Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Cliff offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Gateron Aliaz is an excellent option for those who work in quiet settings, like offices, due to its silent design that minimizes noise while still providing a satisfying tactile feedback. With a medium-heavy weight, these switches deliver a substantial feel while typing, perfect for users who appreciate a more pronounced touch without the auditory distraction. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff switches provide a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with an audible click that marks each keystroke. With their different sound profiles and tactile characteristics, both switches serve unique purposes depending on the typing environment and user preference. 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
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Cliff switches, it is clear that both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material results in a distinctive sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it particularly effective for those who utilize RGB lighting due to its translucence. The aesthetic appeal of these key switches is also enhanced by the clear polycarbonate housing, which can accentuate the lighting effects when engaged. Thus, both switches will produce similar auditory qualities when it comes to the sound generated by the top housing due to the identical material used.
However, the bottom housing of each switch introduces contrasting materials, which affects their overall sound profile and feel during use. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which will also contribute to a higher-pitched sound, aligning with the characteristics established by its top housing. In contrast, the Cliff employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer, more absorbent qualities, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference means that while both switches share a similar sound signature in the upper register, the Aliaz will maintain a more consistent auditory experience across both housing types, whereas the Cliff may contrast the crispness of its top with the roundness imparted by its nylon bottom.
As a result of these differences in housing materials, the user experience while typing can vary significantly between the two switches. For the Aliaz, the coherence of polycarbonate across both top and bottom housing ensures a uniform sharpness in sound and feel. In contrast, the Cliff's varying materials mean that the typing experience will be characterized by a split in sound qualities: the top will provide clarity, while the bottom may offer a mellower impact upon bottoming out. Ultimately, while both switches have similarities in their top housing's material that afford them crispness and clarity, the uniqueness of their bottom housings leads to distinct auditory and tactile interactions.
Weight
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch present a stark contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Aliaz features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, delivering a more substantial typing experience favored by users who appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Cliff's actuation force is significantly lighter at 37 grams, with a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter design caters to those who type for extended periods, making it ideal for both office work and long gaming sessions. Overall, if users seek a more robust feel with a heavier actuation force, the Aliaz is the preferable choice, while those looking for ease of use and comfort may find the Cliff's lighter force more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Aliaz has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional distance and provides a more pronounced pressing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer quicker key responses, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Cliff might appeal to those seeking rapid responsiveness, while the Aliaz offers a heartier depth for those who enjoy a more substantial pressing sensation. Therefore, potential users must consider their preference for either the longer distance of the Aliaz or the shorter distance of the Cliff when choosing between these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
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.
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 comparing the sound produced by the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Cliff tactile switches, it is clear that the Aliaz switches prioritize a quieter typing experience. The Aliaz is designed to be muted, ensuring that keystrokes are softer and less disruptive, making them ideal for quiet environments such as offices. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Cliff is less defined in the provided information, but it can be inferred that the crisp sound associated with the Cliff could offer a sharper audio feedback, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Aliaz switches excel with their silky and polished characteristics. The silky feel provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, reducing resistance during key presses and enhancing overall comfort. The polished nature of the switches further contributes to a refined and sleek typing sensation, resulting from high-quality materials and potentially factory lubing. Unfortunately, the details regarding the feel of the Cliff switches are not specified, leaving the tactile experience somewhat ambiguous for potential users.
Taking all of this information into account, the Gateron Aliaz tactile switches are a solid choice for those prioritizing a quiet, smooth, and comfortable typing experience, particularly in professional settings. The difference in sound may favor the Aliaz for quieter locations, while the Cliff might cater to individuals looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, without additional details on the Cliff's tactile feel, it's challenging to make a definitive comparison on that front. Ultimately, if users prefer a subdued, polished typing experience, the Aliaz stands out, but if they lean towards a more active and crisp sound profile, they may wish to explore the Cliff further.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Cliff tactile switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you find yourself in a quiet office setting or need to minimize noise, the Aliaz is the better option, offering a heavy 75-gram bottom-out force that delivers a substantial feel without the auditory distraction typical of louder switches. Its muted sound profile ensures that your keystrokes remain discreet, while the silky and polished feel enhances the overall typing experience with smooth key travel. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy crisp feedback with a medium level of tactility, the Bsun Cliff switches might be more aligned with your needs. At 45 grams of bottom-out force, they enable quick actuations and may better suit fast typists. Therefore, the Cliff’s sound profile, although not detailed here, allows for a more lively typing experience compared to the muted Aliaz, making it ideal for a less restrictive environment. By assessing your priorities in terms of tactile feedback, sound dynamics, and the required actuation force, you can confidently select the switch that best complements your unique typing style.
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