Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role in determining the optimal choice for each individual. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent option for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2, a beloved linear switch within the keyboard enthusiast community, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth downstroke and rich clack, ideal for gamers and those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Cliff offers a satisfying tactile bump that can enhance typing accuracy and enjoyment, the Ink Black V2 appeals to users who value fluidity in their keystrokes. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2, it is evident that both products utilize distinct approaches to achieve their unique sound profiles. The Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound due to the rigidity of the polycarbonate material. This translucency further enhances the experience for users with RGB lighting, making the aesthetics of the switch more visually appealing. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 uses a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also yields a high-pitched sound profile, though it is described as being less sharp. While both switches aim for clarity in sound, the material choice in the top housing affects the tactile experience and perceived resonance differently.
The bottom housing of each switch presents a sharper contrast in terms of materials. The Cliff incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is associated with deeper and fuller sound profiles thanks to its softer plastic structure that absorbs sound waves. This contrasts with the Ink Black V2, which also features the proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. The results are noticeable, as the Ink Black V2 maintains a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, creating a clacky auditory experience. This difference is crucial, as the bottom housing’s material significantly influences the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch, signifying a divergence in the user experience when typing or gaming.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches can converge on sound characteristics due to their design philosophies; however, they achieve these through varying means. The Bsun Cliff, with its combination of a crisp polycarbonate top housing and a soft nylon bottom, caters to users looking for a multifaceted auditory experience. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Black V2 balances high-pitched clarity with its proprietary blend in both housings, creating a consistently high-pitched sound profile throughout the switch. This interplay between materials in both switches highlights that even with distinct compositions, the overall auditory experience can be somewhat similar, depending on how users interact with each specific type of housing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Cliff tactile switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who value a lighter touch for extended typing periods or lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that appeals to users who prefer a firmer push feel. Consequently, the Cliff switch is the lighter option, while the Ink Black V2 is medium-heavy, catering to different user preferences based on their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, we find that the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ink Black V2 measures 4 mm. This means that the Cliff switch has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for fast-paced tasks, such as gaming, where quicker key presses are advantageous. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and a steadier typing experience, as the extra travel can prevent accidental presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Cliff switch likely offering a snappier feel, while the Ink Black V2 promotes a greater depth for those who appreciate a more substantial actuation.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cliff is recognized for its crisp sound signature, which can deliver a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy sound that is richer and deeper, lending it a more mellow acoustic personality. This creates an interesting dichotomy: while the Cliff delivers a sharper, more pronounced auditory response, the Ink Black V2's sound is characterized by a warm resonance that adds a unique quality to typing experiences. The additional chirpy feature of the Ink Black V2 introduces a slight squeak, further distinguishing its sound profile from the cleaner auditory output of the Cliff, although both can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap selection.
In terms of feel, the differences between these switches are equally pronounced. The Cliff is known for its medium level of tactility, providing a balanced feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and engagement without being overly aggressive. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is noted for its mild feel, which promotes a gentler typing experience. This is complemented by the polished nature of the switch, leading to smooth key travel and reduced friction, making it more approachable for users who prefer a less tactile experience. Thus, while the Cliff engages typists with a more noticeable tactile bump, the Ink Black V2 caters to those who appreciate a smoother and more subdued action, aligning with diverse typing preferences.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff's crisp sound and medium tactility will appeal to those who enjoy feedback during their typing, while the Ink Black V2's rich, low-pitched sound and polished smoothness provide a more mellow, understated experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value pronounced feedback or smoothness in your typing, both of which can lead to satisfying results in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter keypress and appreciate tactile feedback with a crisp sound signature, especially for typing or gaming where you need responsive feedback without a heavy actuation force, the Bsun Cliff would be an excellent choice. Its medium tactility makes it engaging without being overly distracting, allowing for a pleasant typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer the smooth and rich sound of linear switches, enjoy a more substantial keypress, and desire a deeper bassy tone, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is more appropriate. Its heavier bottom-out force delivers a polished feel, offering a stable typing experience ideal for long writing sessions or intensive gaming. In summary, consider the size of your hands, the type of use you'll be doing, and whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a smoother linear experience when selecting between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
