Keygeek Briny vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often hinge on the tactile experience and sound profile. The Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth keystroke and balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor swift, uninterrupted key presses for maximum speed and efficiency. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff offers a tactile experience with its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, appealing to those who enjoy feedback with each key press for a more engaging typing experience. While the Briny allows for fluid typing sessions, the Cliff provides the gratifying sensation of tactile bumps, showing the distinct preferences that can guide your switch choice. 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
42g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Cliff differ significantly in their choice of materials for the top housing, which greatly affects their acoustic profiles. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon’s relatively softer composition, which absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them. In contrast, the Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a crisper and sharper sound profile. The stiff nature of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant sound, making it a preferred choice for users who appreciate a brighter auditory feedback. Thus, while both switches have distinct sound characteristics that emerge from their top housing materials, they cater to contrasting preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
On the other hand, both the Briny and the Cliff employ nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality provides them with a shared acoustic quality of a deeper sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound more efficiently than harder materials, leading to a fuller and rounder typing experience. As a result, no matter the differences in their top housings, users can expect a consistent baseline sound quality from the bottom housings of both switches. This creates a unique blend where the two switches can diverge in upper sound characteristics due to their top materials while maintaining a fundamental similarity in base tonal qualities brought about by their nylon bottoms.
Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct top and similar bottom housing materials results in varied typing experiences for the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Cliff. The contrasting materials in their tops ensure that users have a range of sound profiles to choose from: the warm, muffled tones of the Briny versus the bright, clear notes of the Cliff. The shared nylon bottom housing, meanwhile, harmonizes both switches to a degree, meaning users will still experience a degree of warmth and depth in sound, regardless of the top housing material. Therefore, regardless of the choices made by keyboard enthusiasts, they can expect a nuanced auditory experience shaped by the interplay of materials.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, notable differences arise in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Cliff is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a light typing experience. This makes the Briny better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel, perfect for those who prefer a stronger typing experience, while the Cliff is ideal for those typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions, as its lighter forces reduce fatigue. Overall, these differences reflect the distinct preferences of users, with the Briny being the heavier option and the Cliff providing a softer touch.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, which means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same amount of key travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that both switches will provide a uniform feel and response in terms of keypress depth, making them comparable options for those seeking consistent performance in their keyboard experience. As such, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feedback when using either switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, creating a smooth and understated auditory experience when typing. This allows for a quieter operation, making it a great option for those who prefer a more discreet sound while still enjoying a satisfying feedback from each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, which indicates a more pronounced auditory response during use. This combined with the tactile bump provides a noticeable feedback that some users might find more engaging, especially in a lively typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Briny linear switch offers an incredibly smooth experience, free from any tactile interruptions, which is characteristic of linear switches. This uninterrupted motion can deliver a fast and fluid typing sensation, making it ideal for gamers or those who type rapidly. On the other hand, the Cliff tactile switch features a medium tactile bump that adds a distinct and palpable feedback during each press. This tactility enhances the typing experience by providing a clear point of actuation, catering to users who enjoy a more sensory feedback with every keystroke.
Overall, both switches present unique qualities that can cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The Briny linear switch excels in providing a smooth and balanced sound and feel, ideal for those who prioritize quiet and seamless typing. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a more engaging tactile sensation along with a crisp auditory feedback, appealing to users who enjoy that level of interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prefer the quiet efficiency of a linear switch or the tactile satisfaction of a tactile one.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a smoother, more linear feel without any tactile bumps and prefer a medium actuation force, the Briny will likely be more suitable for you. Its balanced sound profile and UPE stem create a satisfying typing experience that's great for both gaming and general typing. On the other hand, if you favor tactile feedback and a lighter actuation force, the Cliff switch may be the better option. With its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, the Cliff provides a more engaging experience that can enhance your typing precision. Therefore, consider whether you want the smooth linear responsiveness of the Briny or the satisfying tactile feedback of the Cliff when making your decision. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the kind of auditory and tactile feedback that you find most enjoyable.
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