Bsun Cliff vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch present two distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Cliff switch offers a medium tactile bump accompanied by a crisp audible click, making it a satisfying choice for typists who appreciate feedback with each key press. This tactile nature can enhance typing accuracy and make for an engaging experience, particularly for those who enjoy the rhythm of traditional typing. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch stands out with its silky smoothness and frictionless action, thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication. This switch is ideal for gamers and typists who prefer quick, uninterrupted keystrokes, allowing for rapid inputs without the resistance or noise of a tactile switch. While both options have their unique benefits—tactility for the Cliff and smoothness for the Ice King—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
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Ice King Linear switches, one of the key differences lies in their top housing compositions. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing clarity and resonance. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a clearer sound transmission when the key is pressed. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear utilizes nylon as its top housing material, resulting in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb more sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. This crucial difference in top housing materials affects how each switch interacts with sound, significantly altering the acoustic signature of their performance.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Ice King Linear utilize nylon. This similarity means that both switches will evoke a comparable bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. Given that nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, the impact of the bottom housing will introduce a consistent deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Thus, while the top housing contributes uniquely to the sound characteristics, the bottom housing ensures a level of auditory coherence between the two models.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different materials used in the top and bottom housings creates a nuanced sound profile for both the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Ice King Linear switches. Users of the Cliff will experience a bright, resonant tone during key releases due to the polycarbonate top, while the Ice King Linear will offer a more muffled, enveloping sound during the same action with its nylon top housing. Yet, the shared nylon bottom housing guarantees that the intrinsic fullness remains unchanged, allowing users to experience similar acoustic results at the point of actuation. This interplay of different materials showcases how design choices can create distinct auditory experiences while still providing some common ground.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Durock Ice King Linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions and ideal for users who prefer a softer touch. Conversely, the Ice King Linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for a more tactile response. As a result, if you opt for the Cliff, you'll find lighter key presses that are less tiring over time, while the Ice King provides a firmer feedback for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Thus, the Cliff is the lighter option, whereas the Ice King Linear is on the heavier side, catering to different preferences based on user comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Cliff the longer of the two options. Both switches are designed with shorter travel distances that cater to modern gaming preferences, aiming for quicker response times. The subtle difference in their travel distances—just one-tenth of a millimeter—suggests that users might not notice a significant disparity in feel during typing or gaming. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth with each keystroke, the Cliff offers a marginally more gratifying experience. Conversely, for gamers seeking rapid actuation, the Durock Ice King Linear may provide a more immediate feel with its slightly shorter travel distance.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is noted for its crisp signature, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. This can make typing feel more engaging, as the tactile feedback pairs well with the sound to signal key actuation. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch delivers a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise without being completely silent. This creates a more subtle typing experience that many may find appealing in quieter environments. It's important to remember that sound perception can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can affect the overall aural experience of both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump during actuation which can enhance typing precision and feedback. This tactile response offers a satisfying sensation for users who prefer a bit of resistance when pressing keys. Conversely, the Ice King Linear switches are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth typing experience, described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished. This means that users can expect an effortless key press, minimizing any resistance or friction which contributes to a fluid and pleasurable typing experience. The difference in tactile feedback highlights the unique preferences that users may have, whether they enjoy a tactile response or a smoother linear feel.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Cliff provides a crisp sound with medium tactility, appealing to those who enjoy feedback during their typing. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear excels in delivering a smooth, subdued sound profile paired with a silky and frictionless feel, ideal for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience. The choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel; knowing these qualities will help you select the switch that aligns with your unique typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience, the Cliff is an excellent choice with its medium tactility and crisp sound signature. This switch suits those who appreciate a more interactive feel while typing, making it ideal for typing duties, gaming, and casual use where feedback can improve your accuracy and speed. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother and quieter experience, the Ice King Linear, with its medium bottom-out force and silky, frictionless feel, might be more appealing. This switch is perfect for extensive typing sessions, gaming marathons, or a quieter workspace environment where noise is a concern, as the subdued sound signature complements its exceptionally smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and feedback with the Cliff or seek smoothness and quietness with the Ice King.
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