Bsun Guyu vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Guyu and SP-Star Polaris Purple are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Guyu linear switch stands out for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that deepen the acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. With a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, typing on the Guyu switch is effortless and provides resonant feedback. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple tactile switch is known for its big tactile bump, offering an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. While the Guyu is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', the Polaris Purple is classified as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeals to different preferences. 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 the SP-Star Polaris Purple both use different materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Guyu featuring POM housings and the Polaris Purple featuring polycarbonate housings. The POM top and bottom housings of the Guyu create a deep and relatively muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Polaris Purple produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material contributes to distinct auditory experiences when typing on these switches, with the Guyu offering a more subdued sound compared to the more resonant sound of the Polaris Purple.
Aesthetically, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the SP-Star Polaris Purple allows for the passage of RGB lighting, adding a colorful flair to the overall look of the switch. On the other hand, the opaque nature of the POM material in the Bsun Guyu's top housing may not allow for the same vivid lighting effects. However, both switches showcase a unique design element with their choice of housing material, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and visual appeal. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize the overall typing experience by combining quality housing materials with tactile feedback for the user to enjoy.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Guyu and the SP-Star Polaris Purple may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While the POM housings of the Guyu offer a more muted sound, the polycarbonate housings of the Polaris Purple provide a more crisp and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in the Polaris Purple's top housing allows for RGB lighting effects, which may be a deciding factor for users looking to customize their keyboard setup. Both switches excel in their own right, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is evident that the Guyu is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Guyu requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a relatively light switch overall. In contrast, the Polaris Purple has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. For those who prefer a softer touch and lighter typing experience, the Guyu would be the ideal choice. However, those who enjoy a more substantial push and stronger feel while typing may lean towards the Polaris Purple for a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the preference between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is desired for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Guyu linear switch is 3.6mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Polaris Purple has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Guyu. The traditional travel distance is closer to 4.0mm, so the Polaris Purple falls within that range. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may opt for the Guyu with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may prefer the Polaris Purple. Both switches have their own advantages based on the user's preferences, with the Guyu offering a quicker response and the Polaris Purple providing a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and intended use.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Guyu linear switch offers a clacky experience marked by a sharp and snappy sound upon key press, attributed to its all-POM housing and long pole stem. This results in a bright, crisp, and percussive sound that adds depth and clarity to the typing rhythm. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for various user levels and environments. Its snappy sound offers a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud or distracting. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Guyu offering a unique clacky experience and the Polaris Purple providing a more versatile option.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Guyu linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. The combination of high-grade UPE stem and medium weight creates a smooth and effortless glide with minimal resistance, making each keystroke feel like a seamless flow. Conversely, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing sensation, emphasizing a gentle and refined touch with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer different tactile feels, with the Guyu focusing on a more pronounced and responsive typing experience, while the Polaris Purple delivers a softer and approachable feel suited for a wider range of users.
Considering the sound and feel qualities of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it's clear that they provide distinct typing experiences for users. The Guyu excels in delivering a clacky sound with a creamy and snappy feel, creating a unique and responsive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a neutral sound profile with a mild and polished tactile feel, catering to a broader user base seeking a smooth and gentle typing experience. Overall, both switches have their own merits and can be selected based on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a unique auditory experience with a medium weight for smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback, the Guyu switch with its clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the Polaris Purple switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force and polished feel might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and sound profile, whether it be the distinctive rhythm of the Guyu or the lively feel of the Polaris Purple.
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