Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu and Gateron Smoothie are two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer different but impressive qualities for keyboard enthusiasts. The Bsun Guyu is renowned for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that deepen acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. This switch provides medium weight along with super-smooth keystrokes, making typing sessions effortless with resonant feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch, all at a competitive price point. While the Guyu is described as 'clacky' and 'snappy', the Smoothie is termed 'buttery' and 'subdued'. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct advantages and it's important to dive deeper beyond these general descriptions to find the best switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Smoothie, both featuring POM top and bottom housings, offer similar sound profiles with a deep and muted tone. This indicates that both switches are likely to provide a similar auditory experience when typing. However, the difference in the manufacturing process and design of the housings may result in subtle variations in feel and sound between the two switches.
In terms of construction, the POM top and bottom housings of the two switches may have differences in tolerances, thickness, and overall design that could affect the overall typing experience. While both switches are likely to produce a deep and muted sound, the specific characteristics of the housing materials may impact the feel and acoustics of each keystroke. It would be beneficial to test both switches side by side to determine any noticeable discrepancies in sound and feel.
Additionally, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housings of a switch can influence the overall typing experience. The bottom housing may play a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing could have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Understanding how these housing materials interact with each other within the switch design can provide insights into how each switch performs and how they differ from each other in terms of typing feel and auditory feedback.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Guyu is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This difference in weight means that the Guyu will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Smoothie. However, if both have a similar bottom out force, users can expect a similar typing feel despite the variance in actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of desired typing experience and comfort level.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that you will get similar results in terms of key press feel and response time when using either switch. Therefore, you can expect a consistent typing experience whether you choose the Bsun Guyu or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, a significant difference can be noted. The Guyu switch offers a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy tone that provides a crisp and bright auditory experience when typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch is known for its thocky sound, which produces a deep, rich, and satisfying tone, akin to a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Additionally, the Smoothie switch is also described as low-pitched and subdued, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to the higher-pitched Guyu switch.
In terms of feel, both switches share similar characteristics such as creamy and silky typing experiences. The Guyu switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation that effortlessly melts into each keystroke. Similarly, the Smoothie switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, creating a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing.
In conclusion, the Bsun Guyu linear switch stands out for its unique auditory experience with deepened acoustics and a bright bottom-out sound, accompanied by super-smooth keystrokes for a resonant and effortless typing session. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, making it a cost-effective option without compromising quality. While both switches offer creamy and silky typing experiences, the Guyu switch leans towards a clacky sound profile, whereas the Smoothie switch provides a low-pitched and subdued tone. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both can deliver a satisfying typing experience with their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the unique features of each. If you value a distinctive auditory experience with a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel, the Bsun Guyu switch with its medium weight and all-POM housing might be the perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option that offers a thocky sound, silky smoothness, and a buttery feel, the Gateron Smoothie with its all-POM construction could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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