KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Cliff

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Cliff offer unique tactile experiences that can cater to different typing preferences. The Ash Gray switch is praised for its carefully calibrated tactile response, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive feel with each keystroke. Its light touch and crisp actuation make it ideal for those who enjoy a mild feedback without overwhelming sensations, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff switch presents a medium tactility paired with a pronounced sound signature, appealing to users who appreciate both the tactile and auditory feedback of their keystrokes. While the Ash Gray excels in a more neutral and subtle tactile experience, the Cliff delivers a more pronounced and audible response. Each switch has its merits depending on personal 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

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

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Housing materials

Both the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Cliff switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their similar sound profiles. As polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, it produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This sound characteristics make both switches ideal candidates for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing ensures that users of either the Ash Gray or Bsun Cliff switches can expect a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially in RGB setups.

In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, distinguishing the auditory and tactile experiences they provide when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer materials. This characteristic is significant as it allows the bottom housing to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when bottoming out on the key. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out feel and sound, users can expect a consistent thudding sensation and tonal depth across both switch types, making typing feel substantial and satisfying.

Overall, while both the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Cliff switches share identical materials—polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom—they provide a blend of auditory characteristics that are both similar and distinct. Their shared top housing ensures a crisp and clear sound, while the use of nylon for the bottoms allows for deeper tonal qualities, thereby creating an engaging typing experience. This combination of materials results in a cohesive auditory signature that characterizes the switches, with each housing contributing uniquely to the overall performance and experience of the keyboard.

Weight

When comparing the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Cliff tactile switches, we notice notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. In contrast, the Cliff offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch overall. While the actuation forces are quite close, the Cliff's lower bottom out force provides a more forgiving feel when bottoming out. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Cliff, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience might appreciate the Ash Gray's heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's personal preference for typing feel and force sensitivity.

Travel distance

The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Ash Gray the shorter option and the Cliff the longer one. The difference of just 0.1 mm may seem minimal, but it can have implications for user experience. Gamers seeking quicker response times might prefer the Ash Gray due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster key presses. Conversely, users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feel may opt for the Cliff, as its longer travel distance offers greater depth. Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, emphasizing the balance between responsiveness and a more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray switch is characterized by a neutral audio profile that strikes a balance between a moderate actuation force and a sound output that is not overly intrusive. This quality makes it versatile, suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a work setting. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Cliff is less documented, leaving a gap in direct comparison. However, the notable medium tactility of the Cliff suggests that, while it may produce a crisp sound, the specifics remain undetermined. Thus, sound qualities between the two may differ, with the Ash Gray providing a clearer perspective on acoustic characteristics.

In terms of feel, the Ash Gray switch is designed for an easy-to-press experience, delivering gentle resistance that minimizes effort during key presses. This results in a typing experience that is both effortless and comfortably responsive, reducing finger fatigue even during extended typing sessions. Furthermore, the mild characteristics of the Ash Gray ensure a gentle overall typing experience that's approachable for a range of users. In comparison, the feel of the Bsun Cliff is not specifically detailed, which means it’s difficult to ascertain how it stacks up against the Ash Gray. However, the Cliff's promise of medium tactility suggests a different typing sensation that may be more pronounced than that of the Ash Gray.

In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a well-balanced experience with its neutral sound and easy-to-press feel, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced typists alike. The Cliff tactile switch brings a medium tactility and hints of crisp audibility, although its specific sound and feel aspects require further exploration. While the Ash Gray provides a clearer overview of its characteristics, potential users of both switches might find satisfaction depending on their preference for tactile feedback and sound in their mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Cliff tactile switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you appreciate a moderate tactile response with a little more weight—ideal for ensuring you feel each keystroke without being overwhelmed—the Ash Gray switch is your go-to option. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy long typing sessions and are looking for a neutral sound profile that won’t disturb others nearby. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel and quicker actuation with a crisp sound signature, then the Cliff switch would be a better fit. This switch is perfect for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where speed is of the essence. In essence, if you're after a comfortable, balanced typing experience suitable for diverse environments, go for the Ash Gray; however, if you prioritize a lighter touch for rapid key presses, the Cliff is the way to go.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more