Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch plays a crucial role in your overall typing experience, and two popular options are the Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, and the TTC Ice, a linear switch. The Cliff switches stand out with their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them ideal for users who appreciate a tactile response while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switches boast a sleek, crystal-clear design, offering a smooth and responsive feel along with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making them perfect for both gaming and everyday use. While the tactile nature of the Cliff can enhance typing satisfaction and feedback, the linear design of the Ice ensures quiet, quick key presses ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Ice switches highlight a fascinating interplay between design and acoustic performance. Both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a pronounced auditory experience. The polycarbonate construction—characterized by its rigidity—enhances the clarity and resonance of sound, producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory profile. Additionally, this material’s translucency allows it to effectively diffuse RGB lighting, ensuring aesthetic appeal for users who prioritize illumination as part of their keyboard experience. The similarities in top housing material between the Cliff and the Ice imply that users can expect a comparable sound quality and visual presentation when RGB lighting is activated.
However, a significant distinction arises when examining the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Bsun Cliff opts for nylon, a classic choice that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer characteristics allow it to absorb more sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when keys are pressed. In contrast, the TTC Ice utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, maintaining the sharper and crisper sound profile that was seen in the top housing. This divergence in bottom housing materials means that the two switches will emit different sound profiles upon each keystroke, with the Cliff providing a warmer tone thanks to the nylon, while the Ice will deliver a consistent sharpness throughout its operation.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials lead to varying tactile sensations and sound experiences during use. With the Bsun Cliff, typists can expect a distinctive sound quality that is more subdued and resonant due to the nylon base, while the TTC Ice delivers a more aggressive tonal clarity equally across both housings thanks to its polycarbonate construction. This means that while both switches share a similar top housing that promotes bright sound and RGB visibility, the overall acoustic character when typing will distinctly reflect the impact of their respective bottom housing materials. The result is a choice between a fuller and rounder sound in the Cliff or a consistently crisp and clear sound in the Ice, catering to different user preferences for auditory feedback and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where reduced finger fatigue is a priority. In contrast, the Ice switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feel when pressing keys. Consequently, if you favor a lighter feel and lower resistance, the Cliff switch would be the better option, while those seeking a heavier keypress might gravitate towards the Ice switch. Overall, these differences highlight the diverse needs of users depending on their typing habits and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom, resulting in similar tactile feedback and overall feel during use. Since both switches share this equal measurement, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of travel distance, regardless of the switch brand chosen.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 is characterized by a crisp sound signature that adds an auditory feedback to the typing experience without being overwhelmingly loud. This sound profile can enhance the feedback loop while typing, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a notable auditory response. Meanwhile, the TTC Ice linear switch boasts a smooth, responsive feel that culminates in a satisfying bottom-out sound. This sound is typically softer and less pronounced than the Cliff, making the Ice ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback during gaming or typing tasks.
Regarding feel, the Cliff tactile switch is best known for delivering medium tactility. This provides a noticeable bump during the keypress which can help users better determine when a key is actuated, providing a sense of engagement with every keystroke. In contrast, the Ice linear switch is designed for a smoother experience, lacking the tactile bump of the Cliff, which allows for a fluid keypress from top to bottom. This makes the Ice particularly appealing for rapid keypresses in gaming and for users who enjoy a generally more seamless typing experience without tactile interruptions.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Cliff is ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a crisp sound, enhancing the overall engagement with each keystroke. Conversely, the TTC Ice provides a smooth and quiet operation, perfect for those who prefer a more linear typing feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you value the tactile response and sound of the Cliff or the fluidity and subtlety of the Ice.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a tactile bump that gives you feedback while typing, the Cliff, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, would be an ideal choice. This switch offers a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, making it particularly appealing for those who appreciate feedback without the strain of a heavier switch. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, more uniform keystroke and a firmer feel while typing or gaming, the TTC Ice with its 60-gram bottom-out force might be more suitable for you. The Ice switch is known for its crystal-clear design, providing a premium experience characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound and responsiveness. Ultimately, choose the Cliff for a lighter, tactile experience, and the Ice for a smooth, assertive performance. Your choice will significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience, aligning it with your style and preferences.
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