Bsun Guyu vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Bsun Guyu and KTT Purple Star, both of which are linear switches. The BSUN Guyu switch is renowned for its unique auditory experience, featuring POM housings that enhance acoustics and a long pole stem for a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. With a medium weight and smooth keystrokes, typing on the Guyu switch is effortless and satisfying, creating a distinctive sound rhythm. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch boasts a buttery smooth typing experience with its all-POM construction and very light 45g bottom-out, making it ideal for light typists seeking comfort and ease. While the Guyu switch is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'resonant', the Purple Star is characterized as 'mild', 'low-pitched', and 'easy-to-press'. Both switches offer unique qualities and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Purple Star share many similarities in terms of their POM top and bottom housings. Both housings are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile with deeper tones and a relatively muted quality. This results in a more subtle and refined typing experience for users of either switch. The use of POM material in both switches ensures a high level of durability and consistency in performance over time.
However, where the two switches differ is in their overall construction and design. The Bsun Guyu may have a slightly different shape or internal structure compared to the KTT Purple Star, which could impact the overall feel and sound of the switch when typing. Additionally, the specific manufacturing processes used for each switch may contribute to subtle variations in sound and feel between the two. These differences, though subtle, could make one switch more appealing to certain users over the other.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the KTT Purple Star are similar in terms of their POM construction and resulting sound profile, differences in overall design and manufacturing processes may lead to variations in typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfyingly deep and muted sound, making them suitable choices for users seeking a more refined typing experience. Ultimately, personal preference and specific typing needs will determine which switch is the better fit for each individual user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required for actuation and bottoming out. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Purple Star has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The slight difference in actuation force between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Purple Star linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Guyu offers a bit more depth compared to the Purple Star. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Purple Star due to its slightly shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the Guyu to be more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer a shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a modern and responsive 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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Guyu linear switch offers a clacky and bright bottom-out sound, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star linear switch produces a low-pitched and mellow tone, creating a more bass-heavy sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can cater to different preferences, with the Guyu delivering a more resonant and percussive sound compared to the Purple Star's smoother and neutral sound signature.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Guyu linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and fluid key travel. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is characterized as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience with light actuation force for comfortable typing sessions. While the Guyu focuses on providing a luxurious and polished typing feel, the Purple Star aims to offer a user-friendly and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Guyu excels in delivering a clacky and resonant sound with a creamy and snappy typing feel, perfect for users seeking a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Purple Star provides a low-pitched and mellow sound with a mild and easy-to-press typing feel, catering to those looking for a more gentle and comfortable typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing sessions to suit your individual needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Guyu linear switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it all boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a unique auditory experience with a clacky sound, smooth keystrokes, and a medium weight that provides a balanced typing rhythm, then the Guyu switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, a very light bottom-out force for ease and comfort, and a gentle typing feel that requires minimal force to activate, then the Purple Star switch might be more suited to your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your final decision.
Mentioned in this article
