Bsun Guyu vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are both linear switches, but they offer different experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Guyu is praised for its unique auditory experience, featuring all-POM housings and a long pole stem that create a bright and crisp bottom-out sound. Its medium weight and smooth keystrokes make typing effortless and enjoyable, with a distinctive sound signature combining depth and clarity. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is designed for quieter environments, offering a plush bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. While the Guyu is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', 'frictionless', 'polished', 'silky', and 'snappy', the Silent Ink Black is categorized as 'silky', 'muted', and 'polished'. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your preference for sound and feel; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both play a significant role in determining the sound profile of the switches. The Guyu utilizes POM material for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. This creates a smooth typing experience that is pleasing to many users. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend material for both top and bottom housing, leading to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile described as "clacky". This gives the Silent Ink Black a more lively and distinctive typing sound compared to the Guyu.
In terms of sound characteristics, the top housing of both switches contributes significantly to the sound profile when the key is released. The POM top housing of the Guyu produces a deep and mellow sound upon key release, while the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black generates a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users who are sensitive to noise levels. Additionally, the bottom housing of each switch also influences the typing experience, with the POM bottom housing of the Guyu providing a more muted bottom-out sound compared to the INK blend bottom housing of the Silent Ink Black.
While the housing materials of the Bsun Guyu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in terms of their sound profiles, they both offer a unique typing experience. The Guyu's POM material creates a smooth and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend material produces a sharper and clacky sound that adds a livelier element to typing. Despite these differences, both switches excel in their own way and cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prioritize a quiet and mellow typing sound or a more lively and distinctive sound profile, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that the Guyu is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Guyu provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing feel for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches will deliver similar results in terms of actuation force and bottom out force if the force is the same, providing a consistent typing experience for users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Guyu linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Ink Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Guyu. The Guyu offers a shorter travel distance, which may be favored by gamers looking for a quicker response time. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Silent Ink Black may provide a more satisfying and deeper typing experience for those who prefer more actuation depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 experience with a sharp and snappy sound, characterized by its crisp, bright, and percussive nature. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound, creating a softer and quieter typing experience, ideal for quieter environments. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences and settings. Depending on the user's preference for sound, they can choose between the clacky resonance of the Guyu or the quieter operation of the Silent Ink Black switch.
When it comes to feel, both the BSUN Guyu and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer silky and polished sensations. The Guyu switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering exceptionally smooth key travel and reduced friction for effortless typing. Both switches prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy a premium feel with every keystroke. Users can expect a luxurious typing experience with both the Guyu and Silent Ink Black switches, making either choice a comfortable option for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, the BSUN Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Guyu switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch excels in delivering a muted sound and silky, polished feel, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer exceptional qualities that enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users can find a switch that suits their preferences and needs. Whether opting for the distinct sound of the Guyu or the subdued operation of the Silent Ink Black switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Guyu linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the unique qualities each switch offers. If you prioritize a distinctive auditory experience with a medium weight switch that delivers smooth keystrokes and resonant feedback, the Guyu may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to your preferences in sound and feel while typing. Choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.
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