Bsun Cliff vs. HMX KD200
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX KD200 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Cliff and the HMX KD200 highlights the diversity in typing experiences. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, offers a medium level of tactility paired with a crisp sound signature, making it an appealing option for typists who appreciate feedback without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the HMX KD200 stands out as the clackiest member of the HMX Film switch family, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke ideal for gamers and those who enjoy a more auditory typing experience. With the Cliff’s satisfying tactile response suited for productivity and the KD200’s exciting acoustics designed for entertainment, users have distinct reasons for choosing either switch. 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
50g
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
Ly
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-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the HMX KD200, distinct differences can be observed, particularly in the top housing. The Cliff employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is favored for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is predominantly due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, resulting in clearer and more resonant acoustics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for use with RGB lighting, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. In contrast, the KD200 sports a nylon top housing that is known for its softer properties, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, providing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches offer unique sounds, the Bsun Cliff excels in clarity and brightness, whereas the HMX KD200 leans towards warmth and depth.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX KD200 utilize nylon, which fosters a consistent sound experience across both switches. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, and its properties ensure that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound profile. As both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing, they will produce sound characteristics that align in terms of depth and roundness when a key is pressed down. This shared aspect underscores a degree of similarity in the auditory experience despite the differing materials used in the top housings of each switch, suggesting that the interaction of both housings can create a well-rounded sound.
In the overall functioning of the switches, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials significantly influences user experience. With the top housing—polycarbonate for the Bsun Cliff and nylon for the KD200—affecting the sound released upon releasing a key, and the nylon bottom housing contributing to the sound and feel when bottoming out a key, each switch offers a unique combined auditory profile. Thus, despite the contrasting qualities of the top housings, the similarities in the bottom housings allow for comparable outcomes in terms of overall acoustics. Users can expect a nuanced experience from both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX KD200, with distinct tonalities emerging from their unique material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the KD200 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming would likely favor the Cliff switch, as it provides a softer pressing experience. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel may lean towards the KD200, given its stronger force requirements. Overall, while both switches are classified as light, the Cliff is the lighter of the two, making it better suited for long-duration usage without fatigue.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch, the Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KD200 offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Cliff switch provides a little more depth, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press experience, while the KD200, being shorter, may be more suited for gamers or those who value quick response times. As both switches are relatively close in distance, the difference may not be significantly noticeable for all users. However, if you prioritize a quicker actuation, the KD200 might be the better option, whereas if you appreciate a richer tactile feedback, the Bsun Cliff would be preferable.
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 KD200 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the KD200 for $3.29.
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 delivers a crisp and clear auditory feedback with its medium tactility. This makes each keystroke satisfying and distinct, contributing to a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX KD200 linear switch is noted for being the clackiest member of its family, producing a louder and more resonant sound profile. This pronounced clickiness may appeal to those who enjoy an auditory indication of their key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that are also influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but the Cliff's crispness contrasts with the K200's loudness, creating different acoustic experiences.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is appreciated for its medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump that enhances feedback without being overly pronounced. This makes it a great choice for typists who appreciate a responsive feel while maintaining a smooth keystroke. In contrast, the KD200 linear switch is characterized by its smooth and consistent keypress with no tactile bump, offering a velvety experience perfect for rapid typing and gaming scenarios. The difference in tactile feedback between the two switches caters to different preferences—some may prefer the feedback of the Cliff, while others might lean toward the sheer smoothness of the KD200.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff and HMX KD200 switches cater to distinct typing experiences through their unique sound and feel profiles. The Cliff provides a crisp auditory feedback combined with medium tactility, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts, while the KD200 stands out for its loud clackiness and smooth linear action, ideal for those seeking a seamless typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences in sound and feel, both switches can deliver satisfying performance, but each offers a unique experience that will resonate differently with individual users.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX KD200 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium level of resistance and appreciate a crisp sound that adds a pleasant auditory feedback to your keystrokes, the Cliff is likely your best bet. It's particularly suitable for users who prefer a lighter switch, as it features a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it a more forgiving option for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, if you're looking for a more pronounced auditory experience and prefer a smoother keystroke without the tactile bump, the HMX KD200 linear switch might be the better fit. This switch has a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams and is recognized for its distinctive clacky sound, which can enhance the satisfaction of typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider what aspects you value most—whether it's the tactile feedback and sound of the Cliff or the smoothness and sharper acoustics of the KD200—before making your choice.
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