Bsun Guyu vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu linear switch is renowned for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings that enhance acoustics and a long pole stem for a brighter, crisper bottom-out sound. With smooth keystrokes and medium weight, typing on the Guyu is effortless and provides resonant feedback. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility, creating a satisfying typing experience without being overly tactile. While the Guyu is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Polished', the Viola Tricolor is described as 'Accented', 'Bassy', and 'Invigorating'. Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different top and bottom housing materials. The Guyu's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor results in a more resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Guyu's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Viola Tricolor's nylon bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Guyu and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The use of POM in the Guyu switch results in a pleasing and distinct sound that is more on the deeper side, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor creates a higher-pitched and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor also adds to its sound profile by providing a softer and fuller sound compared to the Guyu's POM bottom housing. Overall, both switches offer a range of sound options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to choose from.
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches, it is important to consider how each material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the POM top housing of the Guyu creates a unique and muted sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Viola Tricolor offers a sharper and more resonant sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Viola Tricolor provides a deeper and fuller sound experience compared to the POM bottom housing of the Guyu. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience of each switch, catering to different preferences and allowing users to choose the sound profile that best suits their needs.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have notable differences. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter compared to the Viola Tricolor with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy. The Guyu provides a lighter typing experience, which some may prefer for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Viola Tricolor offers a more substantial push feel, suitable for those who enjoy a heavier keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of force requirements, with the Guyu being lighter and the Viola Tricolor being heavier. Ultimately, individuals can achieve similar results with these switches depending on their preferred typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.2mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users, but those who are more sensitive to key travel distance may find the Viola Tricolor to have a slightly longer press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key feel and sensitivity.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 bright auditory experience due to its all-POM housing and long pole stem, resulting in a crisp and percussive bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding depth and richness to each key press without becoming overwhelming. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, with the Guyu focusing on clarity and brightness, while the Viola Tricolor emphasizes a deep and punchy tone.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Guyu switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced resistance and enhanced responsiveness. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is characterized as accented and invigorating, offering a medium level of tactility without being overly tactile, creating a balanced and engaging typing sensation. While the Guyu switch emphasizes a luxurious glide and responsiveness, the Viola Tricolor switch focuses on a pronounced feedback and immersive typing experience.
Overall, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Guyu excels in delivering a clacky and crisp sound with a smooth and effortless keystroke, while the Viola Tricolor provides a punchy and deep sound with a balanced level of tactility. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience, ensuring that users can find the perfect match based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, whether choosing the Guyu or the Viola Tricolor, users can expect a high-quality typing experience tailored to their specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a unique auditory experience with a medium-weight, smooth keystroke, and a balance of depth and clarity in sound, then the Guyu switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, along with pronounced tactility and a perfect balance of feedback without being overly tactile, then the Viola Tricolor switch would be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. Consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch, and choose accordingly to enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
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