Bsun Cliff vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Ice King Tactile are two impressive contenders, each with their unique characteristics. The Cliff switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, which makes them an excellent choice for typists seeking both feedback and auditory satisfaction in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches elevate tactile typing into an art form, offering a creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced tactile bump, resulting in a uniquely satisfying experience that blends lushness with precision. While the Cliff is straightforward and effective for everyday tasks, the Ice King Tactile pushes the boundaries of tactile sensation, appealing to those who appreciate a more refined touch. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile switches, the most notable difference lies in the top housing material. The Bsun Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Durock Ice King Tactile employs nylon. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, which lends a crisper quality to keystrokes. This is especially advantageous for users who favor a clear and resonant sound, particularly in RGB-lit environments where the translucency of polycarbonate showcases lighting well. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile offers a significantly different auditory experience; it tends to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound rather than allowing it to resonate.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This similarity results in both switches having the potential for a rounded and more muted bottom-out sound. The nylon material contributes to a uniform tactile experience, where the softer plastic dampens sound upon key closure, making for a consistent typing feel. Therefore, while the Bsun Cliff may exude a brighter, more ringing quality in the upper register due to its polycarbonate top, the bottom housing’s shared nylon component ensures that both switches maintain that deeper, fuller tonal characteristic along the base.
Overall, while the Bsun Cliff and Durock Ice King Tactile differ noticeably in their top housing materials, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing unifies the typing experience by imparting a soft and muted sound. The Cliff showcases a more dynamic sound profile due to its polycarbonate top, which is further enhanced in RGB settings. Conversely, the Ice King Tactile’s nylon housing cultivates a warmer auditory experience. Thus, while players or typists may enjoy distinct sound profiles between the two, both switches can still achieve similar tactile satisfaction due to their nylon bottom housings. In this way, users can select their desired auditory experience while still benefitting from a consistent feel and dampened sound upon actuation.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, we see a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bsun Cliff has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press down, which is ideal for those who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and a firmer typing experience. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter option, the Bsun Cliff is the way to go, while the Durock Ice King Tactile is suited for those who favor the heftier feel of a switch with a stronger resistance. The differences in these forces result in distinctly varying typing experiences, making it essential to choose based on personal preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, the Cliff has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Tactile measures at 3.5 mm. Although the difference is minimal, it highlights the distinct preferences for switch characteristics; the Cliff may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced depth in their keypresses, promoting a less abrupt feel during typing. In contrast, the slightly shorter distance of the Ice King Tactile may be more suitable for gamers seeking quick response times and swift actuation. Thus, while both switches fall within a similar range of travel distances, the Cliff represents the longer option and may cater to users desiring a more satisfying tactile experience.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When it comes to the sound profile, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is known for its crisp sound signature, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback on each keystroke. This quality makes it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy an audible confirmation while typing. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch has a more subdued sound, producing a dampened effect that is not entirely silent but significantly less noisy compared to most other tactile switches. This muted sound profile allows for a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for shared workspaces or environments where sound may be a concern. Therefore, if you prefer a brighter auditory feedback, the Cliff will deliver that; however, for a quieter yet still enjoyable typing experience, the Ice King Tactile is the way to go.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by medium tactility, offering a noticeable bump that enhances typing feedback. This quality can lead to a satisfying experience for those who appreciate a defined tactile response. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switches elevate tactile typing with their exceptional smoothness, offering a silky feel that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. The frictionless action of the Ice King switches translates into smoother keystrokes, making each tap feel effortless. Additionally, the stepped nature of the Ice King Tactiles provides a distinct two-stage feel during the keystroke, while a polished finish enhances the overall typing experience. The Cliff offers a more straightforward tactile feedback, while the Ice King Tactile presents a more refined and nuanced feel.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Durock Ice King Tactile switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff excels in delivering a crisp sound with medium tactility, making it preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and sound. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switches offer a subdued sound and an impressive array of smoothness and refined feel, providing a luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or an exceptionally smooth tactile experience, as each switch brings its own strengths to the keyboard typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a moderate tactile feedback, the Cliff is your go-to option, especially for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. Its crisp sound and medium tactility make it suitable for a more relaxed, yet responsive experience, perfect for both casual users and those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without excessive noise. On the other hand, if you desire a more robust typing feel with a heavier bottom-out force, the Ice King Tactile excels with its remarkably smooth and polished experience. Its pronounced tactile bump enhances the typing experience, providing satisfaction through its creamy feel and subdued sound signature, making it ideal for enthusiasts looking for precision and quality in every keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should align with what you value most in a switch—whether it’s the lightness and subtlety of the Cliff or the rich tactile refinement offered by the Ice King Tactile.
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