Bsun Guyu vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Bsun Guyu, a linear switch, and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, a tactile switch. The Guyu switch is celebrated for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that enhance acoustics and a long pole stem that produces a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. With a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes, typing on the Guyu switch feels effortless and offers resonant feedback. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is favored for its medium-high level of tactility, thanks to a long, two-staged spring design. Typing on these switches results in deep, resonating thocks that enhance the overall typing experience. While the Guyu switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless', the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is categorized as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Sharp'. Consider the Bsun Guyu for its smooth keystrokes and distinctive sound, or opt for the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for a tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Guyu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring both feature unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound and feel of the switches. The Guyu utilizes POM material for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring incorporates polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Despite their differences, both housing materials contribute to a pleasing and unique sound signature for their respective switches.
One key distinction between the two switches lies in the housing materials used for the top and bottom components. The Guyu features POM material for both the top and bottom housings, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring utilizes polycarbonate for both components. This results in a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke for the Shadow (Ink) switch, whereas the Guyu may have a slight variation in sound between the top and bottom housing. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in the Shadow (Ink) switch creates a more clear and resonant sound profile compared to the softer POM material of the Guyu.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Guyu and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The POM housing of the Guyu provides a unique deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Shadow (Ink) switch offers a sharper and crisper sound experience. Both switches are ideal for users looking for a distinct sound profile in their mechanical keyboards, with the top and bottom housing materials playing a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The Guyu has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 55 grams, making the Guyu the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Guyu requires 50 grams compared to the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's 63 grams, indicating that the latter is heavier. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Guyu make it ideal for users looking for a smoother and easier typing experience, whereas the heavier forces of the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring provide a more tactile and substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference for typing intensity and comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Guyu switch provides a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for fast reaction times. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch offers a deeper feel with its longer travel distance, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of the desired travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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
The BSUN Guyu linear switch is known for its unique auditory experience, combining a deep acoustics of the all-POM housings with a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound from the long pole stem, resulting in a clacky and resonant typing sound. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offers a similar clacky sound profile with the added high-pitched element for a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Guyu emphasizing depth and clarity, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring incorporates a high-pitched tone for extra brightness.
When it comes to feel, the Guyu switch is recognized for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, thanks to the smooth UPE stem and medium weight of the switch that allows for a fluid key travel. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized by its sharp and accented tactile bump, providing a distinct feedback intensity and medium level of tactility. Both switches offer a snappy typing experience, with the Guyu focusing on a smooth and effortless glide, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring emphasizes a lively and bouncy feel with its double-spring mechanism.
In conclusion, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch both provide unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Guyu offers a creamy and polished typing experience with a deep and resonant sound, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch presents a sharp and accented tactile bump with a high-pitched sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother and creamier typing feel or a sharper and more tactile feedback, these switches offer distinct characteristics for a tailored mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique auditory experience with a medium weight for smooth keystrokes, then the BSUN Guyu linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Guyu switch's all-POM housing and high-grade UPE stem provide a distinctive sound signature with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound, making every typing session effortless and resonant. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility and a bit more weight, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch with its long, two-staged spring would be more suitable for you. The Shadow switch variant delivers deep, resonating thocks and a tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still prominent, offering a lively and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Guyu and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch comes down to your preference for sound, weight, and tactile feedback in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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