Bsun Cliff vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Keygeek Keylin 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 tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility combined with a crisp sound signature, offering a more invigorating typing experience that can enhance feedback during use, making it a great option for typists who appreciate a noticeable response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Keylin switch excels in delivering a premium typing experience characterized by its rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it an ideal choice for users who favor a quieter, more fluid action without tactile bumps. Both switches cater to different tastes and needs—whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Cliff or the seamless motion of the Keylin, each switch has its own appeal. 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
38g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials for the Bsun Cliff and the Keygeek Keylin exhibit contrasting characteristics, particularly in their top housings. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, allowing for a clear and resonant audio experience, particularly suited for enhanced visibility when using RGB lighting due to its translucence. In contrast, the Keylin is made with a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon enables it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone compared to the clarity offered by polycarbonate. This difference in acoustic output indicates that the Bsun Cliff is tailored for a brighter sound, while the Keygeek Keylin aims for warmth and depth.
Despite their differing top housing materials, both the Bsun Cliff and the Keygeek Keylin utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which results in a consistent auditory experience. The use of nylon in both switches leads to a similarly deep and fuller sound profile, as the material's inherent properties dampen sound and enhance the overall tactile experience. Because they share this bottom housing material, users can expect a comparable bottom-out sound and feel, reinforcing the feeling of stability and richness when typing on either switch. This shared characteristic allows for a sense of continuity across the two products despite their distinct top housing choices.
When evaluating the overall performance of the Bsun Cliff and Keygeek Keylin, the interplay between their individual housing materials impacts their acoustic signatures uniquely. The clarity and resonance provided by the polycarbonate top of the Cliff is counterbalanced by the warmth of the nylon bottom, resulting in a dynamic sound profile. Conversely, the Keylin's nylon top may produce a more homogenous sound, melding both its top and bottom materials into a rounder auditory sensation. Ultimately, the combination of these materials not only influences the sonic characteristics but also caters to different user preferences. Whether one favors the crispness of polycarbonate or the fullness of nylon, both switches provide a distinctive typing experience shaped by their respective material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, both options feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Keylin requires slightly more with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Cliff is marginally lighter than the Keylin switch, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming due to less finger fatigue. Despite the differences, both switches offer a similar experience and are considered on the lighter end of the spectrum, but for those who prefer a more substantial feel, the Keylin with its slightly higher forces might be a better choice. Overall, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding the feel of the switch and the typing experience desired.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches will respond in much the same way, providing a consistent key press experience. With both switches designed to travel the same distance from top to bottom, users will enjoy a uniform tactile feedback and performance, making either choice suitable for those who prioritize this specific travel measurement.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a medium tactility combined with a crisp sound signature that offers a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This can create an engaging and lively atmosphere as each keypress provides distinct acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch emphasizes rich acoustics but operates in near silence, providing a smooth typing experience without the pronounced clicking sounds typical of tactile switches. While both switches deliver unique sound experiences, the Cliff's auditory feedback is likely to be more noticeable and pronounced, perfect for those who appreciate the acoustics of a tactile environment.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is invigorating, characterized by pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. This creates a snappy and reactive typing sensation, ensuring that each keypress feels impactful and immersive. The Keylin linear switch, while also premium, is known for its exceptional smoothness; however, the specifics of its tactile feedback remain unspecified. This indicates that the Keylin provides a fluid experience but may lack the defined feedback that typists seeking engagement might prefer.
Combining the available information, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound and an invigorating, feedback-rich typing experience, ideal for users who enjoy both auditory and tactile engagement. On the other hand, the Keylin linear switch caters to those who prioritize a silky smooth keystroke and refined acoustics, albeit with a more muted sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel; however, both are designed to provide distinct experiences that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for feedback and typing experience. If you enjoy a more engaging and invigorating typing sensation with a pronounced tactile bump, the Cliff switch would be an excellent option for you, especially since it offers a light bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easy to actuate while providing a crisp sound signature. This can be particularly appealing if you seek a switch that enhances your typing rhythm and provides satisfying feedback during use. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a premium typing experience, the Keylin switch would be your best bet, offering rich acoustics with a tactile-less operation that allows for a seamless keypress at a slightly firmer bottom out force of 48 grams. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience without any tactile interruption. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most—be it the tactile feedback of the Cliff or the smoothness of the Keylin—as each switch caters to different user experiences.