Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that cater to different typing experiences are the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Brown Pro, both of which are tactile switches. The Bsun Cliff is known for its invigorating medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. Its auditory and tactile cues can enhance typing rhythm and engagement, appealing to gamers and typists alike who appreciate a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a more subtle and polished experience, featuring a gentle tactile bump that allows typists to immerse themselves in their work without the distraction of overt feedback. Its muted sound profile ensures that each press is felt rather than heard, catering to users who prioritize a calm and focused typing environment. While both switches provide tactile feedback, their approaches differ significantly, catering to diverse preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and TTC Gold Brown Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, highlighting a shared focus on achieving a highly responsive sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound tone suitable for tactile feedback. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who appreciate clear auditory cues when typing. Both switches also feature clear housings, enhancing their aesthetic appeal by allowing RGB lighting to shine through. As both models employ similar polycarbonate construction, users can expect a resonant sound experience when activating keys, resulting in a unified auditory performance across both products.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and TTC Gold Brown Pro are made from nylon, a material that offers a distinctly different auditory experience compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is recognized for its softer, more absorbent nature, which leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This capability softerens the sound output, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience upon keypress. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the resultant sound profile aligns closely. This shared use of nylon means that both switches will produce a more subdued bottom-out sound, creating a balanced auditory signature that complements the sharper notes of their polycarbonate tops.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch further amplifies their unique sound signatures. While both the Bsun Cliff and TTC Gold Brown Pro feature polycarbonate top housings for a bright and clear sound profile, their nylon bottom housings work in tandem to create a fuller and more resonant typing experience. The collaboration of these materials influences how users perceive sound at various stages of key activation—while the top housing emphasizes the release sound, the bottom housing adds a softer, rounded character to the bottom-out feel. This thoughtful integration of materials ensures that users of either switch can achieve a desired typing experience with a harmonious blend of brightness and depth.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a firmer key feel. The bottom out force for the Cliff switch is measured at 45 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro remains unknown. This difference implies that while both switches may provide tactile feedback, the Cliff switch is the lighter of the two, appealing to those who prioritize comfort, whereas the Gold Brown Pro leans toward a heavier, potentially more satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a stronger tactile response. If the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro were known, further insights could be drawn regarding its overall key feel when fully pressed down.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Bsun Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, providing a quicker response that can be beneficial for users seeking faster actuation, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro, with its longer travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which can be preferable for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience. In summary, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Cliff would suit your needs better, whereas the TTC Gold Brown Pro caters to those who favor a deeper keystroke.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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 profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the TTC Gold Brown Pro, the differences are quite pronounced. The Cliff offers a crisp sound signature that leans towards the medium spectrum, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more defined auditory response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro emphasizes a more subdued sound profile, producing a thocky and neutral resonance. This combination facilitates a quieter typing experience, ideal for environments where minimal distraction is desired, while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback that allows the user to gauge their keystrokes without overwhelming noise.
In terms of feel, the two switches again present distinct characteristics. The Cliff tactile switch is characterized as invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive typing sensation that can keep users engaged and aware while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro is polished and silky, providing a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The tactility of the Gold Brown Pro is more subtle, designed for those who prefer a gentler touch that doesn't dominate each keystroke, making it approachable for a wide range of users. This contrast in tactile feedback means that the Cliff will likely energize typists, while the Gold Brown Pro creates a serene typing atmosphere.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff and TTC Gold Brown Pro switches cater to differing preferences in both sound and feel. The Cliff provides a medium, crisp sound with an invigorating tactile sensation, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced feedback while typing. In comparison, the Gold Brown Pro offers a quieter, thocky sound profile with nuanced, polished feedback, promoting a calm and subtle typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences—whether you crave a more dynamic engagement or a serene atmosphere—both switches can offer rewarding experiences, and you may find that your choice aligns closely with how you wish to interact with the keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more invigorating typing experience, with pronounced feedback and a crisp sound that keeps you engaged in your tasks, the Cliff switch might be the right fit for you. Its lighter actuation force and medium tactility can provide a snappy and reactive feel, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where you need to feel every keystroke distinctly. On the other hand, if you prefer a more polished and silky typing experience with subtle feedback, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is likely the better option. This switch excels in environments where discretion is preferred, as its thocky sound signature and gentle tactility promote a focused atmosphere without overwhelming distractions. In essence, choosing the Cliff will cater to those who thrive on tactile response and sound engagement, while the Gold Brown Pro will benefit individuals who seek a more subdued, immersive typing experience. Ultimately, understanding your priorities—whether they lean towards pronounced feedback or subtlety—will guide you in making the best switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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