Bsun Cliff vs. Dareu Dream
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Dream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offering tactile feedback that many users appreciate for both typing and gaming, providing a satisfying sensation with each keypress. In contrast, the Dareu Dream switches offer a very light linear feel, which allows for smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a more fluid typing experience. Additionally, the Dream is praised for its affordability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who desire quality without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness in your keystrokes; 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Dareu Dream keyboards share a notable similarity in their choice of housing materials. Both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which substantially influences the acoustic properties of the switches. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer high-fidelity audio experiences. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal, especially in keyboards that feature RGB lighting. This commonality in the design of both keyboards ensures that users can expect a similar auditory response from their key presses, emphasizing clarity and resonance.
In contrast, the choice of bottom housing material differs between the two models, with both keyboards opting for nylon as the material of choice. This decision leads to a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than the stiffer polycarbonates. The inherent qualities of nylon contribute to a rounder sound, adding warmth and depth to the acoustic experience. While both keyboards benefit from nylon in their bottom housing, the individual characteristics of their top housings will create a unique blend of sound when typing, resulting in a differentiated yet complementary experience of sound and feel.
When considering the overall performance of each keyboard, the distinct materials used in the housing serve to define how users will experience sound and tactile feedback. The impact of the top housing is most apparent during key release, allowing the sharper attributes of the polycarbonate to emerge, while the bottom housing plays a more critical role in the bottom-out feel and acoustics during the act of typing. Thus, while both the Cliff and the Dream share design elements that contribute to a cohesive auditory experience, their differences in bottom housing materials allow for subtle variations in sound dynamics and user feedback, ultimately catering to diverse preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions, particularly for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Dareu Dream switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, although its bottom out force is unavailable, making direct comparisons in that aspect challenging. While the Cliff offers a more forgiving typing experience with its lighter forces, the Dream's heavier actuation may appeal to users who seek a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, if one prefers lighter switches for comfort, the Cliff stands out, but for those who enjoy a firmer press, the Dream could be preferable, pending additional information on its bottom out performance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch, it's clear that they differ: the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dream boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. For those looking for quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Cliff may be more appealing, aligning with the current trend among gamers who favor shorter switches for enhanced responsiveness. On the other hand, the Dream, with its greater depth, may be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial tactile experience, feeling less abrupt during key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding the balance of responsiveness and depth in keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound signature that complements its medium tactility. Although specific descriptors are not provided, the overall expectation is for a satisfying auditory feedback that enthusiasts appreciate when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Dareu Dream linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound, which produces a sharp and snappy auditory response upon actuation. This percussive, bright quality makes it an engaging option for those who enjoy a lively keystroke sound, but the acoustic experience will ultimately be influenced by the keyboard's build and any keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is known for its medium tactility, which strikes a nice balance for those who appreciate feedback while maintaining a smooth typing experience. While the exact description of its tactile feedback isn't provided, medium resistance typically suggests a satisfying bump that users can feel without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Dareu Dream linear switch is defined by its easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force for actuation. This feature provides a gentle resistance, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions while minimizing finger fatigue. The Dream's mild nature further ensures a comfortable typing experience, appealing to users who favor a more subtle touch without extreme characteristics.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard niche. The Cliff presents a more tactile and crisp auditory presence, while the Dream offers a light and easy-to-press experience with a more vibrant sound. Each switch provides a unique typing experience, with the Cliff focusing on tactile feedback and the Dream prioritizing smoothness and affordability. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prefer noticeable tactile responsiveness or effortless keystrokes.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Dareu Dream linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that offers a moderate bump and an engaging sound profile, the Cliff switch is an excellent option, especially for typing and gaming scenarios that benefit from its noticeable tactile response and light actuation force of 45 grams. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a slightly more responsive feel and sound during their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, the Dareu Dream switch would likely be your preferred choice. Its light linear design and price point make it especially appealing for long typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue and enhances comfort without compromising on quality. In essence, if you lean towards a mix of tactile feedback and sound, go with the Cliff; but if you seek a quieter, smoother experience for extended use, the Dream is your best bet.
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