Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing or gaming experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can make all the difference. The Bsun Cliff switch, with its medium tactility, is favored by users who appreciate a pronounced tactile response coupled with a crisp auditory feedback, making every keystroke feel satisfying and engaging. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth, known for its unique 3.5mm travel distance, is designed to prevent the harsh bottoming-out sensation often associated with longer stem switches. This careful engineering results in a pleasant balance between tactile feedback, subtle sound, and overall comfort, further complemented by a single-stage elongated spring that provides a consistent force curve. While the Cliff emphasizes a more tactile and audible experience, the Hyacinth caters to those looking for a smoother, quieter interaction during their typing sessions. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
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 spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and KTT Hyacinth switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes significantly to their acoustic profiles. This material is known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, which allows for enhanced resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches designed to incorporate RGB lighting, enabling lighting effects to shine through with clarity. Since both switches utilize the same polycarbonate material for their top housings, it can be expected that they will share a similar sound character and visual appeal, creating an aesthetically pleasing experience for users looking to personalize their keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Cliff and Hyacinth differ, with both made from nylon, but potentially exhibiting different acoustic characteristics depending on their specific designs and manufacturing processes. Nylon, being a softer material, tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This inherent quality dampens vibrations, giving the switches a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharpness introduced by the polycarbonate tops. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users may experience variations in tactile feedback depending on other factors like the switch mechanism, despite the common nylon material.
In summary, while both the Bsun Cliff and KTT Hyacinth switches boast polycarbonate top housings that promise to deliver crisp sound and clear aesthetics, their nylon bottom housings allow for a fuller sound that is richer and more subdued. This dual-material approach means that users can enjoy the best of both worlds: the clarity of polycarbonate for a defined sound profile and the warmth of nylon for a more rounded typing experience. Overall, the combination of these materials enables these switches to cater to different user preferences, with the expected similarities in sound from the polycarbonate tops balanced by the unique attributes provided by the nylon bottoms.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, notable differences can be seen in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff tactile switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a preferred option for those who typists or gamers who seek prolonged use without fatigue. In contrast, the Hyacinth switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams; this medium-light force may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience during typing. Ultimately, those who favor a lighter touch for extended sessions should gravitate towards the Cliff, while users looking for a heavier and more pronounced key press will find the Hyacinth more suitable for their needs.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Hyacinth linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressed, the Cliff offers a bit more depth compared to the Hyacinth, making it the better option for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Conversely, the Hyacinth's shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive typing or gaming experience, aligning with the trend toward quicker actuation noticed in modern switches. Therefore, while both switches are relatively close in their travel distances, the Cliff would cater more to those who appreciate a deeper press, whereas the Hyacinth would benefit users looking for speed and responsiveness.
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 KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a crisp sound signature, which adds an engaging auditory feedback to typing. This sharpness can be particularly satisfying for users who appreciate an audible confirmation of their keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. This moderation means that while the sound generated during typing is present, it is neither overly loud nor overly quiet, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home, in an office, or in shared spaces. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience can vary based on the choice of keyboard, switch mounting, and keycap materials, but both switches cater to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a medium level of tactility. This means that users can expect a clear tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the sensation of tactile switches. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switch offers a silky and subtle typing experience. The silky smoothness enhances the overall feel when typing by minimizing resistance, while the gentle resistance maintains a light touch that suits a typing style that prefers fluidity over a pronounced tactile response. This difference in feel can significantly influence a user's typing preference, with the Cliff leaning towards those who enjoy tactile feedback and the Hyacinth favoring those who prefer an ultra-smooth experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and KTT Hyacinth linear switch offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff stands out with its crisp sound and medium tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Meanwhile, the Hyacinth's neutral sound and silky feel cater to typists who appreciate a smooth and subtle experience. Ultimately, your choice will greatly depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and tactile sensation or a seamless typing feel with moderate sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, your choice should reflect your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a tactile experience with a light bottom-out force and appreciate a crisp sound, the Cliff is an excellent option. Its medium tactility provides feedback that many find satisfactory for both typing and gaming. This makes it particularly suitable if you type a lot and enjoy the sensation of tactile bumps without a heavy actuation force. However, if you desire a smoother, more effortless typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the Hyacinth might be your go-to switch. Its neutral sound profile and silky feel can create a comfortable environment, ideal for extended use in shared spaces like offices or libraries. Additionally, the Hyacinth’s innovative design minimizes the harsh bottoming out that can come with longer travel distances, making it great for those who favor seamless key presses without sacrificing tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice revolves around the balance of sound, feel, and the physical feedback you prefer while typing.
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