Bsun Guyu vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we see two distinctly different options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Guyu offers a unique auditory experience with its all-POM housings and long pole stem, creating a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. The smooth keystrokes courtesy of the high-grade UPE stem make typing effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Penguin switches from Akko cater to those in need of a silent typing experience, perfect for office environments. With a rounded tactile bump and medium weight, they offer a satisfying feedback while keeping noise to a minimum. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The main difference between the Bsun Guyu and the Akko Penguin lies in their housing materials. The Guyu features a POM top and bottom housing, creating a unique and muted sound profile with deeper tones. In contrast, the Penguin switches utilize nylon for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller, deeper sound with a rounder sound profile. While both materials absorb sound, the softer nature of nylon contributes to a more dull and rounded sound compared to the POM housing of the Guyu.
Despite these differences, both the Bsun Guyu and the Akko Penguin ultimately aim to provide an enhanced typing experience through their housing materials. The POM top housing of the Guyu and the nylon top housing of the Penguin both offer a pleasing sound profile that enhances the overall typing feel. The deeper sound profile elicited by the nylon top housing of the Penguin may offer a more substantial typing experience compared to the muted sound of the POM top housing on the Guyu. However, both materials aim to create a more enjoyable typing experience for users.
In terms of construction, the split between top and bottom housing materials on the Bsun Guyu and Akko Penguin affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. The impact of the bottom housing material is evident in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material influences the sound when a key is released. This split in qualities allows for a more nuanced typing experience, where users can appreciate the different characteristics each housing material brings to the switch.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Guyu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Penguin's 43 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Guyu requires 50 grams while the Penguin requires 60 grams, making the Penguin the heavier option. The lighter actuation force of the Guyu may be preferable for those looking for a smoother typing experience, especially for long periods of use. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Penguin may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Guyu linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Guyu has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Penguin. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Penguin for faster response times, while others who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may opt for the Guyu. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 characterized by a clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy acoustics that are crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a more muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a great choice for quieter environments like the office. Both switches have their unique sound qualities, catering to different preferences and settings.
In terms of feel, the Guyu switch is known for providing a creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering smooth, buttery keystrokes with minimal resistance or friction. This results in a sensation of gliding across the keys effortlessly. In contrast, the Penguin switch is described as polished and mild, delivering a refined typing feel that is gentle and approachable to most users. The tactile bump in the Penguin switch provides satisfying feedback without being too pronounced, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences and environments. The Guyu switch excels in providing a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, while the Penguin switch stands out for its muted sound and polished, mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and usage scenarios. However, both switches offer quality construction and performance that will result in a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, it's all about your preference and needs. If you're looking for a unique auditory experience with a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless typing feel, then the Bsun Guyu linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize noise minimization, a muted sound profile, and a polished, feathery typing feel, then the Akko Penguin tactile switch is the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what sound and feel you prefer during your typing sessions and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
