Bsun Guyu vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Guyu and the SP-Star Polaris Gray offer distinctive qualities to consider. The Bsun Guyu is a linear switch renowned for its unique auditory experience, with all-POM housings enhancing acoustics and a long pole stem creating a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. The smooth keystrokes and medium weight of the Guyu switches provide an effortless typing session with resonant feedback, resulting in a distinctive sound signature that blends depth and clarity. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches are favored by those who prefer a bouncy typing experience, with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Guyu switches are described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', the Polaris Gray switches are labeled as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Guyu and SP-Star Polaris Gray both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Guyu features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both materials offer their own distinct sound characteristics, the use of POM in the Guyu creates a more subdued tone compared to the more resonant sound produced by polycarbonate in the Polaris Gray.
One key difference between the two switches lies in their housing materials, with the POM housing of the Guyu contrasting with the polycarbonate housing of the Polaris Gray. The choice of material not only affects the sound profile but also plays a role in the overall aesthetics of the switch. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. Conversely, the opaque nature of POM in the Guyu may provide a more classic and understated look to the switch.
While the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and SP-Star Polaris Gray may differ, their impact on the overall typing experience is similar in some aspects. Both POM and polycarbonate offer unique sound profiles, with POM creating a deeper and more muted sound while polycarbonate produces a sharper and crisper tone. Additionally, the choice of housing material can influence the feel of the switch when typing, with the qualities of the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective housing materials, catering to the preferences of individual users.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer distinct differences in terms of weight. The Bsun Guyu 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 touch while typing or gaming. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Gray features a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. While the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is not specified, the significant difference in bottom out force indicates that it is heavier than the Guyu switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Guyu offering a lighter touch and the Polaris Gray providing a more robust typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can find the ideal fit based on their typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Guyu's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Polaris Gray's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, making them suitable options for different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize quick responsiveness or a more tactile typing 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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 offers a unique and resonant experience with a bright and crisp bottom-out sound due to its all-POM housing and long pole stem. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch provides a clean and clacky sound profile, appealing to those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience. The Guyu switch's depth and clarity paired with the Polaris Gray switch's neutral and thocky sound qualities showcase a distinct contrast in auditory feedback, catering to different preferences in typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Guyu switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience with a silky and snappy feel, providing effortless keystrokes and smooth key travel. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch is characterized by a mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Guyu switch emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness in its feel, the Polaris Gray switch focuses on providing a comfortable and approachable typing sensation for a wide range of users.
Taking into account the sound and feel qualities of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is clear that they offer distinct experiences for users with varying preferences. The Guyu switch excels in providing a resonant and smooth typing experience with a bright, crisp sound, while the Polaris Gray switch focuses on a clean and gentle typing feel with a neutral and thocky sound profile. Ultimately, depending on whether you prioritize a bouncy and clacky typing sound or a creamy and silky typing feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Whether you choose the Guyu or the Polaris Gray switch, you can expect a high-quality performance that aligns with your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Guyu linear switch or the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for sound and feel. If you prefer a unique auditory experience with a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound and super-smooth keystrokes, the Bsun Guyu linear switch may be the perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clean and bouncy typing experience with a moderate sound profile and a smooth typing feel, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch could be the ideal choice. Consider what sound and feel characteristics resonate with you the most to make the best decision for your typing needs.
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