Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Jelly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and HMX Jelly offer distinct experiences catering to different user preferences. The Cliff stands out with its medium tactility, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, complemented by a crisp sound signature that many typists and gamers appreciate for its auditory clarity. In contrast, the Jelly switches charm users with their low-pitched, deep sound characterized by a thocky thump, promoting a quieter typing experience without sacrificing smoothness, thanks to excellent factory lubrication and a lightweight 42g actuation force that makes for effortless key presses. If you're seeking tactile feedback and a pronounced click for clear tactile references, the Cliff might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter, smoother experience for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, the Jelly could be the ideal choice. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
T2
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 extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the HMX Jelly each utilize distinct housing materials that fundamentally alter the acoustic profiles of their switches. The Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly conducive to accommodating RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the HMX Jelly opts for a nylon top housing, a traditional choice that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. The divergence in top housing materials ultimately leads to differing sound signatures, with the Cliff's crispness versus the Jelly's more subdued tone.
Both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Jelly sport a nylon bottom housing, meaning they share a common sonic characteristic at this level. The use of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. This shared material ensures that the bottoming-out sound—experienced when a key is fully pressed down—will be similar across both switches, allowing for a consistent auditory experience. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing feel and sound upon key press, bringing a well-rounded, softer echo to the tactile experience of every keystroke.
When considering the complete assembly of each switch, the interaction of the different housing materials becomes key to understanding their unique characteristics. While the Cliff’s top housing creates a sharper sound upon release, the Jelly's top housing provides a rounded release sound—both of which are tempered by the deeper sound produced by the nylon bottom for each switch. When these materials are combined, users can expect a specific blend of auditory outcomes, with the Cliff favoring clarity and brightness, and the Jelly delivering warmth and fullness. Ultimately, while both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, the differences in their top materials create distinct sound profiles, underscoring how variations in housing materials can dramatically influence the tactile and auditory experience of a mechanical switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we see some distinct differences in their specifications. The Cliff has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Jelly presents a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Cliff is more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or extensive gaming, while the Jelly offers a bit more resistance, catering to those who appreciate a sturdier feel and a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if both switches are found appealing in terms of their light weight, the Cliff would be the more comfortable choice for sustained use, whereas the Jelly would be preferable for users seeking a robust tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jelly extends slightly further at 3.8 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive feel often sought after by gamers. On the other hand, the Jelly's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, providing a less abrupt experience. Therefore, depending on individual preferences—whether one favors speed and responsiveness or depth and a fuller sensation—these switches present distinct options in terms of travel distance.
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 Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is noted for its crisp sound signature, which adds a delightful auditory feedback with each keystroke. This is complemented by its medium tactility, making it an engaging choice for typists who enjoy a noticeable click without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch delivers a low-pitched, deep thocky sound that exudes a more muted and satisfying acoustic experience. The differences in sound character between these two switches cater to varying preferences: those who favor a sharper, more defined auditory cue may gravitate towards the Cliff, while users seeking a smoother, softer sound profile may prefer the Jelly.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility that strikes a good balance for typists wanting feedback without a harsh bump. This tactile nature makes each keypress distinctly identifiable, promoting a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Jelly linear switch boasts an exceptionally smooth keystroke, thanks in part to its excellent factory lube, and features a lightweight 42g actuation force that allows for effortless typing. The Jelly's linearity means it lacks the tactile bump of the Cliff, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer an uninterrupted downward motion with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and HMX Jelly switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff's crisp sound and medium tactility appeal to those who appreciate feedback and acoustic clarity, while the Jelly's deep thocky sound and smooth, lightweight operation cater to users who enjoy a more subdued and fluid typing experience. Depending on individual preferences and typing style, both switches can provide satisfying results, and it’s recommended to consider these qualities to determine which switch best suits your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback combined with a crisp sound signature while typing—making it ideal for typing-intensive tasks like coding or writing—the Cliff switch with its medium tactility and lighter actuation force of 42 grams will likely enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel for gaming or rapid typing sessions, the Jelly switch's low-pitched, deep thocky sound and super smooth operation due to its excellent factory lubrication will cater well to your needs, especially when a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams can provide a satisfying resistance. In summary, choose the Cliff for a tactile experience with audible feedback, while the Jelly is perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and a robust sound profile in their keystrokes.
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