HMX Canglan V2 vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining which type will best suit your typing style and gaming needs. The HMX Canglan V2, a linear switch, is renowned for its thocky sound signature and buttery smooth performance, catering to enthusiasts who crave a seamless and satisfying keypress experience. With its thoughtfully designed construction and enhanced molding techniques, the Canglan V2 offers a light feel that is perfect for rapid typing and long hours of use. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff presents a tactile experience characterized by its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy audible feedback and slight resistance when actuating keys. While the Canglan V2 might appeal to those seeking smoothness and acoustics, the Cliff would capture the attention of those who appreciate the sensation of tactile bumps in their typing. 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
48g
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
T2
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 HMX Canglan V2 and the Bsun Cliff utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which leads to notable differences in sound profiles. The Canglan V2 features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to the softness of nylon, which absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff employs a polycarbonate top housing, a material characterized by its stiffer composition that generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The clarity and resonance of polycarbonate make it particularly effective in enhancing the audio experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency, which showcases the lighting effects more vividly. Thus, while both switches aim for superior performance, their choice of top housing materials creates distinct auditory experiences.
When examining the bottom housings, the Canglan V2 and Bsun Cliff opt for the same material: nylon. This alignment suggests that both keyboards will present a similar sound profile in terms of the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. Nylon is renowned for its sound-absorbing properties; thus, regardless of the differences in the top housing, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing allows both switches to maintain that characteristic deeper and fuller sound during use. Such uniformity means that even though the top housings differ—leading to different auditory outputs—the essential feel and lower sound profile will feel comparable due to the nylon's influence.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different materials used in the Canglan V2 and Bsun Cliff means that while some elements will resonate differently, the overall typing experience can still yield similar results due to the shared nylon bottom housing. The top housing primarily influences the sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottom provides the foundation for the key's tactile and sound characteristics, creating a stable and familiar feel across both keyboards. Thus, while users may prefer the sharper clarity of the Cliff's top housing or the muted warmth of the Canglan V2, the shared aspect of their construction through nylon ensures a level of consistency in the overall tactile experience offered by both models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, both switches are considered light but differ slightly in their specifications. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Cliff switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. As such, the Cliff switch is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience during long sessions. In contrast, the Canglan V2, being heavier, delivers a more substantial push feel favored by those who enjoy a firmer response when typing or gaming. Overall, both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, but the Cliff switch stands out as the lighter choice, while the Canglan V2 offers slightly more resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Canglan V2 is the shorter option, offering a slight advantage for gamers who prefer faster response times due to its more immediate actuation. On the other hand, the Cliff's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a deeper feel, which might be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference: if you prioritize responsiveness, the Canglan V2 would be ideal, while the Cliff caters to those who appreciate a fuller keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HMX Canglan V2 switch is characterized by a satisfyingly deep sound signature, producing a thocky resonance that many enthusiasts crave. This audio quality is enhanced by the switch's meticulous design and improved molding techniques, promising a sound that is both deep and rich. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound signature that provides a more pronounced auditory feedback during actuation. While both switches are crafted for distinct auditory experiences, the overall sound produced will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials used, so users may experience variations in how each switch sounds in different setups.
Regarding feel, the HMX Canglan V2 boasts a smooth and light action that sets it apart from other linear switches, providing a fluid typing experience without any resistance. This lightness can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy rapid key presses, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a medium level of tactility, which gives a noticeable bump during actuation. This tactile feedback can engage typists who prefer a more defined response without the harsher clack of clicky switches, offering a balance between comfort and feedback.
In summary, the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch delivers a deep, thocky sound coupled with a smooth, light feel, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound and medium tactility for those looking for distinct feedback. Depending on individual preferences, users may gravitate towards the Canglan V2 for a fluid experience and satisfying audio, or the Cliff for its tactile engagement and clarity. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and auditory preferences, making the choice a matter of personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a smooth, light feel with a thocky sound signature that enhances your typing experience, the Canglan V2 would be the ideal switch for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it effortless to type quickly and comfortably for extended sessions, making it well-suited for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you enjoy the feedback of tactile responsiveness while still maintaining a light actuation force, the Cliff switch might be more your speed. The medium tactility and crisp sound signature provide satisfying feedback that can enhance the typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate a bit of tactile highlight in their keystrokes. So, if you lean towards an auditory and tactile typing experience, the Cliff would be a better match. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects of typing and sound matter most to you as you make your choice.
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