Bsun Guyu vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Guyu and the HMX Xinhai both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Guyu switch is praised for its unique auditory experience, boasting all-POM housings that enrich the acoustics and a long pole stem that produces a bright, crisp bottom-out sound. With a medium weight and super-smooth keystrokes facilitated by a high-grade UPE stem, typing on the Guyu switch is effortless and satisfying. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out with its blend of a PA12 top housing for softer acoustics and a POM stem for a distinct, high-pitched resonance. The Xinhai switch exudes subtle sophistication while delivering precise performance. While the Guyu switch is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', the Xinhai switch falls under 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'Creamy' categories. These basic descriptions can help you get a general sense of which switch might align with your 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the HMX Xinhai differ in terms of the type of plastic used and the sound profile they produce. The Guyu features a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile, while the Xinhai uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the Guyu's POM bottom housing also produces a deep and muted sound, whereas the Xinhai's nylon bottom housing creates a fuller and rounder sound. Overall, the materials used in the housing of each switch contribute to the unique sound profile it produces.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Guyu and the HMX Xinhai prioritize the sound profile of their switches. The use of POM in the Guyu's housing creates a pleasing and unique sound, while the polycarbonate and nylon materials in the Xinhai contribute to a sharper and fuller sound profile. However, where the POM offers a more muted sound, the polycarbonate provides a clearer and resonant tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Xinhai absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Guyu.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Bsun Guyu and the HMX Xinhai can greatly impact the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the POM and nylon materials offer a deeper and fuller sound, the polycarbonate material provides a sharper and crisper tone. Understanding the differences in these materials can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether it is a POM or a polycarbonate top housing, or a nylon or POM bottom housing, the housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of the switch.
Weight
The Bsun Guyu linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Guyu has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Xinhai has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches are on the lighter side compared to other switches, but the Xinhai is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter weight of the Xinhai may make it more appealing for those looking for a smoother typing experience or gamers who want to reduce fatigue during long gaming sessions. However, some users may prefer the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Guyu for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Guyu to be more suitable. On the other hand, those who prioritize quick key actuation may lean towards the Xinhai. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 offers a unique sound experience with its all-POM housing and long pole stem combination, resulting in a deep yet bright and crisp bottom-out sound. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch features a softer acoustics profile with its PA12 top housing and POM stem, delivering a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches are described as "clacky," producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. While the specific sound of a switch can also depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, both the Guyu and Xinhai switches provide a crisp and bright auditory feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Guyu is known for its super-smooth keystrokes attributed to the high-grade UPE stem, offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai is described as bouncy and creamy, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with an elastic feedback, giving a sense of rebound when pressed. Both switches aim to offer an effortless and smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall comfort and satisfaction during typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Guyu linear switch focuses on delivering a unique and distinctive sound signature with its POM housing and long pole stem, the HMX Xinhai linear switch seeks to provide a softer and more sophisticated auditory experience with its PA12 housing and POM stem. In terms of feel, both switches aim to offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with the Guyu focusing on a range of creamy, polished, and snappy sensations, while the Xinhai provides a bouncy and creamy feel. Ultimately, depending on personal preference and typing style, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either the Guyu or Xinhai switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Guyu linear switch or the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you value a unique auditory experience with a bright, crisp bottom-out sound and super-smooth keystrokes, the Guyu switch with its distinctive acoustics signature may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer acoustics profile with a higher-pitched resonance and a blend of sophistication and performance, the Xinhai switch may be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and what kind of typing experience you are looking for when making your decision between these two linear switches.
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