Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often weigh the unique characteristics of various options, such as the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Cliff, both of which fall under the tactile switch category. The Gateron Beer switches are notable for their lightweight feel and distinctive stepped tactility, providing a subtler feedback that contrasts with the continuous curve found in many traditional tactile switches. Their clacky sound signature adds an engaging auditory element, reminiscent of the sparkling appeal of a Tsingtao beer bottle. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff switches deliver a medium tactile sensation paired with a crisp sound, making them an excellent choice for users seeking a balanced typing experience that offers both comfort and a satisfying acoustic feedback without overwhelming sound. Each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences, inviting fit for both casual typists and serious gamers. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Bsun Cliff switches both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, leading to an identical sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This similarity is largely attributable to the nature of polycarbonate, which is a stiffer plastic that offers enhanced clarity and resonance in the sound produced by the switches. Given that both switches employ polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect uniformity in acoustics when engaging the keys. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes both switches well-suited for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual appeal while showcasing the illuminated effects beneath the keycaps.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, with the Gateron Beer utilizing polycarbonate and the Bsun Cliff featuring nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Beer’s bottom housing contributes to the overall sound profile by maintaining the same sharpness and crispness found in the top housing. Conversely, the nylon bottom housing of the Cliff introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder auditory experience. This difference in bottom housing materials leads to a divergence in how the two switches feel and sound when bottomed out, with the Beer maintaining a brighter tonal quality while the Cliff offers a more subdued acoustic signature.
Ultimately, the Gateron Beer and Bsun Cliff switches present a unique combination of similarities and differences that affect the user experience. With both employing polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect comparable high-pitched sound qualities when releasing the keys. However, the variation in bottom housing materials—polycarbonate for the Beer and nylon for the Cliff—means that the switches will deliver distinct sounds and tactile sensations upon bottoming out. This interplay of materials creates an intricate balance, allowing users to select a switch that aligns with their personal preferences for acoustics and feel while still benefiting from the shared advantages of polycarbonate at the top.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, both exhibit relatively light forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. The Beer switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cliff switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Cliff switch is marginally easier to activate, which may lead to less finger fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out forces, the Beer switch requires more force to press down fully compared to the Cliff, providing a slightly heavier feel at the end of a keystroke. Therefore, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Gateron Beer offers a heavier bottom out experience than the Bsun Cliff, which may influence a user's preference based on their tactile feedback needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, we observe that the Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cliff measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Gateron Beer the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive feel that some gamers may prefer for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff, with its longer 3.6 mm travel distance, may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience, as it offers that deeper engagement some find more comfortable. Thus, individuals who favor shorter travel distances for their responsiveness should lean towards the Gateron Beer, whereas those who appreciate a heartier depth might opt for the Bsun Cliff.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its distinct clacky sound signature. This means that when a key is pressed, it produces a sharp, snappy sound characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. This auditory feedback contributes to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, which implies a clean and clear auditory response similar to that of the Beer but potentially less pronounced. While both switches can create a pleasant auditory experience, the Beer may offer a more lively and bright sound, enhancing the overall tactile environment.
In terms of feel, the Beer switch is designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal force during activation. This lightweight nature reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for users seeking comfort and ease. The stepped tactile profile of the Beer swells gently through its travel distance, allowing for a more subtle bump compared to Hypertactile switches. On the other hand, the Cliff switch offers a medium tactility, which may provide a satisfying tactile response yet lacks the nuanced stepped feel of the Beer. Users seeking a pronounced tactile experience may prefer the Beer, while those looking for a balanced sensitivity might find the Cliff appealing.
Overall, both the Gateron Beer and Bsun Cliff tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Beer excels in producing a lively sound and offers a lightweight, stepped tactile feel that promotes comfort. The Cliff, meanwhile, provides a medium tactility and a crisp sound, making it versatile in its own right. Ultimately, if you are drawn to the sound and feel of either switch, you'll find that they provide excellent typing experiences, but the nuances between them may lead you to favor one over the other based on personal comfort and auditory preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and the type of experience you wish to cultivate. If you gravitate towards a lighter switch that offers a gentler tactile response combined with an engaging clacky sound, the Gateron Beer may be your ideal choice. Its 50-gram bottom-out force makes it effortless to type on, which is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. The Beer’s unique stepped tactility provides a delightful tactile feedback that is inviting yet not overwhelming, making it suitable for casual typists or gamers who enjoy a responsive yet soft keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers medium tactility with a crisp sound signature, the Bsun Cliff could be your go-to. With its slightly lighter 45-gram bottom-out force, it still offers a satisfying typing experience while being particularly suited for those who appreciate a balanced tactile feel without excessive resistance. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and sound preference: opt for the Beer for a playful, relaxed interaction or the Cliff for a crisp, more definitive tactile feedback.
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