United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Gold Brown

An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Brown each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a distinct feedback that many typists find satisfying and engaging. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a noticeable tactile response while typing, making it well-suited for both gaming and general productivity. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced performance; it features a slight, satisfying bump that delivers a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming noise. With a more rounded sound profile, the Gold Brown is perfect for users seeking a quieter environment while still enjoying tactile feedback, making it a versatile choice for office and home use alike. 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

55g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

63g

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

Standard

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

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Brown switches reveal remarkable similarities that contribute to their sound profile and performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a material known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The increased stiffness of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory experience during typing. Furthermore, both switches feature clear polycarbonate tops, which not only improve sound clarity but also lend themselves well to RGB lighting applications, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing glow that accentuates the switch's design.

In contrast to the top housings, the bottom housings of both the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Brown switches are made from nylon. This material choice significantly alters the sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, the use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, resulting in a rounder and deeper auditory experience. This characteristic allows for a split between the textural feedback experienced during a keypress and the resulting sound, where the bottom nylon housing is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound, while the top polycarbonate influences the sound upon releasing the key.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate in the top and nylon in the bottom housing of both the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Brown switches leads to a well-balanced switch experience. The synergy between the materials promotes a crisp, resonant sound when the keys are engaged coupled with a rich, deep response as the switch bottoms out. This thoughtful design ensures that users can enjoy an engaging typing experience that is consistent across both switch types, all while allowing for unique acoustic properties which enhance distinct typing styles.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a softer touch and the ability to type for extended periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 63 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. As such, the Cliff switch is lighter overall compared to the Gold Brown, which is more medium-focused in its force characteristics. Users looking for a lighter option for work or gaming should lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while those who enjoy a firmer push should consider the TTC Gold Brown for its heavier actuation and bottom-out forces.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it’s clear that they differ in their specifications. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Cliff. For those who favor responsiveness in their typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Cliff could provide quicker actuation, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Gold Brown, with its longer distance, may be more appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press, offering a deeper feedback that some find more satisfying. Therefore, depending on your preference for speed versus depth, either switch could provide a distinct 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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.

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

In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound signature that differentiates it from many other switch types. This allows for a more pronounced auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel distinct and satisfying. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is characterized by a balanced, rounded sound profile that is softer and less intrusive. Its moderate sound level makes it suitable for various environments, whether for home or workplace use, providing a more subtle auditory experience compared to the Cliff. While both switches yield a different auditory character, they each have their own appeal depending on the user's needs or preferences.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff switch provides a medium tactility that strikes a balance between noticeable feedback and comfort, making it an engaging option for typing. Conversely, the Gold Brown switches provide a somewhat milder experience, embodying qualities that make for a more approachable and gentle typing journey. The Gold Brown's traits such as being buttery smooth, accented, and polished contribute to an overall refined experience that emphasizes ease of use and smoothness. While the tactility is present in both switches, the Gold Brown leans toward a safer, more universally appealing touch compared to the more pronounced feedback of the Cliff.

In conclusion, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out with its crisp sound and medium tactility, the TTC Gold Brown provides a softer auditory experience along with a gentler typing feel. Each switch brings unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Those who prefer clear auditory cues may gravitate toward the Cliff, while individuals seeking a more balanced, muted approach may find the Gold Brown more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, with both options capable of delivering satisfying results in their respective styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, you should consider your preferences for typing feel and sound. If you prefer a lighter switch with a medium level of tactility that produces a crisp and pronounced sound, the Bsun Cliff is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force means it’s well-suited for fast-paced typists or gamers who appreciate quick actuation without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more balanced typing experience with a moderate weight of 63 grams, the TTC Gold Brown is worth considering. It strikes a harmonious balance with a mild bump and softer, more neutral sound, making it versatile for both work and casual use. The Gold Brown’s buttery and polished feel adds to its appeal, providing a smooth and pleasant typing sensation that many users find comforting. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize lightness and a crisp sound or a balanced feel and moderate actuation.

Mentioned in this article