Bsun Cliff vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch. The Bsun Cliff distinguishes itself with a medium tactile feel and a crisp sound signature that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a discernible tactile bump without being overly loud. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a smooth and seamless typing experience, characterized by a clacky and high-pitched sound that many gamers and fast typists find appealing; its unique light diffuser also enhances RGB illumination, adding a vibrant flair to any keyboard setup. While the Cliff caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback, the Lightning Silver V3 is ideal for users seeking a quieter, fluid typing experience enhanced by visual effects. However, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, one notable similarity stands out: both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material contributes to a sound profile that is characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of sound produced when the switches are used. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. As a result, users of both the Cliff and Lightning Silver V3 can expect a vibrant lighting experience and a similarly crisp auditory feedback, regardless of which switch they choose.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials create a distinct divergence between the two switches. The Bsun Cliff incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer texture. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing impact and creating a muted, rounded sound when keys are bottomed out. The nylon construction, being more forgiving and less resonant than its polycarbonate counterpart, plays a significant role in how the switch feels during use and modifies the overall acoustics experienced during both keypress and release. Meanwhile, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sharper sound profile of its top housing. This choice results in a more consistent sound experience throughout the keypress, emphasizing a clear and resonant bottom-out feedback.
Ultimately, the differences in the bottom housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 highlight how the performance and auditory characteristics can vary even when the top housing is the same. With the Cliff's nylon base providing a rounder sound contrasted against the Lightning Silver V3's sharper polycarbonate base, the user experience varies significantly upon keypress. Nonetheless, both constructions ensure that each switch maintains prominent acoustic properties. Therefore, while users will encounter varying sensations and auditory feedback based on their choice of switch, they will experience a visually appealing and vibrant RGB display, thanks to the polycarbonate top housing in both models.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we see a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bsun Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. Thus, if you’re someone who enjoys a lighter switch for comfort during lengthy use, the Cliff would suit you better. Conversely, if you prefer the tactile feedback of a heavier switch, you're likely to appreciate the Lightning Silver V3. Overall, these differences ensure that the two switches cater to distinct preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it's evident that the two differ slightly in their design. The Bsun Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 comes in at a shorter 3.4 mm. This means that the Cliff switch offers a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a deeper tactile experience, while the Lightning Silver V3 is tailored for gamers who appreciate a quicker, more responsive action. Therefore, if you prioritize rapid response times, the shorter distance of the Lightning Silver V3 may be more appealing, whereas those who favor a more pronounced depth may opt for the longer-traveling Bsun Cliff switch.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 provides a medium tactility coupled with a crisp sound signature. This creates a pleasant auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a defined auditory indicator with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch boasts a more clacky and high-pitched sound. The sharp, snappy sound produced while typing with these switches is bright and percussive, catering to users who prefer a more lively sound profile. While the Cliff delivers a distinct and focused sound, the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a more pronounced acoustic presence, making it ideal for those who favor clarity and higher frequencies.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its medium tactility, which means there's a noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing tactile feedback that many typists find satisfying. The responsiveness of this tactile sensation can enhance typing precision. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness, resulting in an exceptionally seamless typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This makes the Lightning Silver V3 a more fluid option, appealing particularly to those who prioritize smoothness in their typing sessions without the tactile feedback that the Cliff offers.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches bring distinct qualities to the table that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff offers a crisp sound and tactile feel conducive to precise typing, while the Lightning Silver V3 excels with its clacky, high-pitched sound and smooth action. Depending on whether you prefer audible feedback and tactility or a seamless typing experience, either of these switches can provide an enjoyable feel, but the specific auditory and tactile traits will alter your overall experience significantly.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound, the Bsun Cliff could be ideal for your setup, especially if you enjoy tactile feedback during your typing experience without the extra force. Its pleasant auditory feedback enhances the typing experience, making it a great choice for both casual and moderate typists who appreciate a bit of texture in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're attracted to a more robust sound profile and a superiorly smooth typing feel, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is likely your best bet. With its higher bottom-out force and clacky, high-pitched sound, you'll enjoy a vibrant auditory experience that complements its silky action, making it perfect for fast typists or gamers looking for performance and aesthetics. Consider your typing habits, the type of feedback you enjoy, and the overall sound you desire when making your choice, as both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different typing experiences.
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