Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Bsun Cliff switch, known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy a tactile feel that provides tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a different experience with its linear characteristics, characterized by a shorter travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a typing sensation that strikes a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and a traditional mechanical one. The Ink Yellow is celebrated for its smoothness and mild clackiness, which enhances a quick and seamless typing experience. While the Cliff switch may be preferred by those who enjoy tactile feedback, the Ink Yellow is ideal for users who value smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches, one can observe distinct characteristics in the top housing composition that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. This material's stiffness enhances resonance, producing a clearer sound that is particularly effective for RGB light visibility due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which similarly produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, although it is described as being not overly sharp. Despite both materials yielding a higher-pitched audio output, the differences in material properties—stiffer polycarbonate versus the slightly softer INK blend—may lead to subtle variations in the auditory experience when typing across these switches.
The bottom housings of the two switches present a sharper contrast in terms of material choice and its resulting sonic characteristics. The Bsun Cliff utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice known for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its sound-absorbing qualities. In essence, nylon’s softer plastic nature provides a rounder, more muted sound that contrasts with the crackling nature of the top housing. Meanwhile, the Gateron Ink Yellow also incorporates a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which retains the pointed, high-pitched sound profile consistent with its top housing. This homogeneity in material results in a smoother transition in sound, generating a clacky auditory experience that feels cohesive yet sharp.
Overall, while both the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches exhibit similarities in the sound profiles of their top housings, their bottom housings diverge significantly, leading to a notably different typing experience. The Cliff's nylon base contributes a deeper sound, particularly impactful during bottom-out, while the Ink Yellow's use of the INK blend on both top and bottom serves to maintain a consistent acoustic profile throughout. Thus, users may prefer one switch over the other based on the desired tonal quality in both the upstroke and downstroke of key presses. Ultimately, while similar tonal results can still be achieved, the unique materials of each switch create distinct auditory signatures that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, which can enhance typing comfort during long sessions. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. As a result, the Gateron Ink Yellow is decidedly heavier than the Bsun Cliff, making it less ideal for extended typing marathons for some individuals. This contrast in actuation and bottom out forces means that users will experience distinct tactile sensations and levels of resistance, influencing their overall typing preference and comfort during use.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that pressing down on a key with the Cliff will result in a slightly deeper feel compared to the Ink Yellow, catering to users who prefer a more substantial depth when typing or gaming. Both switches fall within the trend of reduced travel distances, which are increasingly favored for rapid response times, particularly among gamers. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the Ink Yellow would be the choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, the Bsun Cliff, with its longer travel distance, may be more appealing. Thus, while both switches offer advantages depending on user preference, the Cliff provides a more pronounced depth compared to the Ink Yellow.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the differences are notable. The Cliff is known for a crisp sound signature that often delivers a sharp tactile feedback upon key activation. This allows for an audible acknowledgment that may enhance the typing experience for some users. In contrast, the Ink Yellow carries a sound profile characterized by a combination of neutrality and clackiness. This means that while it has a moderate actuation force requirement, the switch is still capable of producing a bright and percussive sound, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a little more auditory feedback while still retaining a balanced tone.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility, providing a satisfying physical feedback that can aid typists in discerning key presses without being overly harsh. Conversely, the Ink Yellow's feel is milder and more polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The polished nature of the Ink Yellow reduces friction during key travel, leading to a gentle yet responsive typing experience. This makes the Ink Yellow approachable for a broad range of users, appealing to those who may find the Cliff’s tactile bump a bit too pronounced for their preferences.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch present different sound and feel profiles that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Cliff offers a medium tactile feel with a crisp sound, which may suit those looking for feedback during their typing. Meanwhile, the Ink Yellow, with its mild and polished characteristics, provides a smooth and clacky experience that can work well for both casual and more serious typists. Ultimately, both switches can lead to satisfying experiences, but your choice should depend on whether you prefer a tactile response or a smoother, linear feel.
Conclusion
To summarize, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a lighter actuation force and enjoy tactile feedback with a clear sound, the Cliff switch may be the better option for you. Its medium tactility offers a satisfying bump, which can enhance your typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the sensory feedback of tactile switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a smooth and polished feel, the Ink Yellow is ideal. It provides a unique typing experience that strikes a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and the distinct characteristics of a mechanical keyboard, accompanied by a pleasant clacky sound that many find enjoyable. In essence, go for the Cliff if you like a crisper response and tactile engagement, while the Ink Yellow is perfect for a smoother, more refined experience that still delivers a satisfying auditory sensation. Your selection should align with how you intend to use your keyboard—be it for gaming, typing, or a mix of both—ensuring a fulfilling experience tailored to your specific needs.
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