Bsun Guyu vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer unique experiences for users. The Guyu switch is praised for its smooth keystrokes and distinctive auditory feedback, thanks to its all-POM housing and UPE stem combination. In contrast, the Sage switch stands out for its heavy weight and sharp clickiness, providing a satisfying tactile response with each press. While the Guyu switch is described as 'creamy' and 'polished', the Sage switch is labeled as 'invigorating' and 'crunchy'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these general descriptions so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
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 the Kailh Sage provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Guyu's POM top and bottom housing offer a deep and muted sound, while the Sage's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing create a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a fuller feel. The differences in material stiffness between POM and polycarbonate result in unique sound characteristics, with POM being softer and polycarbonate being stiffer. Overall, the choice between a Guyu or a Sage switch would depend on whether you prefer a deeper, more muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound.
While both the Bsun Guyu and the Kailh Sage utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Guyu's POM top housing creates a pleasing and unique sound on the deeper side, while the Sage's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Guyu's POM bottom housing results in a deep and muted sound, while the Sage's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller sound profile. Both switches demonstrate how the combination of different housing materials can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the Bsun Guyu and Kailh Sage offer contrasting housing materials that cater to different preferences. The translucent polycarbonate top housing of the Sage is especially useful for RGB lighting effects, while the opaque POM top housing of the Guyu provides a more classic appearance. Additionally, the softer nylon bottom housing of the Sage absorbs more sound, creating a rounder sound profile, compared to the deeper and muted sound of the Guyu's POM bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The 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 typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, but its actuation force is unknown. This difference in weight means that the Sage will provide a more substantial typing experience compared to the Guyu. When looking at weight preferences, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Guyu for extended typing periods, while others may gravitate towards the heavier bottom out force of the Sage for a more satisfying push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the same at 3.6 mm. Both switches offer users a consistent typing experience with a medium travel distance that is not too shallow or too deep. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and keypress feedback. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches makes them well-suited for different types of users looking for a comfortable 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer contrasting experiences. The Guyu switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp, bright, and percussive noise that enhances the typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Sage switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, offering a distinct clicky experience. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Guyu delivering a deeper acoustics and the Sage providing a sharp clickiness.
In terms of feel, the Guyu switch is noted for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy qualities, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp, providing pronounced feedback, a firm actuation force, and a crisp tactile bump. While the Guyu switch focuses on offering a silky sensation and fluid travel, the Sage switch aims to create an immersive and reactive typing sensation through its firm feedback and sharp tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch present unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Guyu switch excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience, with an emphasis on depth and clarity in its sound signature. On the other hand, the Sage switch stands out for its crunchy and invigorating qualities, offering a distinct clicky experience with sharp feedback. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, with the Guyu switch offering a smoother glide and resonant feedback, while the Sage switch provides a sharp clickiness and reactive feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience with a bright and crisp bottom-out sound, the Guyu switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy and clicky typing experience with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, the Sage switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the auditory experience and smoothness of keystrokes (Guyu) or the clickiness and feedback intensity (Sage) in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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