Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the differences between tactile and linear switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate for both gaming and productivity. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple represents the linear category with its feathery feel and a unique resonant character, delivering a plush typing experience with a slight poppy undertone. Its lightweight design, featuring a bottom-out force of just 47g, allows for swift keypresses, making it particularly appealing to gamers and those who type extensively. While the Cliff offers that tactile feedback that helps typists avoid bottoming out, the Flaming Purple ensures a smooth and effortless keystroke that many users find enjoyable. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
47g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Cliff and TTC Flaming Purple switches exhibit a striking similarity, particularly in their top housings, both composed of polycarbonate. This shared material choice results in a sound profile that is coherent and distinct, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances clarity and resonance. The stiffness of polycarbonate helps achieve this crisp auditory experience, while its translucency effectively showcases RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing glow when the switches are illuminated. Therefore, users can expect to enjoy a similar sound experience from both switches due to their polycarbonate top housings, regardless of the specific branding or design elements.
In contrast, while both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the implications of this material choice diverge from the polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile while absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience during keystrokes. Though the nylon bottom housing does not change between the two switches, the differences in the tactile experience provided by the combination of nylon and polycarbonate can still affect the overall typing experience. As such, users might perceive differences in how these switches respond during use, particularly in the context of bottom-out feel and sound.
When considering the overall performance of the Bsun Cliff and TTC Flaming Purple switches, it's essential to recognize the interplay between their materials. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the auditory feedback during key releases, while the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound profile during key presses. This duality means that although the switches yield similar sound characteristics thanks to their common materials, the nuances in typing experience may differ subtly. Users' preferences for switch feel and sound will ultimately dictate which model they resonate with, despite their foundational similarities in material use.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option in this comparison. In contrast, the Flaming Purple switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, categorizing it as the heavier choice. While both switches are considered light, the Cliff's lower force requirements may appeal more to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long hours of typing or gaming. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might lean towards the Flaming Purple due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, providing a firmer response. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches influence user preference based on comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is exactly the same. This identical travel distance allows users to expect similar tactile feedback and keypress feel when using either switch. Consequently, both switches will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel. Since both switches have equal travel distances, users can choose between them based on other preferences, knowing that the actuation feel will be consistent.
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 Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 sound characteristics of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch are marked by a crisp quality that provides a satisfying auditory feedback on key presses, though the specifics of its tonality remain less defined. In comparison, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch features a resonant sound profile with a bassy emphasis, delivering a rich and immersive experience with its poppy undertone. The sound from the Flaming Purple is neutral yet hints at deeper frequencies, adding an engaging flair to each keypress — an interesting contrast to the more straightforward sound of the Cliff.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility that introduces a pleasant resistance, helping typists feel the actuation point without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple is characterized by its feathery and silky touch, providing an exceptionally smooth, easy-to-press experience that reduces finger fatigue. The minimal force required (47g at bottom-out) makes it highly comfortable for prolonged typing, which might appeal to users who prioritize a lighter, more effortless experience.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a crisp sound and a medium tactile feel, the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch stands out with a deeper, resonant auditory experience and overall smoother, lighter touch. Each switch brings its own unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences; thus, if you favor a precise sound with defined feedback, the Cliff would suit you, whereas the Flaming Purple will likely appeal to those who appreciate a deeper sound and a feather-light typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer tactile feedback or a smooth linear action in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a tactile feedback with a medium level of resistance and enjoy a crisp sound with a slight auditory punch, the Cliff switch would be an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable for those who want a more engaged typing experience and prioritize the tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a very light touch and smooth actuation for both typing and gaming, the Flaming Purple will be more suitable for you. Its bassy sound profile provides a rich auditory experience without the strain of heavier keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort is key. Ultimately, both switches deliver a quality experience, but understanding your needs in tactile feedback versus smoothness will help you make the best decision for your setup.