Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and two popular options that embody distinct typing experiences are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an exceptional choice for those who appreciate a tactile feedback that enhances their typing experience without being too noisy. On the other hand, the TTC Iron excites enthusiasts with its pronounced clacky sound and buttery smooth travel, promising a delightful auditory engagement and light, swift actuation for fast-paced typing. While the Cliff caters to users seeking a balance of feel and sound, the Iron appeals to those looking for a more immersive and enjoyable keystroke 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
41g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Iron, one immediately notices the distinction in their top housing compositions. The Cliff employs polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly important for users who prioritize sound clarity, especially when utilizing RGB lighting, as the material's translucency enhances the overall aesthetic. In contrast, the TTC Iron features a POM top housing, which produces a muted sound profile. This difference indicates that while the Cliff's polycarbonate design is optimized for brightness and immediate resonance, the Iron's POM material prioritizes warmth and deeper tones, catering to different auditory preferences among typists and gamers alike.
The bottom housings of the two switches present another layer of contrast, with the Cliff utilizing nylon and the Iron opting for POM. The nylon bottom housing of the Cliff contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer material. This quality provides a rounded, cushioned auditory experience during typing, appealing to users who prefer a softer feel. The Iron's POM bottom housing, while similar in producing a deep sound, stands out for its unique characteristics – it too creates a muted auditory experience, giving users a structured yet pleasant typing feedback. The use of nylon in the Cliff, however, emphasizes a slightly richer and rounder sound, setting it apart from the more uniform sound signature of the Iron's POM.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Cliff and TTC Iron share some overlapping qualities in their sound profiles — particularly in the case of both using softer materials for their bottom housings — they reflect distinct approaches due to the choice of top housing materials. The separation of functions between the top and bottom segments of the switches means that users will experience different characteristics during typing, depending on which switch they choose. The Cliff's polycarbonate top introduces clarity and sharpness, while the softer materials in both switches promote a fuller, more muted sound overall. This nuanced interplay of housing materials ultimately leads to diverse typing experiences, thereby catering to a wide array of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch both feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. The Cliff has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Iron requires a slightly higher actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Consequently, the Cliff is the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prioritize ease of use for extended periods. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Iron, given its heavier forces. Despite these differences, both switches are likely to provide a comfortable typing experience, although the Cliff would generally allow for a lighter touch, whereas the Iron offers a stronger press for resistant feedback.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Cliff switch may offer a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers looking for quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Iron switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a deeper tactile experience. Therefore, if you value a quicker response, the Bsun Cliff switch would be the better choice; however, for those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, the TTC Iron switch would be advantageous. The slight difference in travel distance suggests that the overall typing experience will vary, catering to different user preferences.
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 TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a crisp auditory profile alongside its medium tactility, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This clarity in sound enhances the overall typing experience and is ideal for users who enjoy the distinct auditory cues that accompany their actions. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch features a pronounced clacky sound signature that is both bright and percussive. This lively sound adds a layer of aural pleasure to the typing experience, making every press feel engaging. It’s worth noting that while both switches deliver unique sound profiles, the acoustic experience will ultimately depend on the specific keyboard and keycap materials used, ensuring that users can tailor their setup for optimal auditory enjoyment.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility that strikes a balanced approach, providing enough feedback to satisfy tactile enthusiasts without being overly sharp or harsh. In contrast, the TTC Iron linear switch is designed for effortless actuation with gentle resistance and a light actuation force, making it exceptionally easy to press. This smooth and mild typing experience caters to those who prefer a more seamless and low-impact interaction with their keyboard. Overall, the Cliff delivers a more traditional tactile feel, while the Iron focuses on a smoother, linear sensation that minimizes finger fatigue, appealing to different typing preferences among users.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel, offering unique experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Cliff provides a crisp, medium tactile feedback perfect for those who enjoy noticeable actuation, while the Iron delights with its clacky sound and smooth actuation, making typing feel effortless. Depending on whether you favor auditory feedback or a buttery smooth keystroke, either option can lead to an enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice would hinge on whether you prioritize tactile responsiveness or a linear typing experience with less auditory distraction.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you crave a tactile experience that provides noticeable feedback with a light actuation force of 45 grams, the Cliff should be your go-to choice. Its medium tactility and crisp sound can enhance your typing experience, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more engaged keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a pronounced clacky sound that adds a satisfying auditory element to your keystrokes, the TTC Iron linear switch will be a better fit. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams and buttery smooth travel, it allows for fatigue-free typing, making it ideal for long sessions of writing or gaming. Ultimately, if you value tactile feedback and a sharp sound profile, go for the Cliff; but if you prioritize type smoothness and a delightful clack, the Iron is your best bet.
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