Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear switches. The Bsun Cliff, known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, caters to those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent option for typists and gamers who thrive on sensory validation. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver sets itself apart with its rapid responsiveness and smooth actuation. Its shortened travel distance ensures a decisive, solid bottom-out, ideal for fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts, while its resonant and silky sound profile adds an auditory dimension that many users enjoy. Ultimately, choosing between the tactile reassurance of the Cliff and the fluid, swift performance of the Gold Silver comes down to individual needs and preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 the TTC Gold Silver switches utilize the same housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The shared use of polycarbonate in their top housings contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which promotes clarity and resonance in sound production. A clear polycarbonate top housing not only serves an acoustic purpose but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is applied. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience from both switches in terms of brightness and clarity.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Cliff and Gold Silver switches uses nylon, a material that is recognized for its unique acoustic properties. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound than its stiffer counterparts, resulting in a deeper and fuller overall sound profile when typing. This particular attribute contributes to a more rounded and duller sound, which effectively balances the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate tops. As a result, although both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housings, users will likely experience a similar quality in sound profile that complements the upper housing's delivering of resonant highs.
The culmination of these materials illustrates an interesting interplay between the two housing types, as the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom each contribute distinct auditory qualities to the overall switch experience. When pressed, the tactile feel and resulting sound is significantly influenced by the nylon bottom housing due to its softer characteristics, while the sound produced when releasing the key prominently features the sharper aspects of the polycarbonate top. Therefore, although they are constructed from the same materials, the combination of the distinct properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the Bsun Cliff and TTC Gold Silver switches creates a complementary and balanced auditory profile that enhances the user's typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offer contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation force. The Cliff has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without causing fatigue. In contrast, the Gold Silver switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which contributes to a more substantial typing experience, although the bottom out force for this switch remains unknown. As a result, the Cliff switch is more accommodating for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Gold Silver switch might appeal to users who appreciate a firmer push feel. Overall, the Cliff switch is the lighter option, providing a gentler experience, whereas the Gold Silver is heavier, catering to those who favor a stronger resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, the Cliff measures 3.6 mm, while the Gold Silver comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Bsun Cliff the longer of the two, offering a more pronounced depth in each keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying and stable for typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver, with its shorter travel distance, may provide a quicker response time, catering to those who prioritize speed, especially in gaming scenarios. While both switches feature relatively close travel distances, the Cliff's additional millimeter could appeal to users who enjoy a hearty feel, whereas the Gold Silver's slight reduction may attract those who lean towards a more immediate tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus key depth.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 produced by the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, each offers distinct auditory experiences. The Cliff is recognized for its crisp sound signature, which adds a pleasant auditory feedback during typing that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver delivers a thocky audio profile that can be characterized by a deep and rich sound akin to a soft knock or a subtle thud upon key press. This low-pitched quality results in a bass-heavy tone, making it enjoyable and engaging. Overall, while both switches provide unique sound experiences, the Cliff tends more towards a sharper, crisper note, while the Gold Silver offers a resonant and low-pitched thock.
In terms of feel, the differences are equally pronounced. The Cliff tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility, offering a soft but noticeable resistance that users can feel with each keystroke. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its polished and silky smoothness, which results in an exceptionally fluid typing experience. The gentle, subtle resistance of the Gold Silver makes it approachable for users who prefer a mild typing sensation. While the Cliff's medium tactility may provide a satisfying feedback for some, the TTC Gold Silver's smoothness coupled with its rapid responsiveness and decisive bottom-out creates a notably different typing dynamic.
Taking both sound and feel into account, it becomes clear that the Bsun Cliff and TTC Gold Silver cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cliff leans towards users who appreciate a tactile experience with crisp auditory feedback, while the Gold Silver is ideal for those who prioritize speed and smoothness paired with a rich sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference: whether you favor the tactile and slightly brighter nature of the Cliff or the smooth, resonant responsiveness of the Gold Silver, either option can enhance your typing experience in unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a tactile experience that offers medium feedback, coupled with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff would be an excellent choice, especially if you appreciate a light bottom-out force and want a typing experience that feels responsive yet grounded. This switch is particularly well-suited for casual typing or gaming scenarios where you want to feel when a key is actuated without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you value rapid responsiveness with fluid keystrokes and a satisfying thocky sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch might be your go-to option. Its smooth action and light touch make it perfect for fast-paced gaming or any task where speed and precision are crucial. In shared environments or open offices, the Gold Silver's low-pitched sound profile adds to its appeal, minimizing noise while still providing an engaging typing experience. Thus, reflect on how you typically use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or both—and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired feedback and sound characteristics.
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