HMX Cheese vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Cliff represent two distinct choices, each catering to different preferences and styles. The HMX Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, delivering a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. These ultra-light linear switches are lighter than 90% of all switches, making them ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluid keystrokes without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff switches offer a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a discernible bump during key activation, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback with each press. Both switches present compelling reasons for selection—whether you seek the seamless glide of the Cheese or the reassuring tactility of the Cliff. 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
43g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Cliff, clear distinctions can be found in the materials used for the top housing. The HMX Cheese features a nylon top housing, known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound. This characteristic results in a muted auditory experience that many users find pleasant. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a crisper auditory experience, making it particularly popular for users seeking a pronounced keystroke sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate also offers advantages for RGB lighting effects, giving the Bsun Cliff a distinct visual appeal not found in the Cheese.
However, both the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Cliff share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as both are crafted from nylon. This shared nylon component means that both switches will exhibit a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. As the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall tactile feedback and sound of the switch, the fact that both models utilize nylon for this aspect ensures that users will experience a comparable bottom-out sound and feel in terms of depth and warmth. This consistency across the bottom housing allows for an interesting interplay between the differing top materials, generating a unique tactile experience overall.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the different housing materials in the Cheese and Cliff illustrates the nuanced interactions between the top and bottom housings. With the top housing of the Cheese yielding a softer, more subdued sound and the Cliff's top housing delivering sharper auditory feedback, the overall experience will differ significantly when typing. Both switches share a tactile quality attributed to the nylon bottom, heralding a familiar depth at the bottom of each keystroke, but the transitions in sound and feel upon releasing a key vary dramatically due to the contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate. These distinctions highlight the thoughtful design choices made for each switch while ensuring that users find distinct yet complementary features across the models.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, both options are characterized by their relatively light weight, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. The HMX Cheese requires an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, while the Bsun Cliff has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 45 grams. This indicates that while both switches are designed for a comfortable, less strenuous typing experience, the Cliff is the lighter option for the actuation force, making it easier to press during long periods of use. In terms of bottom out forces, the Cheese provides a marginally heavier resistance compared to the Cliff. Therefore, for users who prioritize a lighter switch for long typing or gaming sessions, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is the preferable option, while the HMX Cheese offers a more substantial feel with a slightly higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch differ slightly, with the Cheese switch featuring a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Cliff switch measures 3.6 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter option and the Cliff the longer one, allowing for nuanced preferences when selecting a switch. Gamers might gravitate towards the Cheese for its slightly shorter travel distance, resulting in quicker response times, while those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation may prefer the Cliff due to its greater depth. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance, though minimal, can influence a user's experience based on their tactile preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the HMX Cheese switches are renowned for their satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This makes them quite appealing for those who enjoy an auditory feedback during their typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switches have a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the Cheese is likely to provide a more pronounced acoustic feedback, which can be particularly gratifying for enthusiasts who appreciate a lively typing sound. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound output can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction, plate material, and keycap choice.
Regarding the feel of each switch, Cheese switches are celebrated for their unparalleled smoothness, delivering an ultra-light typing experience that many find delightful. This smoothness contributes to a fluid and effortless keypress, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a light touch while typing. On the other hand, the Cliff tactile switches feature a medium level of tactility, providing users with a noticeable bump during key presses. This tactile feedback prompts a more deliberate typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a clear indication of actuation without the potential heaviness of a linear switch.
In conclusion, while the HMX Cheese linear switch offers ultra-lightness with an engaging sound profile and exceptional smoothness, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch provides a medium tactile sensation combined with a crisp acoustic feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences; if you value auditory richness and a light touch, the Cheese is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a tactile experience with clear feedback, the Cliff may suit you better. Both options present unique qualities, allowing users to find a switch that perfectly fits their typing style and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you value an exceptionally smooth keypress and a satisfying sound profile for activities like gaming or rapid typing, the Cheese would be an ideal option due to its ultra-light feel and clacky, poppy sound signature. This makes it suitable for users who prefer a fast-paced response without the tactile feedback—great for achieving speed and accuracy in typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of tactile feedback with a crisp sound, the Cliff switch is your best bet. Its medium tactility strikes a balance, giving you enough resistance to feel each keypress and allowing you to engage more fully with the typing experience, which can be especially beneficial for prolonged typing sessions where feedback helps prevent mistakes. Considering these factors will help you select the right switch that aligns with your style, whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your keyboard experience.
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