Bsun Cliff vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Hutt offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists find gratifying. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory response without sacrificing the tactile feel of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Hutt is characterized by a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump that promises a sharp and invigorating typing experience alongside a balanced sound profile. This makes the Hutt particularly appealing for gamers and typists who thrive on responsive feedback and a more energized typing rhythm. Both switches boast their own distinct advantages, making the choice between them highly subjective. 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
49g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Hutt share a commonality in that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. The polycarbonate material is well-regarded for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic arises from the material's stiffness, contributing to a more resonant sound quality. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is advantageous for aesthetics, particularly for designs that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant light diffusion. Consequently, whether in the Cliff or the Hutt, the top housing's polycarbonate ensures that both switches deliver a clear audio experience, making them well-suited for visually dynamic setups.
In contrast to their top housings, both the Cliff and the Hutt feature nylon bottom housings, which evoke a substantially different sound profile than their polycarbonate counterparts. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This inherent quality of nylon contributes to a more rounded sound, which complements the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. As a result, both switches benefit from a harmonious acoustic balance—while the top housing creates a bright sound, the bottom housing enriches it by adding warmth and depth.
Overall, although the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Hutt employ the same materials in their respective top and bottom housings, they achieve a well-rounded sonic profile through their distinctive separation of sound characteristics. The synergy of the hard polycarbonate and the soft nylon allows users to experience a comprehensive auditory feedback during usage. The polycarbonate's presence enhances the clarity and responsiveness, while the nylon offers a grounding and pleasant fullness. Because the strengths of each material are leveraged effectively, both switches are able to provide a satisfying typing experience that merges pitch and depth harmoniously.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff and Bsun Hutt tactile switches both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, yet there are subtle distinctions between the two. The Bsun Cliff requires an actuation force of 37 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Bsun Hutt necessitates a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams. This means that the Cliff switch is marginally lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Hutt. As such, users who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or gaming may prefer the Cliff for its softer touch. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a bit more resistance might gravitate toward the Hutt, despite both switches being classified as light. Overall, while both switches offer a relatively gentle feel, the Bsun Cliff provides a lighter option, whereas the Bsun Hutt offers a bit more push-back.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, the Cliff measures 3.6 mm, while the Hutt has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Cliff the longer travel switch by just 0.1 mm. For gamers and users seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Hutt may offer a more immediate actuation. However, those who favor a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing a key might prefer the Cliff, with its longer travel distance promoting a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus tactile 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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp signature that lends itself well to a pleasant auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch features a resonant sound, which produces a higher-pitched and sharp auditory feedback that immerses the typist in a clean and clear sound environment. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Cliff offers a more straightforward, crisp sound, whereas the Hutt introduces an element of resonance that can prove to be more engaging for those who appreciate a richer soundscape. However, it's important to note that the ultimate sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard build, keycap material, and other setup variables.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility, providing a balanced typing experience that is both solid and satisfying without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt switch stands out for its prominent tactile bump and medium-heavy spring, resulting in a snappier, invigorating feel that responds vigorously to key presses. The Hutt's tactile feedback is accentuated, making typing a lively experience, while also incorporating a pronounced actuation force that can make every keystroke feel sharp and distinct. Essentially, the Cliff's feedback is more subdued but still satisfying, while the Hutt elevates the typing experience with a more pronounced and lively response.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and Hutt tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff’s crisp sound and balanced tactile feedback can provide a straightforward typing experience, while the Hutt’s resonant sound combined with its invigorating and snappy feel caters to those who like a more dynamic interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a clear and crisp auditory output or a more immersive and responsive typing sensation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Hutt tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and experiences. If you lean towards a lighter actuation and appreciate a medium tactile feel with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff switch may be your ideal choice. It's particularly well-suited for those who favor a less aggressive typing experience without sacrificing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation and desire a more pronounced tactile bump, the Hutt switch could be your best bet. Its snappy and invigorating feel, combined with a resonant sound profile, offers a distinctly engaging typing sensation that can be both exciting and satisfying. Therefore, consider factors such as your typing style, the kind of feedback you enjoy, and how much sound you want from your keyboard when making your selection between these two enjoyable options.