Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Lime

Overview

When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Lime both present compelling options for tactile enthusiasts, yet they cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff switches are known for their invigorating medium tactility and crisp sound signature, which provide a satisfying feedback for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a unique take on tactility with their lightweight design and muted characteristics, making them ideal for users who prefer a feathery light typing experience with subtle tactile feedback. While the Cliff appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced and audible typing experience, the Lime caters to tactile fans seeking a quieter and softer touch. 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

Outemu Lime Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Lime switches both showcase distinct characteristics derived from their housing materials, with the Cliff utilizing a polycarbonate top housing and nylon in the bottom housing, while the Lime employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. The use of polycarbonate in the Cliff's top housing enhances its sound profile, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which promotes a clearer resonance. In contrast, the Lime's uniform nylon construction leads to a more muted and rounder sound, inherent in nylon's characteristic of sound absorption. Therefore, while both switches employ nylon in their bottom housings, the Cliff's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a distinctly brighter sound profile.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bsun Cliff shares a similarity with the Outemu Lime, as both utilize nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a more muted auditory output. This similarity means that the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switches will feel more comparable, providing a consistent experience between the two. As the bottom housing significantly affects key press feedback, both switches will deliver a familiar tactile experience reminiscent of classical mechanical switches made from nylon. Thus, while the top housings create different sound characteristics, the nylon bottoms ensure a level of uniformity in the tactile feedback.

In summary, the primary distinguishing factor between the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Lime lies in their top housing materials, which in turn affects their sound profiles. The Cliff's polycarbonate top produces a higher-pitched sound that can enhance RGB lighting effects due to its translucence, whereas the Lime's nylon top contributes to a more subdued and classic typing sound. However, the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings offers a cohesive foundational experience, where the tactile response remains solid and enjoyable across both switches. This interplay between materials demonstrates how varying housing compositions can lead to unique auditory experiences while maintaining an underlying similarity in feel.

Weight

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch both offer a lightweight typing experience, making them suitable for extended sessions whether at work or during gaming. The Cliff has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lime boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams, also with a bottom out force of 45 grams. While both switches share the same bottom out force, the Lime requires slightly less force to actuate, giving it a marginal advantage for those who prefer an even lighter touch. Overall, the Cliff offers a bit more resistance at the initial actuation, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience, while the Lime caters to those looking for a softer, more effortless keystroke.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch measures 3.3 mm. This makes the Cliff the longer travel switch, providing a deeper feel compared to the Lime. If you prefer a more pronounced typing experience with a hearty depth, the Cliff may be more suitable for you, as it offers an additional 0.3 mm of travel, which could enhance the tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Lime caters to those who favor quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers seeking more immediate reactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for responsiveness versus depth in the feel of the switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Cliff switch boasts a crisp sound signature that provides an invigorating auditory experience during typing. This makes it a great option for users who appreciate distinct acoustic feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Lime switch features a muted and neutral sound profile, designed to minimize noise and ensure an unobtrusive typing experience. This makes the Lime a suitable choice for office environments or shared spaces where a quieter operation is preferred. Therefore, while both switches offer appealing sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences regarding volume and ambiance.

In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are quite pronounced as well. The Cliff tactile switch delivers a more pronounced tactile feedback, combining moderate to firm actuation force with an invigorating, snappy reaction, which creates a responsive and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Lime switch is designed for a gentler touch, providing a mild and feathery feel with minimal resistance. This switch prioritizes comfort, making it ideal for extended typing sessions due to its light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue. The peaceful typing feel of the Lime also contrasts with the more dynamic sensation experienced with the Cliff, offering users a choice based on their typing style and comfort preferences.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Lime tactile switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different types of users. The Cliff, with its crisp sound and invigorating feedback, is ideal for those who enjoy an engaging and responsive typing experience; while the Lime, with its muted sound and feather-light feel, caters to users seeking a quieter and more comfortable typing environment. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on individual preferences for sound and feel, ensuring that no matter which switch is chosen, a satisfying typing experience is achievable.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Lime tactile switches, consider your typing preferences, environment, and the type of feedback you enjoy. The Bsun Cliff is ideal for those who appreciate pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice if you favor a more invigorating typing experience. If you enjoy the sensation of responsive switches and do not mind a bit of noise, the Cliff could enhance your productivity and typing enjoyment, especially in a solo setting where sound is less of a concern. Conversely, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience, such as in shared workspaces or libraries, the Outemu Lime's muted sound and feathery light touch will serve you well. With its approachable tactility and comfort-oriented design, the Lime is perfect for long typing sessions or for those who want a gentler feedback without sacrificing usability. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs—choose the Cliff for a more tactile and engaging feel, or opt for the Lime if you prefer a softer, quieter experience suited for extended use.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lime Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more