Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Lightning

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact both typing experience and gaming performance. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, appealing to users who enjoy feedback while typing and appreciate a more pronounced keystroke feel. In contrast, the KTT Lightning linear switch caters to gamers and typists who prioritize speed, offering a slick typing experience with a clacky sound profile. The Lightning switches are designed for rapid key presses, making them ideal for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. While the Cliff provides a tactile response that can enhance writing and general computer use, the Lightning offers a smoother, uninterrupted keypress that can increase efficiency during fast-paced tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

KTT Lightning Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.41 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Lightning switches, both keyboards utilize a polycarbonate top housing, which offers benefits such as a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it particularly effective for enhancing auditory experiences, especially in RGB-lit environments where its translucency allows for impressive light diffusion. Since both switches share this material in their top housing, they can be expected to produce a similar auditory experience during key releases, characterized by clarity and vibrancy, creating a visually and acoustically appealing performance.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Lightning is made from nylon, a material that plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience as users press the keys. Since both switches employ nylon in their bottom housing, they maintain this characteristic, which results in a rounded and smoother sound during the key press. This shared material further ensures that while the top sounds may be sharp and crisp, the bottom-out sound will be deeper and more subdued, offering a balanced tactile feedback during use.

Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms in both the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Lightning creates a harmonious interplay of sound profiles. The characteristics brought by the differing housing materials complement each other; the clarity and brightness from the polycarbonate top are counterbalanced by the rich, deep tones produced by the nylon bottom. Therefore, regardless of the specific intricacies of each switch design, the shared materials allow both to produce noticeable similarities in their overall sound and tactile experiences, while still contributing unique qualities that reflect their individual brand identities.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a less strenuous option for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lightning switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that might appeal to users who favor a stronger keystroke resistance for a firmer typing experience. Overall, while both switches are considered light in force, the Cliff is the lighter option, offering a softer touch, whereas the Lightning presents a heavier, more pronounced actuation and bottoming out sensation.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that when pressing down on the key, the Cliff switch offers a slightly deeper feel compared to the Lightning switch, which may be perceived as more responsive due to its shorter distance. The traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, making both switches a bit shallower than the norm, with the Lightning being on the more extreme end of the spectrum at 3.0 mm. For gamers seeking rapid response times, the KTT Lightning switch may be the more appealing choice; however, those who enjoy a more tactile depth may prefer the Bsun Cliff for its longer travel distance. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences, they embody the current trend towards shorter travel distances in contemporary switch design.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch present two distinct auditory experiences. The Cliff boasts a medium tactility coupled with a crisp sound signature. This lends itself to a typing experience that feels satisfying without being overwhelmingly loud. In contrast, the KTT Lightning is characterized by a clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp, bright, and percussive, making it more noticeable in quiet environments. The Lightning’s high-pitched and chirpy features further enhance its vivacity, though this can be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff switch conveys a medium tactility that offers noticeable feedback while typing, providing a balance between comfort and responsiveness that many users find appealing. The tactile bump is designed to enhance typing accuracy, making it suitable for a variety of typing styles. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches are noted for their subtle resistance, delivering a sleek, polished typing experience. This smoothness is complemented by a light touch, which can be appealing for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming sessions.

In conclusion, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium tactile feel and a crisp sound signature, ideal for accuracy and a satisfying typing experience, the KTT Lightning linear switch provides a distinctively clacky sound profile and a polished yet subtle feel, favorable for rapid key presses and a focus on speed. Depending on your typing preferences—whether you seek the feedback of tactility or the swift, smooth touch of linear switches—both options present compelling qualities that can cater to a range of users.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing needs and preferences. If you enjoy a tactile feedback during your keystrokes and appreciate a medium level of tactility combined with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff switch will be the better fit for you. Its light 45-gram actuation force means you can type comfortably for extended periods without straining your fingers. However, if you often find yourself in competitive gaming scenarios where speed and responsiveness are crucial, you might lean towards the KTT Lightning switches. With a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and their polished, slick type feel, these switches are designed to help you achieve quick response times—ideal for fast-paced gameplay. Additionally, their clacky sound profile adds a distinctive auditory element that some users find appealing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual priorities: choose the Cliff for a tactile, satisfying writing experience in general use, and opt for the Lightning if you prioritize rapid actuation and performance in gaming environments.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more