Bsun Guyu vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stand out as unique options. The BSUN Guyu switch offers a distinctive auditory experience with its all-POM housings and long pole stem, delivering a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. Its medium weight and smooth keystrokes provide an effortless typing experience with resonant feedback, creating a rhythm unlike any other. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized by its innovative semi-silent design, maintaining a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while still producing a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel strikes a balance between being polished and providing feedback. While the Guyu switch is described as clacky, creamy, and snappy, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is categorized as subdued, neutral, and buttery. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to specific 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, we can see that they each offer unique sound profiles based on their respective materials. The Guyu's POM top housing provides a deep and muted sound, creating a pleasing and distinct typing experience. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, with a clearer and more resonant profile. While the Guyu's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deep and muted sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences, both the Bsun Guyu and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear provide distinct sound profiles thanks to their unique housing materials. The use of POM in the Guyu's housing creates a one-of-a-kind typing experience with its deep and muted tones, while the polycarbonate in the Semi-Silent Linear offers a crisper and sharper sound that is complemented by its stiffness. Likewise, the nylon bottom housing in the Semi-Silent Linear enhances its sound with a deeper and fuller profile compared to the Guyu's bottom housing. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities that make them stand out in terms of sound and feel.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes clear that each element plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switch. The Bsun Guyu and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear showcase how the top housing contributes to the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Whether it's the sharp and resonant sound of polycarbonate or the deep and absorbing sound of nylon, the housing materials of these switches have a significant impact on the overall typing experience, creating a unique and enjoyable feel for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Guyu switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Guyu switch also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Guyu switch is overall lighter in terms of the force required to type on it, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for gamers seeking faster response times. The slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a relatively shallow travel distance compared to more traditional 4.0 mm switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of how much depth and responsiveness you desire in your key presses.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 and crisp bottom-out sound, thanks to its POM housing and long pole stem. This results in a distinct typing rhythm that combines depth and clarity for a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is known for its subdued and whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This unique combination creates a more subtle sound signature that is suitable for various environments. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on the user's preference for typing sound, whether they prefer a brighter and crisper sound or a more subdued and quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Guyu linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and smooth key travel. This makes every keystroke effortless and satisfying. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and fluid keystrokes. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, with the Guyu leaning towards a more frictionless and snappy experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear provides a milder and buttery feel.
Considering the subjective qualities of the sound and feel of the BSUN Guyu and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, users can expect different typing experiences based on their preferences. The Guyu switch offers a clacky and crisp sound with a creamy and polished feel, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more subdued sound with a mild and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, and users can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel, depending on their specific preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering which switch to choose between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a unique auditory experience with a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound and super-smooth keystrokes, the Guyu switch with its lighter bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a semi-silent topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, along with a silky smooth type feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force could be more suitable. Consider your typing style and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best decision for your needs.