Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Ink Box Black represent two distinct approaches to typing experience, catering to different preferences among users. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, delivering an invigorating feedback that engages typists with every keystroke. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of resistance and a pronounced tactile bump, the Cliff adds a sensory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch known for its smooth and creamy actuation. With a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can, the Ink Box Black is ideal for users seeking a silent, fluid keystroke that allows for fast and uninterrupted typing or gaming. Each switch has its unique characteristics—while the Cliff provides an interactive and satisfying tactile feedback, the Ink Box Black boasts a seamless and polished experience. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and Gateron Ink Box Black switches utilize distinct materials for their housing, which significantly influence their acoustic characteristics and typing experience. The Cliff's top housing is made from polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This contributes to a clear, resonant sound profile that produces a sharper, higher-pitched tone, making it particularly suitable for a vibrant RGB lighting effect. In contrast, the Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, while also facilitating a high-pitched sound profile, offers a slightly softer edge without being overly sharp. Both switches showcase a higher vocal range, but the polycarbonate of the Cliff provides a crisper sound, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend is designed for a satisfying clack.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences are equally pronounced. The Cliff’s nylon bottom housing absorbs sound due to its relatively softer plastic, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile— a characteristic that lends itself well to a muted and rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black also features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which mirrors the upper housing's pointed and high-pitched attributes. Although neither switch falls into the category of overly sharp sounds, the Ink Box Black is designed to enhance the clackiness while maintaining the pointed tone, leading to a different tactile experience compared to the Cliff's deeper sound. Aspiring typists may find that the nylon in the Cliff provides a contrast in acoustics compared to the Ink’s more linear sound signature.
Ultimately, the blend of materials in each switch’s housing leads to a division of auditory characteristics upon actuation and release. In the case of the Bsun Cliff, the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to a deeper bottom-out sound, while the polycarbonate top sharpens the auditory experience as keys are released. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black achieves a unified, clacky experience thanks to the consistent INK blend used in both top and bottom housings. While the acoustic effects of each component vary, the overall results can indeed reach a similar high-pitched clarity, highlighting the versatility of both switches within the realm of mechanical keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience over long sessions. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile feel that some users may favor for feedback during typing or gaming. As such, while both switches serve different preferences—light and comfortable versus medium-heavy and responsive—they cater to distinct typing styles, with the Cliff being the lighter option and the Ink Box Black being the heavier choice.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they travel the same distance from top to bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable experience in terms of key feel and actuation feedback, making both switches feel equally responsive under finger pressure. Therefore, those who prefer the tactile feedback of the Bsun Cliff or the smoothness of the Gateron Ink Box Black can achieve similar results in their typing or gaming experiences due to this identical 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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 has a crisp auditory profile characterized by its medium tactility, producing a pronounced auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. Users describe the sound signature as invigorating and engaging, making each keystroke feel dynamic and lively. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offers a smoother acoustic experience with its unique sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Ink Box’s clacky and high-pitched characteristics provide a sharp and bright auditory profile, it lacks the distinct feedback of the Cliff, leading to a more subdued sound overall.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers an invigorating experience that is pronounced, with moderate to firm actuation force that allows for a snappy reaction. This tactile engagement can create an immersive sensation during prolonged typing sessions, as users can easily feel the switch engagement. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black is celebrated for its silky and polished feel, promoting an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. The refined finish leads to a seamless key press and release, which may appeal to those who prefer a fluid typing experience over tactile feedback.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff tactile switches and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cliff excels in providing an invigorating auditory and tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more interactive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black promises a smooth and refined experience that prioritizes seamlessness over tactile resistance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether one values pronounced tactile feedback or an ultra-smooth, low-resistance typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience ultimately guide your choice. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force with a medium tactile bump that provides invigorating feedback, the Cliff is an excellent option for you. It offers a crisp sound profile that can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and polished typing feel and prefer a heavier actuation force, the Ink Box Black would be more suited to your needs. Its creamy and silky texture allows for a luxurious typing experience, perfect for prolonged use, especially for activities that require slow, deliberate keystrokes. Furthermore, the clacky sound signature might appeal to you if you enjoy a more lively acoustics that can contribute to a satisfying atmospheric experience while typing. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you lean towards tactile feedback and crisp sounds with the Bsun Cliff, or if you favor smoothness and lower noise levels with the Gateron Ink Box Black.
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