Bsun Cliff vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Jade Rosales offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the feedback and auditory cues of each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales, a linear switch, is designed for those who seek a seamless and smooth typing experience, thanks to XY Studio's meticulous refinement involving custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. While the Cliff satisfies those who appreciate a tactile response, the Jade Rosales caters to users who prioritize fluid keystrokes without the distraction of tactile bumps. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Jade Rosales switches share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, leading to similar auditory characteristics. Both switches benefit from polycarbonate's high stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ensuring clarity and resonance in the auditory feedback when each key is engaged. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for a visually appealing aesthetic. This shared material choice sets a foundation for a consistent sound experience in terms of the upper register, irrespective of variances in bottom housing.
Contrasting the two switches, the bottom housing reveals distinct material differences that significantly contribute to the overall sound profile. The Bsun Cliff employs nylon for its bottom housing, known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound vibrations. This characteristic results in a more rounded auditory experience that impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are fully pressed. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales utilizes a proprietary "Custom Milky Material" for its bottom housing. While specific sonic attributes of this proprietary blend may not be detailed, it can be inferred that it diverges from nylon's characteristics, potentially providing a unique auditory experience that encapsulates varying sound qualities.
As a result, while the Bsun Cliff and Jade Rosales share the benefits of polycarbonate at the top housing level, the distinct bottom housing materials lead to different overall sound profiles and tactile feedback. The nylon in the Cliff introduces a deeper resonance, while the Jade Rosales's custom blend offers a novel quality that remains to be explored. Consequently, the final auditory experience of each switch will be shaped not only by the top housing's clarity and illumination but also by the contrasting effects of the bottom housing materials in defining the sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch has a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a slightly more substantial feel when typing. This means that, while both switches offer a satisfying experience, the Cliff's lighter forces may cater better to those who prioritize comfort over extended use, whereas the Jade Rosales will provide a firmer tactile experience for those who appreciate a heavier push. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter feel, the Bsun Cliff is the superior choice, while the Jade Rosales offers a bit more resistance for a more pronounced response.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Cliff offers a bit more resistance and depth compared to the Jade Rosales, which can enhance the tactile experience for users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Conversely, the Jade Rosales's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, making it a more suitable option for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. While both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Cliff's 3.6 mm provides a slight advantage in depth, whereas the Jade Rosales at 3.5 mm is marginally more responsive. Consequently, the Cliff is the switch with the longer travel distance, while the Jade Rosales is the shorter option.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature, providing an engaging auditory feedback that complements its tactile nature. When typing, users can expect a satisfying auditory response that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch prioritizes smoothness over sound, delivering an exceptionally quiet and refined experience. While the specific sound characteristics of the Jade Rosales are not detailed, this switch is designed for a more subdued sound profile, which can be appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing environment. It's worth noting that the overall sound of both switches may significantly depend on the keyboard housing and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing discernible feedback that can enhance typing precision. This tactile bump allows typists to feel a clear engagement point without overwhelming resistance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by fluid keystrokes without any tactile feedback. This smoothness is a hallmark of linear switches, appealing to users who desire an uninterrupted flow while typing or gaming.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Jade Rosales switches offer unique characteristics catering to different typing preferences. The Cliff stands out with its crisp sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who appreciate audible confirmation and tactile engagement. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales provides a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a linear feel without tactile distractions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, and both can deliver enjoyable experiences tailored to the user's individual style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter keypress and appreciate a tactile bump with a crisp sound that enhances your typing experience, the Cliff switch is likely the better choice for you. Its 45 grams of bottom-out force provides a responsive feel, making it suitable for both typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, buttery experience while typing and value a bit more resistance, then the Jade Rosales would be more aligned with your needs. With a bottom-out force of 53 grams and meticulously refined design, this switch offers a seamless feel that is perfect for long typing sessions or gaming where you want a quieter operation without tactile disruptions. Both switches cater to different styles, so consider which characteristics you value most to select the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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