Bsun Cliff vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Cliff and the Huano Elf can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is lauded for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an ideal option for those who appreciate feedback while typing without the overwhelming noise of a clicky switch. In contrast, the Huano Elf, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth keystroke experience with its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and delivers a deep, satisfying sound signature paired with a medium-light feel. If you favor a switch that provides tactile feedback and audible cues, the Cliff may be your go-to choice; however, if you lean towards a quieter and smoother typing experience, the Elf could be the better fit. 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Huano Elf exhibit both similarities and notable differences that affect their overall sound profile and performance. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, more resonant sound. This material benefits from its translucency as well, allowing RGB lighting to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Huano Elf employs a POK (polyketone) top housing that, while providing exceptional strength and smoothness, has a different acoustic profile. The POK material’s slightly higher coefficient of friction contributes to a smoother experience but doesn’t deliver the same clarity associated with polycarbonate. This divergence in materials means that while the Cliff may produce a more defined high-end sound, the Elf leans towards durability and operational smoothness.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which is crucial in determining sound characteristics. Nylon’s inherent sound-absorbing qualities create a deeper and fuller typing experience, leading to a rounder sound profile for both the Cliff and the Elf. However, the impact of the bottom housing becomes increasingly relevant when typing; both switches will produce similar auditory feedback due to the use of nylon. The shared use of nylon indicates that while the upper portions of the switches may bring distinct tonal qualities—sharper for the Cliff and smoother for the Elf—the 'fuller' sound produced during the key press will resonate similarly in both cases. This emphasizes how the bottom housing can unify the overall experience despite the differences in the top materials.
The combination of different top housing materials with a consistent bottom housing allows each switch to forge a unique typing experience while maintaining some overlapping characteristics. The Cliff’s polycarbonate top will create a clearer sound upon key release, heightening the auditory experience of RGB lighting effects. Meanwhile, the Elf’s POK top may offer a clackier sound but with more built-in durability and shock resistance. Ultimately, when considering the combination of the two switches, the end user's preference for sound clarity versus operational smoothness may guide their choice. Nevertheless, with both switches employing nylon for the bottom housing, those seeking rich, deep key sounds will find satisfaction regardless of the distinct upper housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch, the actuation forces reveal a notable difference. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions and extended gaming, as it requires less effort to press the keys. In contrast, the Elf switch has a heavier actuation force of 42 grams, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force of the Elf switch is unknown, so we cannot directly compare how much pressure is needed to fully engage the switch. In contrast, the Cliff switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that while both switches provide a different actuation experience, the Cliff is lighter overall, catering to users seeking ease of use, while the Elf offers a heavier feel that some typists may prefer. Overall, if minimizing fatigue during extended use is a priority, the Bsun Cliff switch would be the better option.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same key feel when pressing down on either switch. This uniformity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, making both switches equally suitable for those who prefer a travel distance that falls within this measurement. Consequently, since both switches share the same travel distance, users can expect similar performance in terms of keystroke depth and feedback during operation.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 is known for its crisp sound signature, producing a clear and distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Huano Elf linear switch offers a deeper sound signature, thanks to its POK top housing which is designed to improve acoustics. This difference in sound profile means that the Cliff may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke, while the Elf caters to users looking for a more resonant sound. It's important to note that sound can also vary significantly depending on factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff switch features a medium tactility, which provides a noticeable bump during actuation that offers tactile feedback without being overly aggressive. This makes it a suitable choice for typists who appreciate a firm response while typing. Conversely, the Huano Elf switch boasts a medium-light feel, which lends itself to a smoother, more effortless typing experience. The lack of tactility in the Elf switch allows for quick and fluid key presses, ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile and Huano Elf linear switches have their distinct qualities that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Cliff's crisp sound and medium tactility may be ideal for those who thrive on feedback and precision, while the Elf's deep sound and medium-light feel provide a comfortable, fluid experience. Ultimately, whether you choose one over the other will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile response, but both switches can deliver satisfying results in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Elf linear switch will largely depend on your specific preferences for typing experience and sound. If you enjoy a medium tactility with a crisp sound signature that provides a more tactile feedback while typing, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for a comfortable typing experience without requiring excessive force, making it ideal for long typing sessions or casual gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with deep acoustics, the Elf switch would be more suitable. Although the bottom-out force specifics are elusive, the Elf’s medium-light feel and enhanced acoustic properties make it perfect for users who prioritize a quieter, smoother experience. In the end, if you value a pronounced tactile response with an audible click, lean towards the Cliff; however, if you seek subtlety and fluidity in each keystroke, go for the Elf. Your decision should ultimately reflect the typing style you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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