Bsun Cliff vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and HMX EVA stand out as two distinct options tailored to different typing preferences and experiences. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy feedback with each keystroke, striking a balance between typing accuracy and comfort. Conversely, the HMX EVA, inspired by the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, offers a silky smooth typing feel complemented by a resonant sound signature, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke. While the Cliff excels in providing tactile feedback that enhances typing precision, the EVA caters to a seamless experience that many find desirable for extended use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Cliff and the HMX EVA switches, a notable distinction arises from their top housing materials. The Bsun Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This property allows for a more resonant sound, enhancing the auditory experience—particularly when RGB lighting is employed, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for captivating illumination effects. In contrast, the HMX EVA opts for nylon in its top housing, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less piercing than that of the polycarbonate. This fundamental difference in material affects the way each switch responds aurally and tactilely under use.
Meanwhile, both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a shared characteristic that contributes to their acoustic performance. The nylon material, being softer, further dampens sound and enhances the fullness of the keystroke experience for both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX EVA. As a result, when typing, users will experience a deeper, more satisfying bottom-out sound from both switches. This similarity implies that regardless of the contrast present in their top housings, the shared nylon bottom housing still creates a unified sense of depth in sound—this will appeal to users who appreciate a more muted and less harsh auditory response when typing.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two different top housing materials and the matching bottom materials in both the Bsun Cliff and HMX EVA results in a unique sound profile for each switch. The differing characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing amplify the nuances of their respective performances, while the nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall typing experience between the two. Users can anticipate that the Bsun Cliff will deliver a bright and technically crisp sound when releasing a key, while the HMX EVA will provide a smooth and rounded auditory experience. This interplay illustrates how the unique combination of materials can shape user interaction with the switches, accentuating their distinct qualities while sharing common ground in the sound output.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the EVA has slightly higher values, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which gives it a heavier feel. While both switches are categorized as light, the Cliff offers a notably lighter typing experience, appealing to those who may prefer less resistance for extended typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the EVA's stronger forces provide a more substantial push feel, catering to users who enjoy a firmer tactile response. This difference suggests that while both switches can deliver a satisfying performance, the Cliff will likely result in a less strenuous experience, ideal for longer usage periods.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same distance from top to bottom. This uniformity in travel distance suggests that users will achieve similar results in terms of actuation feel and depth when using either switch, making both options equally viable for individuals who prioritize consistency in their typing experience.
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 HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature that is likely to provide a satisfying auditory feedback when pressed. This sharp sound can enhance the typing experience, giving users a clear indication of each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX EVA linear switch has a resonant sound signature, which suggests a more subdued and smooth auditory feedback. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can greatly influence the sound profile of both switches, so users can tailor their experience according to personal preferences.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is known for its medium tactility, providing users with a noticeable bump during actuation that can help inform typing accuracy. This tactile response can be particularly appealing for typists who prefer a discernible indication of when their keystrokes register. Conversely, the EVA linear switch is described as having a silky smooth typing feel, which means users will enjoy an uninterrupted and fluid keypress experience without the tactile feedback that the Cliff provides. This smoothness can be advantageous for gaming and fast typing, as it allows for quick and effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound and medium tactility, which may be preferred by typists who enjoy tactile feedback, while the HMX EVA linear switch's resonant sound and silky smooth feel cater to those who value seamless keypresses. Ultimately, both switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that appeal to different user preferences, allowing newcomers to select based on their typing style and desired feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX EVA linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that gives you a sense of satisfaction while typing, along with a medium tactility and crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more fluid typing experience without any tactile bump, the HMX EVA linear switch would be to your liking. The EVA’s slightly higher bottom-out force of 48 grams, combined with its resonant sound signature and silky smooth feel, provides a unique typing experience that is enjoyable for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback, sound, and overall feel, so consider what you prioritize most in your keyboard experience.