Bsun Guyu vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Guyu linear switch to the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Guyu is known for its auditory experience, with all-POM housings that deepen the acoustics and a long pole stem creating a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. This switch provides a smooth keystroke and a distinctive sound signature, making typing sessions effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation. Its whisper-quiet sound profile adds a touch of subtlety to its tactile feedback. While the Guyu is characterized as 'clacky,' 'creamy,' and 'snappy,' the U4 is 'muted,' 'low-pitched,' and 'sharp,' appealing to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gazzew U4 switches are similar in that they both focus on delivering a rich and deep sound profile. The POM top housing of the Guyu creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side, while the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, also known as "boba plastic," delivers a rich sound profile due to its softness. Both materials aim to provide a more muted sound compared to other switch housing materials, giving users a more satisfying typing experience.
However, there are differences in the housing materials of the two switches as well. The POM bottom housing of the Guyu contributes to the deeper sound profile and muted sound, creating a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing also plays a role in delivering a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches aim to provide a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a pleasing sound profile for users.
When it comes to the impact of the housing materials on the overall switch experience, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. This means that the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with both the Bsun Guyu and Gazzew U4 switches offering unique sound profiles and tactile feedback for users to enjoy. Ultimately, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with a focus on delivering rich and deep sound profiles for enthusiasts to appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is evident that the Guyu has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the U4. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. In contrast, the U4 has the same actuation force of 45 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more medium feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Guyu may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the U4 with its heavier bottom out force would be the preferred option. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feel for users, allowing for customization based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. This similarity ensures that users can expect similar results when using either switch, as the keypresses will feel familiar and comfortable.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 percussive experience with a sharp and bright bottom-out sound, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a muted and low-pitched sound profile that is whisper quiet. The difference in sound between the two switches is quite distinct, with the Guyu offering a more vibrant and pronounced auditory feedback compared to the subtle and soft sound of the U4.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Guyu switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, offering high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. While the Guyu switch focuses on delivering a silky and refined typing feel, the U4 switch prioritizes a sharp and pronounced tactile response for a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Guyu excels in providing a clacky and percussive sound with a smooth and creamy typing experience, while the U4 offers a muted sound profile with a sharp and intense tactile bump. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique auditory experience with a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound and a smooth keystroke, the Guyu switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and a whisper-quiet sound profile, the U4 switch could be your ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience with the Guyu, or a sharp and intense tactile feedback with the U4. Both switches offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing feel and sound profile you prefer when making your selection.