Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke. This switch offers a satisfying "bump" that helps typists know when their input has been registered, ideal for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch known for its smooth actuation and short travel distance, achieving a balance of responsiveness and comfort. The Laurel features a full POM housing and a subtly low-pitched sound profile, catering to users who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience without the tactile bump. Each switch provides distinct advantages, with the Cliff excelling in tactile feedback and the Laurel focusing on smoothness and confidence in typing. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
When comparing the top housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Laurel, we see a notable distinction in the types of plastics used. The Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with crisper resonance. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows sound waves to travel more freely, translating into a more pronounced auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its appeal in RGB lighting setups, making it a popular choice for those seeking vibrant visual effects alongside auditory performance. In contrast, the Laurel opts for a POM top housing, which is renowned for its deeper, more muted sound profile. The unique acoustic qualities of POM lend a specific warmth to the sound, resulting in a notably different listening experience compared to the Cliff's clear and snapping tones.
Shifting focus to the bottom housing materials, both the Bsun Cliff and KTT Laurel share similarities in their approach to sound quality, albeit using different materials. The Cliff's nylon bottom housing contributes a deeper, fuller sound profile, characterized by its sound-absorbing properties that lead to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Similarly, the Laurel's POM bottom housing also leans towards producing a muted sound, emphasizing a pleasing acoustic nature. Both materials effectively dampen sounds to create a more cohesive auditory profile, resulting in a sound that is rich and rounded at the bottom of the stroke. While they may utilize different inputs, the end result of a favorable auditory quality remains present in both switches.
When considering the overall impact of these housing materials on the typing experience, it's important to note that the distinct characteristics of each material play a crucial role in how the switches respond during use. The Cliff's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a combination that emphasizes a vibrant sound on release while providing a full-bodied sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Laurel’s POM top and bottom work in tandem to deliver a consistently muted yet pleasing sound throughout the keypress. This means that while their individual materials contrast sharply in terms of sharpness and depth, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, showcasing the nuanced interplay between top and bottom housings that results in diverse yet satisfying auditory outputs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, we see some notable differences. The Cliff tactile switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a great option for users who prefer a softer touch and lighter typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Laurel linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are classified as light, the Laurel will provide a more substantial resistance during typing or gaming, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, if you're seeking a lightweight option that encourages longer typing sessions, the Bsun Cliff may be your ideal choice, whereas the KTT Laurel would cater better to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Cliff the longer option of the two, providing a bit more depth during key presses. For those who favor a more pronounced tactile experience, the Cliff may be preferable since it offers a marginally greater travel distance compared to the Laurel. Conversely, if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the Laurel's 3.5 mm travel distance may suit your needs better, as it requires slightly less effort to press down. Ultimately, both switches provide relatively short travel distances that cater to the modern preference for faster response times, though the Cliff offers just a touch more depth for those who appreciate a more substantial feel.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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, delivering a clear auditory feedback that many users appreciate for its sharpness. This can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy the satisfaction of satisfying sound while typing. In contrast, the KTT Laurel linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, which is generally more mellow and bass-heavy compared to the Cliff's crisper tones. The Laurel's sound characteristics are likely to provide a more subdued auditory experience, which some users may prefer for quieter environments or for a less distracting typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch features medium tactility, which means that users can expect a noticeable bump during actuation. This tactile feedback can contribute to a more engaging typing experience for those who enjoy a defined tactile response. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is designed to be medium-light and snappy. The snappy feel is attributed to its long pole design and responsive nature, offering a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump found in the Cliff. This difference can create a more fluid typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize speed and ease over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and KTT Laurel switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cliff makes a statement with its crisp and tactile experience, while the Laurel offers a quieter and smoother option for users who value responsiveness and comfort. Each switch provides unique qualities, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and environment. If you're looking for similar typing experiences, factors like keycap choice and keyboard design can influence the overall sound and feel of both switches, allowing for personalized customization.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Cliff, with its medium tactility and crisp sound, could be your go-to option. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams makes it ideal for those who type frequently or engage in gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience along with a more subdued auditory profile, the KTT Laurel may be better suited for you. With a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, it offers a snappy and responsive feel, which is perfect for both fast typing and gaming, providing that sweet balance of comfort and performance. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most—whether it's the tactile feedback of the Cliff or the seamlessness of the Laurel—as this will guide your decision between these two impressive switches.
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