Bsun Guyu vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Guyu and the Outemu Purple offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Bsun Guyu, a linear switch, stands out for its auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that deepen the acoustics and a long pole stem for a crisp sound upon bottom-out. With a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, typing on the Guyu switch is effortless and provides resonant feedback, creating a distinctive sound signature. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, is known for its tactile bump feedback during key presses. While the Guyu switch offers a smoother typing experience, the Purple switch provides a more pronounced bump for tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Outemu Purple switches differ in several ways. The Guyu features a POM top housing, which offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Purple utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Guyu's POM bottom housing yields a pleasing sound profile that is deep and unique, while the Purple's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences, both the Bsun Guyu and Outemu Purple switches aim to enhance the overall sound and feel of typing. The POM housing of the Guyu and the nylon housing of the Purple each provide distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall typing experience. The split design of having different housing materials for the top and bottom parts of the switch allows for a combination of qualities that impact both the press-down and release sounds and feels of the switches. Whether it's the deeper and more muted sound of the Guyu or the sharper and crisper sound of the Purple, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Outemu Purple switches play a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Guyu's POM housing leans towards a deeper and more muted sound, the Purple's polycarbonate and nylon housings offer a sharper and fuller sound respectively. By understanding the impact of different housing materials on the sound and feel of typing, keyboard enthusiasts can choose the switch that best suits their preferences. Whether it's the aesthetic appeal of a translucent polycarbonate or the classic feel of a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer distinctive qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Guyu switch requires less force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Guyu switch has a heavier force of 50 grams, while the Purple switch's bottom out force is unknown. This difference in bottom out force means that the Guyu switch provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Bsun Guyu switch, while those who prefer a heavier push may opt for the Outemu Purple switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsuns Guyu linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Outemu Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsuns Guyu. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a deeper key press, the Outemu Purple may be more satisfying. On the other hand, users who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times may lean towards the Bsuns Guyu. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, with the Purple switch providing a bit more depth than the Guyu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Outemu Purple comes in at $3.10 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
The Bsun Guyu linear switch stands out in terms of sound for its unique deep and crisp bottom-out sound, attributed to its POM housing and long pole stem. This creates a distinctive auditory experience that blends depth and clarity for a satisfying typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare the two on this aspect. However, do note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors beyond just the switch itself, such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Guyu linear switch is praised for its super-smooth keystrokes, described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy. These qualities contribute to a typing experience that is effortless and refined, providing a satisfying glide with every key press. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Purple tactile switch is not specified, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in this regard.
Considering the information available, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a unique auditory experience with deep and crisp sound, along with a super-smooth keystroke feel that is described as creamy and effortless. In contrast, the characteristics of the Outemu Purple tactile switch in terms of sound and feel are unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison. However, based on the descriptions provided for the Guyu switch, if a user is seeking a smooth and responsive typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, they may likely find similar results with the Outemu Purple switch. Always consider personal preferences and factors like keycaps and keyboard housing when making a decision on which switch to choose for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique auditory experience with a bright and resonant sound signature, along with a medium weight for smooth keystrokes, the Guyu switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force and are looking for a different tactile experience, the Purple switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience to ensure that you find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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