear switch stands out for its buttery smoothness and sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. Both switches offer a creamy and polished typing experience, but the Guyu switch leans towards a clacky and snappy feel, while the Oil King switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound. When choosing between the two, consider if you prefer a deeper and crisper sound like the Guyu or a smoother and buttery sound like the Oil King. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Oil King differ in terms of the materials used and the resulting sound profile. The Guyu utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Oil King features a nylon top housing and a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. The nylon top housing of the Oil King produces a fuller and deeper sound, while the INK blend bottom housing delivers a higher-pitched, clacky sound. These differences in housing materials contribute to the unique sound profiles of each switch.
Despite the variations in housing materials between the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Oil King, both switches aim to offer a satisfying typing experience. The POM top and bottom housing of the Guyu work together to create a deep and pleasing sound, while the Oil King leverages nylon and an INK blend to produce a fuller and clacky sound profile. While the specific materials differ, both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback. Typing on either switch will result in a distinct sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
In terms of functionality, the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Oil King play different roles in shaping the sound profile of the switches. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material for each component of a switch can contribute to the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in materials and resulting sound profiles, both the Guyu and the Oil King prioritize delivering a tactile and satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, it is evident that the Guyu is lighter overall. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Oil King, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. Additionally, the Guyu has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Oil King has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Oil King provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. Individuals who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming may opt for the Guyu, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Oil King for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Oil King linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Guyu has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Oil King. The Guyu's 3.6 mm travel distance is ideal for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Oil King's 4 mm travel distance may provide a more traditional and deeper keystroke feel. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether you prefer the shorter or longer distance.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a clacky and bright bottom-out sound due to its unique all-POM housing and long pole stem, providing a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King linear switch produces a low-pitched and bassy sound, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, giving a mellower and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Guyu focusing on sharpness and clarity, while the Oil King leans towards depth and richness in sound.
Moving on to the feel, both the Bsun Guyu and Gateron Oil King switches are described as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. The Guyu switch is highlighted for its super-smooth keystrokes attributed to the high-grade UPE stem, creating an effortless glide with resonant feedback. Similarly, the Oil King switch is praised for its buttery smoothness, allowing for a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches provide a polished and frictionless typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness in key travel.
Overall, while the Bsun Guyu and Gateron Oil King linear switches have their own unique sound and feel characteristics, they both excel in offering a smooth and effortless typing experience. Whether you prefer the clacky and bright sound of the Guyu switch or the low-pitched and rich sound of the Oil King switch, you can expect similar results in terms of creamy, silky, and polished feel, providing a delightful typing rhythm regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Oil King linear switch, consider the auditory experience and the feel you are looking for in your typing sessions. If you value a unique sound signature with depth and clarity, along with a super-smooth keystroke that creates a distinctive typing rhythm, the Guyu may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smoothness and a sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, the Oil King might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, so choose based on the typing experience you desire.
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