Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Jupiter Red present two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cliff switches are notable for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances their typing experience without excessive noise. Conversely, the Jupiter Red switches are characterized by their smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, employing a single-stage spring that contributes to a medium-heavy actuation force. This makes them an excellent choice for those who prioritize a seamless and consistent typing action, especially in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. While both switches offer unique benefits—tactile satisfaction with the Cliff and fluidity with the Jupiter Red—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches share a notable similarity in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which results in a comparable sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Both switches utilize polycarbonate's stiffness to enhance resonance, making the sound more pronounced and articulate when a key is pressed. This material’s translucent quality further adds a visual charm to the switches, especially for users who incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setups, as it allows light to pass through more effectively. Consequently, users can expect a consistent acoustic response from either switch when it comes to the top housing, resulting in an appealing auditory signature across both options.
Contrasting the two switches, the bottom housing material is where the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Jupiter Red diverge slightly, though both utilize nylon. The nylon bottom housing used in both switches contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer properties, allowing for better sound absorption. This characteristic ensures that while the top housing provides a clear and resonant sound, the bottom housing rounds out the auditory experience by introducing warmth and depth. As a result, while both switches may have similar sound profiles due to their respective housings, the feel and bottom-out sound experienced will hinge significantly on the differences created by the bottom housing material, despite both using nylon.
Overall, both the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches will deliver a unique typing experience influenced by their individual housing materials. The polycarbonate top contributes to a bright and clear sound signature, while the nylon bottom introduces a fuller sound. Users will experience a harmonious blend of clarity from the top and roundness from the bottom when typing, allowing for a well-rounded auditory experience. Thus, both switches, despite their slight variations in sonic characteristics due to housing differences, can still yield a consistently enjoyable typing feel and sound profile when engaged.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. 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 prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to activate. In contrast, the Jupiter Red switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which gives it a medium weight, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile experience. Thus, those looking for a lighter switch should lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while those who enjoy a firmer push will find the Gateron Jupiter Red more suitable. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces will yield varying typing experiences depending on user preference for lighter or heavier switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, the Cliff measures at 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Red has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, suited for those who favor a more responsive feel during typing or gaming. In contrast, the longer 4 mm travel of the Jupiter Red provides a more substantial depth, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. Thus, if you prioritize quick response times and a less abrupt feel, the Bsun Cliff would be preferable, whereas those who appreciate a deeper travel would likely gravitate towards the Gateron Jupiter Red.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 produces a crisp sound signature that enhances the experience of tactile feedback with each keystroke. This sounds vibrant, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate auditory confirmation along with their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch presents a more neutral sound profile, which is moderate and suited for a variety of environments such as home or office use. The overall sound quality of mechanical switches is also influenced by factors like the keyboard plate and keycap materials, so it’s worth noting that both switches can provide different auditory experiences depending on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff is known for its medium tactility, making each keystroke noticeably distinct without being harsh. This tactile feedback allows for a satisfying typing experience that many users find engaging. In contrast, the Jupiter Red switches are highly regarded for their polished, creamy, and silky smoothness, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience due to the single-stage spring mechanism. This makes the Jupiter Reds perfect for users seeking a seamless and smooth keystroke without any tactile interruption, creating a very different feel compared to the tactile sensation of the Cliff.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch cater to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Cliff offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a crisp auditory signature, which is great for users who enjoy a clear sensation and sound with each press. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red excels in providing a smooth, polished typing experience characterized by its neutral sound profile. While choosing between the two will depend on personal preference, users can expect distinct experiences that cater to their typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you enjoy a lighter key feel and prefer a tactile response with a crisp sound—especially for typing or gaming—you may find the Cliff to be more suitable. Its 45-gram bottom-out force makes it accessible for extended writing sessions, and the medium tactility provides just enough feedback without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience that offers a bit more resistance with a 60-gram bottom-out force, the Jupiter Red might be your best choice. Its polished and silky feel allows for a buttery fast actuation, making it an excellent fit for typing quickly or gaming at a high level. Additionally, if sound is a factor for you, the neutral profile of the Jupiter Red is versatile enough for both home and office environments, while the Cliff's crisp, tactile feedback may resonate well in quieter settings. In essence, your decision should align with how much feedback and sound you desire versus how smooth and consistent you want your keystrokes to feel.
Mentioned in this article
