Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback and sound profile. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate for its engagement and precision during typing. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red, categorized as a linear switch, offers a smooth and weighty experience, combined with a delightful clacky sound, making it an appealing choice for gamers and users who prefer uninterrupted keypresses. Visually, the Flame Red stands out with its dazzling light diffuser, making it an ideal option for those who want a vibrant backlit or RGB keyboard setup. Each switch has its unique strengths: the Cliff excels in providing tactile feedback that can enhance typing accuracy, while the Flame Red’s smoothness and aesthetics are perfect for dynamic gaming sessions or visually striking keyboard setups. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Flame Red switches, a clear distinction arises in their top housing compositions. The Bsun Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to the material’s rigidity. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for gamers and typists who value a crisper auditory feedback stemming from their switches. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red adopts nylon for its top housing, which produces a deeper and richer sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound, leading to a more subdued auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches might achieve satisfying auditory results, they cater to differing preferences, with the Cliff favoring a brighter tone and the Flame Red appealing to those who prefer a fuller sound.
Interestingly, the bottom housings of both switches utilize the same nylon material, making them comparable in this aspect. As a classic housing material, nylon ensures a robust performance for both the Bsun Cliff and TTC Flame Red. When engaging with these switches, users will notice that the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the typing experience, providing a deeper and mellower sound when the keys bottom out. In this regard, both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback, but the overall auditory experience will still diverge due to the contrasting materials used in their respective top housings.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the switches hinges upon the interaction between their top and bottom housings. The Bsun Cliff’s polycarbonate top amplifies higher frequencies, while the nylon bottom modulates the overall sound, resulting in a nuanced performance that emphasizes clarity. Conversely, the TTC Flame Red balances its nylon top and bottom, fostering a consistent deeper and softer sound profile. This distinction in sound characteristics underscores how the choice of housing materials can influence the acoustic experience, even when both switches share a nylon bottom housing. Therefore, while similarities exist, it is important to acknowledge the unique qualities each combination brings to enhance user experience.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch present a notable contrast in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Flame Red switch has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, providing a slightly heavier and more substantial feel that might appeal to those who prefer a stronger push during use. Overall, the Cliff switch is the lighter option, while the Flame Red switch offers a heavier typing experience. Users looking for a balance between comfort and tactile response may find that the differences in forces align with their preferences for typing or gaming, as a lighter switch like the Cliff enables longer durations of use without strain, while the Flame Red allows for more tactile feedback and resistance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressed, the Cliff provides a 3.6 mm journey to activate, making it a more responsive option, which is often favored by gamers who seek quicker response times. In contrast, the Flame Red, with its 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional and deeper feel, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Bsun Cliff will serve you well with its shorter travel distance, whereas those who appreciate a fuller range may find the TTC Flame Red to be more satisfying.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, distinct characteristics emerge. The Cliff tactile switches emit a crisp sound that is accentuated by their medium tactility, often creating a reliable auditory feedback for typists who appreciate a defined click without excessive noise. In contrast, the Flame Red switches provide a neutral sound profile, which is moderate and versatile enough to suit a variety of environments, from office settings to home use. This means that while the Cliff delivers a more pronounced acoustic presence, the Flame Reds emphasize a more balanced auditory experience that minimizes distraction, making it approachable for users of all experience levels.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is known for its medium tactility, giving typists a discernible bump at the actuation point, which helps enhance typing accuracy and form a satisfying experience. The TTC Flame Red, on the other hand, boasts a mild feel that offers a gentler typing experience, making it suitable for extended sessions without causing fatigue. Additionally, the Flame Red switches are polished, indicating a refined finish that results in a smooth key travel experience with reduced friction. This smoothness complements the weighty yet fluid character of the linear switch, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes, as opposed to the tactile feedback offered by the Cliff.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff and TTC Flame Red switches present contrasting experiences. The Cliff is ideal for users who value a tactile bump and crisp feedback, while the Flame Red caters to those seeking smoothness and a neutral sound profile. Whether you prefer the tactile finesse of the Cliff or the polished, mild touch of the Flame Red, both options will cater to different typing styles and environments, so your choice ultimately should reflect your personal preferences and the type of use you envision for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter actuation force and enjoy a tactile feedback with a crisp sound, the Cliff is an excellent option for you, especially if your focus is on typing comfort and responsiveness. This switch’s medium tactility makes it suitable for both casual typing and intensive use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smooth linear feel and a more pronounced sound signature, along with the visual appeal that complements RGB backlighting, the TTC Flame Red is your go-to switch. The Flame Red offers a weightier typing experience, making it ideal for users who want a balance between tactile feedback and smoothness without being overly rigid. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the tactile satisfaction of the Cliff or the polished, mild smoothness of the Flame Red for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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