Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Jammy present two distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Cliff tactile switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate noticeable feedback and want to feel each keystroke without a loud clack. In contrast, the HMX Jammy switches, with their softer and glittery nylon housings, deliver a smooth and muted typing experience that many find deeply satisfying and comfortable for prolonged use. While the Cliff is ideal for those who enjoy a more interactive and auditory typing experience, the Jammy caters to users looking for quieter keystrokes that still provide adequate feedback. 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
57g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Jammy switches present a clear contrast, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Bsun Cliff incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer structure that lends itself to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This quality enhances not only the sound clarity but also the aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. In comparison, the HMX Jammy features a nylon top housing that offers a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference arises from nylon’s softer composition, which absorbs more sound, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. Therefore, the choice of the top housing material significantly influences the character of the sound produced during key presses, with the Cliff providing a sharper sound and the Jammy delivering a more mellow tone.
On the other hand, when examining the bottom housing materials, both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Jammy utilize nylon. This commonality allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile in both switches, as the softer nylon material effectively absorbs sound vibrations. Thus, when pressing down on either switch, typists will encounter a similar tactile response stemming from the nylon bottom housing, which governs the bottom-out feel and sound. Consequently, while the top housing materials provide distinct auditory flavors, the shared use of nylon in both switches for the bottom housing contributes to a unified experience in terms of feel and sound dampening.
Overall, the divergence in top housing materials between the Bsun Cliff and HMX Jammy leads to contrasting sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing results in a cohesive tactile experience. This duality illustrates how switch design can effectively use different materials to cater to diverse auditory preferences. The Cliff appeals to users seeking clarity and brightness in sound, making it suitable for RGB setups, whereas the Jammy attracts those who favor a more muted and rounded sound, primarily focusing on a comfortable typing experience. Thus, even with different top materials, the influence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a shared foundation in sound and feel that resonates with typists across both models.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch present a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In comparison, the Jammy switch has a heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. This significant difference means that typists and gamers looking for lighter switches will gravitate towards the Cliff, while those who appreciate a firmer response should opt for the Jammy. Ultimately, if users prioritize comfort and prolonged usage, the lighter Cliff may be the better choice, whereas the Jammy caters to those seeking durability and feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jammy linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. As such, if you're looking for a switch that allows for a more responsive feel, the Cliff would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper tactile experience might gravitate towards the Jammy, which offers just a little extra travel. In terms of traditional preferences, both switches fall below the standard 4.0 mm distance, aligning more with the trend towards shorter travel distances for enhanced responsiveness, especially favored by gamers. Thus, while the Cliff provides a quick and responsive action, the Jammy offers a bit more depth, catering to different user preferences in tactile feedback.
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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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 is known for its crisp sound signature, providing a distinct auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for many users. This characteristic makes each keystroke feel pronounced, which can be satisfying for those who enjoy clear feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Jammy linear switch offers a more muted sound profile, contributing to a typing experience that feels softer and less intrusive. This whisper-like sound can be appealing for environments where noise levels need to be kept low, but may not provide the same level of audible satisfaction as the Cliff.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by medium tactility, which allows for a noticeable bump at the actuation point. This tactile feedback can be very engaging, making it easier to feel when a key has been successfully pressed. On the other hand, the Jammy linear switch presents a smooth and continuous keystroke without the tactile bump, offering a deeply satisfying typing experience that is often preferred by users who enjoy fluid key presses without interruption. Both switches cater to different preferences in the tactile realm, with the Cliff providing feedback through tactility, while the Jammy excels in a seamless, effortless feel.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The Cliff is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced sound and tactile feedback, creating an engaging typing experience, while the Jammy appeals to users who prefer a quieter, smoother keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and tactile engagement or a more subdued and fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a lighter actuation and appreciate the tactile feedback that comes with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff switches would be an excellent fit for your needs. They are great for typing assignments where that distinct tactile bump can enhance your accuracy and speed, and you'll find them particularly appealing for everyday typing or casual gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more muted experience with a softer bottom-out feel, then the Jammy linear switches will likely suit you better. Their medium actuation force provides a satisfying typing experience that is less noisy, making them ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions where sound may be an issue. The choice ultimately boils down to whether you lean towards tactile feedback and lightness or a smoother, quieter experience with medium weight.
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