Huano Acacia vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Cliff offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Acacia, a linear switch, is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience straight out of the box. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a fluid keypress without tactile feedback, ideal for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff, categorized as a tactile switch, features a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, offering a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying click for those who enjoy a tactile sensation while they type. While both switches cater to different styles—one leaning towards smoothness and the other towards tactile engagement—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Cliff switches showcase notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's inherent properties, which yield a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate aesthetics enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, making both switches visually striking when illuminated. This commonality in top housing material suggests that users can expect similar sound characteristics and lighting compatibility from both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Acacia and Cliff switches employ nylon, which significantly influences the overall sound profile and tactile feel of each switch. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than its harder counterparts, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This inherent softness contributes to a rounder sound profile that contrasts with the higher pitch produced by the polycarbonate top housing. As such, while the top housing contributes to the release sound when a key is let go, the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in the bottom-out sound and feel—a nuance that sets the two switches apart despite their shared materials above.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings in both the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Cliff leads to a split auditory experience where the strengths of each material can be distinctly appreciated. The higher, sharper sounds attributed to the polycarbonate are complemented by the deeper, fuller tones afforded by the nylon bottom. This interplay ensures that users will experience a well-rounded sound profile regardless of whether they choose the Acacia or the Cliff, demonstrating how different housing materials can come together to create a cohesive and dynamic typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, notable differences are evident in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Acacia switch features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a suitable option for users who enjoy a balanced typing experience while needing a bit of extra resistance. In contrast, the Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more agile keystroke without the strain of heavier resistance. This lighter feedback makes the Cliff especially suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. Ultimately, the Acacia provides a more substantial push feel, while the Cliff offers a quicker and lighter touch, making them tailored to different preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Cliff has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Acacia the shorter option by 0.1 mm. For gamers or users who seek faster response times, the Acacia’s shorter travel distance may be more appealing as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more robust and hearty typing experience might lean towards the Cliff, given its slightly longer travel distance, which offers a different tactile feedback. Both switches cater to distinct preferences in feel and responsiveness, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing styles and comfort.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is typically characterized by a quieter performance due to its linear design, which means it lacks any tactile bump or click. This results in a smooth keystroke that minimizes auditory feedback, making it ideal for quiet environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisper sound that is more pronounced due to its tactile bump, giving users an audible confirmation of key activation. The sound profile of each switch can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which adds an additional layer of personalization to the overall typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Acacia switch offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with its medium-light weight and generous factory lubrication. This allows for a gentle keystroke without the distractions of a tactile bump, which many users associate with linear switches. In contrast, the Cliff tactile switch features a medium-level tactility that provides a noticeable bump during keypresses. This tactile feedback enhances the typing experience for those who prefer a more engaged feel, giving a satisfying sensation when a key is actuated. Both switches are designed for different preferences, catering to users who either enjoy a smooth linear action or a more tactile feedback with each keystroke.
In conclusion, the Huano Acacia linear switch offers a quieter, smoother typing experience suitable for those who prioritize a more subdued sound and feel, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch excels in providing crisp auditory feedback and tactile sensations during typing. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can be a great choice for a custom mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Huano Acacia linear switches and Bsun Cliff tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you value a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Acacia is an excellent choice. Its generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble enhance your typing fluidity, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming where you prefer to take full advantage of rapid key presses without unnecessary resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy tactile feedback and a lighter touch in your keystrokes, the Cliff switch would be more appealing. With its lighter 45g bottom-out force, you'll find it easier to actuate keys while the medium tactility and crisp sound signature provide satisfying feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience. In essence, you should choose the Acacia for a smooth and effortless feel and the Cliff if you prefer tactile cues and a lighter touch.
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