Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between different types based on their unique characteristics and typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offering a satisfying typing experience that provides feedback with each press, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more engaged and tactile feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch presents a smoother, lighter typing experience that caters to users who prefer a less resistant action paired with a higher-pitched, clacky sound. With its beautiful translucent design, the Ink Box Pink is often favored by typists who appreciate a silky touch and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Cliff and Ink Box Pink switches hinges on personal preference regarding tactile feedback versus smooth operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, distinct differences emerge that impact both sound profile and tactile experience. The Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer, more resonant nature. This quality is particularly advantageous in RGB lighting scenarios, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual experience by allowing light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which, while achieving a pointed and high-pitched sound, is described as not being overly sharp. This delicate balance allows users to enjoy an enjoyable auditory experience characterized as “clacky,” signaling that although both switches share a high-pitched quality, the materials contribute to varying levels of sharpness and clarity.

In examining the bottom housing, the Cliff employs nylon, a classic material that absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contrasts directly with the rigidity of polycarbonate, affecting the overall sound characteristics of the switch. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Pink’s bottom housing also uses the proprietary INK blend, which carries a high-pitched sound that aligns more closely with the top housing's properties. This similarity in both top and bottom materials allows for a cohesive sound profile, albeit one that differs from the Cliff’s full-bodied bottom end. The differences in the top and bottom materials will lead the user to experience varied sound dynamics when pressing and releasing keys.

The interaction between the top and bottom housings significantly influences the overall tactile feel and auditory feedback of each switch. For the Cliff, the combination of a sharp polycarbonate top and a deeper nylon bottom leads to a more nuanced experience where the release sound is bright and clear, while the bottom-out sound is rounded and resonant. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink achieves a unified auditory experience through its INK blend materials, which create a consistently high-pitched sound for both the release and bottom-out phases. Users may find that while both switches can achieve satisfying auditory results, the Bsun Cliff offers a contrast between crisp highs and full lows, while the Ink Box Pink delivers a seamless clack that remains consistent throughout key actuation.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch. This means that while the Cliff switch allows for a more comfortable typing experience over long periods, ideal for those seeking a lighter touch, the Ink Box Pink offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer keystroke. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch may gravitate towards the Cliff for extended use, while individuals looking for a heavier switch might find the Ink Box Pink more satisfying.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom with both switches, resulting in a similar tactile feedback and actuation depth. As a result, those who prefer either switch will likely find comparable results in terms of keypress travel, making either option suitable for a consistent typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a crisp sound signature that provides a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. While it features a medium tactility, its sound is not as pronounced as some other tactile switches but offers a satisfying response nonetheless. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is characterized by a distinctly high-pitched and clacky sound. This sharp, snappy acoustics make it ideal for users who prefer a brighter sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. The combination of its high-pitched clack and the absence of any tactile bump makes it notably different in sound dynamics, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience when typing.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Cliff exhibits a medium-level tactility that offers a balanced typing experience. It provides enough feedback to let you know when you've activated the switch without being too harsh or distracting. The Ink Box Pink, on the other hand, stands out with its exceptionally smooth typing feel, described as silky and polished. Its smoothness minimizes resistance and ensures a seamless key press and release, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. This leads to a notable difference in tactile feedback, where the Cliff engages the typist with a gentle tactile response while the Ink Box Pink simply glides beneath your fingers.

In conclusion, if you're trying to decide between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider the qualities that matter most to you in terms of sound and feel. The Cliff offers a crisp and tactile experience that some may find engaging, while the Ink Box Pink provides a smoother experience with a bright, high-pitched sound. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prefer tactile feedback coupled with a less pronounced sound or a silky key travel with an audible clack. Both switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that you'll be satisfied based on your selections.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch will depend largely on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a lighter actuation force, the Cliff is an excellent option. Its medium tactility paired with a crisp sound signature makes it ideal for those who appreciate a definitive bump while typing, particularly in settings where you want a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more polished typing experience with a higher actuation force, the Ink Box Pink could be more suited to your needs. These switches offer a silky feel, which minimizes resistance and enhances typing fluidity, making them perfect for extended typing sessions or gaming where speed is crucial. Additionally, the higher-pitched clack of the Ink Box Pink can be appealing if you prefer a sharper sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for tactile feedback versus smoothness, as well as the acoustic atmosphere you desire from your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more