United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Bsun Cliff vs. Huano Grape Orange

An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Huano Grape Orange stand out for their distinctive characteristics and user experiences. The Bsun Cliff is a tactile switch, renowned for its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature that enhances both feedback and engagement during typing. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate the satisfying bump that signals a key actuation, balancing productivity with auditory enjoyment. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange is a linear switch, celebrated for its ultra-low 40g actuation force, which provides an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience. This switch is particularly suited for those who find themselves typing for prolonged periods, as it minimizes fatigue and strain on the fingers. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing tactile feedback and sound, the other promoting a smooth and easy keystroke—each offers unique benefits depending on individual typing styles and requirements. 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

40g

Bottom-out force

45g

Bottom-out force

50g

Pre-travel

2.30 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 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

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Huano Grape Orange both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which provides a consistent and desirable sound profile in both switches. The use of polycarbonate leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. This allows for a clearer and more resonant sound that is particularly pronounced when utilizing RGB lighting, thanks to the material's translucency. As a result, both switches share similar acoustic characteristics in their top housings, ensuring that users can expect an enhanced auditory experience when typing or gaming with these switches.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a classic material known for its unique sound-dampening properties. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This characteristic shapes the bottom-out feel of the switches, meaning that the Grape Orange and Bsun Cliff will deliver a rounder and more muted sound when a key is pressed down. Therefore, while both switches deploy polycarbonate on the top, the nylon bottom housing significantly impacts the overall typing experience by creating a balanced auditory profile that contrasts with the sharper sounds produced by the tops.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Bsun Cliff and Huano Grape Orange results in a nuanced sound profile shaped by the interaction between the two types of housing. The polycarbonate top housing enhances brightness and clarity, while the nylon bottom housing ensures warmth and depth. This duality means that while both switches share similar sound qualities in their upper section, the effective sound quality is influenced by the synergy between the different materials used in their respective bottom housings. Thus, users can expect a unique yet coherent typing experience with both switches, making them appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, despite both switches being classified as light. The Cliff tactile switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are relatively light, the Cliff is easier to press and may be more suitable for extensive typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Grape Orange offers a bit more resistance for those who prefer a heavier feel to their keystrokes. Ultimately, if a user prioritizes a lighter touch and ease of actuation, the Bsun Cliff is the better choice, whereas users seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Huano Grape Orange.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equivalence means that users can expect similar actuation characteristics and feel when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a comparable typing experience. Since their travel distances are the same, both switches will provide the same responsiveness during use, making them suitable for enthusiasts who appreciate consistent key feedback.

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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.

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 examining the sound profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, the Cliff is characterized by a crisp sound signature that enhances the tactile feedback during typing. This audible response adds a satisfying element to the typing experience, making it feel engaging and responsive. In contrast, the Grape Orange switches are typically quieter due to their linear nature, lacking the pronounced sound of tactile feedback. However, it's essential to note that the sound production of both switches can vary significantly based on the keyboard construction, including factors like the material of the keycaps and the design of the board itself.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff switch offers a medium tactility that provides a noticeable bump during actuation, giving typists a clear indication of when a key has been pressed. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the Grape Orange switch is known for its ultra-low actuation force of just 40g, resulting in a light and smooth typing experience. This linear characteristic means that there’s no tactile bump, allowing for rapid key presses without exerting much effort, making them particularly appealing for long typing sessions or gaming environments.

Overall, both switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced sound while typing, making it suitable for more deliberate actions like coding or writing. Conversely, the Grape Orange excels in providing a light and smooth typing experience perfect for high-speed tasks. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the auditory and tactile engagement of the Cliff or the effortless flow of the Grape Orange switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a noticeable bump that adds a satisfying element to your typing experience, the Cliff is an excellent choice for you, especially if you also appreciate a crisp sound signature that enhances the auditory feedback while you type. It's an ideal option for both casual typing and more focused tasks, as its 45-gram bottom-out force strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, if your priority is a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, particularly for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Grape Orange linear switch would be more suited for you. With its ultra-light 40g actuation force, it allows for effortless typing without the tactile bumps, providing a silent and fluid experience. In essence, choose the Cliff for a tactile and engaging feel, and go with the Grape Orange for lightweight and seamless input. Your personal typing style and the environments in which you use your keyboard will ultimately guide your decision.

Mentioned in this article