Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and HMX Lotus offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Cliff, known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a tactile bump that enhances accuracy without being overly loud. In contrast, the HMX Lotus, with its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, delivers a smooth, linear feel that is perfect for gamers and those who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. While the Cliff emphasizes tactile feedback that can boost typing precision, the Lotus offers a bouncy, delightful sensation that elevates speed and comfort during long sessions. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Lotus, a distinct contrast emerges primarily from the choice of materials used in their top housings. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. This rigidity creates a clear resonance that enhances the auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is incorporated, as the transparency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the HMX Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more efficiently, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This softer material produces a rounder auditory experience, catering to users who prefer a more muted acoustic characteristic.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a unified element in their overall design. The nylon material, recognized for its sound-absorbing properties, contributes to a more subdued bottom-out sound and feel for both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Lotus. Since the bottom housing influences the tactile feedback during key presses, the similarity in material ensures that both switches deliver a comparable tactile experience. This consistency means that while the top housings create different auditory signatures—crisp and sharp for the Cliff versus deep and full for the Lotus—the bottom housings provide a fundamental similarity through the sound-dampening qualities of nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Bsun Cliff's construction contrasts with the all-nylon housing of the HMX Lotus, but they share common traits in their lower sections. The varying characteristics between the top and bottom housings highlight their unique designs; the Cliff's polycarbonate top allows for a brighter sound during release, while the Lotus’s nylon top contributes to a smoother, muted auditory experience. This distinction demonstrates how the switch's performance can be fine-tuned based on the interaction of different materials. Despite these differences, both switches are effective in creating pleasing auditory results tailored to user preferences, with the nylon across the bottom sections ensuring a consistently satisfying tactile response in each.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lotus switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users who prefer an effortless typing experience for prolonged use, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions, may lean towards the lighter Bsun Cliff. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers might find the HMX Lotus more satisfying due to its heavier forces. In summary, the Cliff offers a lighter typing experience, while the Lotus provides a heftier action, catering to different preferences in keyboard feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the Cliff's travel distance measures 3.6 mm, while the Lotus measures slightly less at 3.5 mm. This means that the Cliff has a longer travel distance than the Lotus, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keypresses. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking a more responsive experience, which is often favored by gamers for quicker actuation. In summary, if you appreciate a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Bsun Cliff would be the better choice, while for faster response times, the HMX Lotus linear switch would be ideal.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 characterized by a crisp auditory signature that accompanies its keystrokes. Users often appreciate this clarity as it brings a satisfying tonal quality to typing, subtly identifiable without being overly loud. In contrast, the HMX Lotus linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that is reflective of its design. This lively auditory output can energize the typing experience, contributing to a more vibrant atmosphere around your setup. It's important to note that the sound profile of both switches can be influenced by external factors like the keyboard material and keycap choices, which can further customize the aural experience.
As for the feel, the Cliff tactile switch provides a medium tactility, offering a noticeable bump during actuation. This tactile feedback is appreciated by those who enjoy a defined sense of engagement with each keystroke, allowing for an enjoyable mix of precision and comfort. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus shines with its super bouncy sensation, coupled with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out. This combination gives users a sense of responsiveness that can transform typing into a dynamic experience, effortlessly gliding from one key to another. Both switches cater to different tactile preferences, appealing to users who value either distinct feedback or a smoother experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch present unique qualities that cater to varying preferences in sound and feel. The Cliff offers a crisp sound and medium tactility, while the Lotus stands out with its bright resonance and bouncy feel. Despite their differences, both switches can enhance your typing experience significantly, making it easy to find enjoyment regardless of the characteristics you prioritize. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a smoother, more seamless keypress experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback with a crispy sound signature that enhances the feel of each keystroke, the Cliff may be the better choice for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams allows for quick and effortless typing, making it suitable for those who engage in extensive typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke with a bit more weight and crave a vibrant auditory experience with a bouncy feel, the Lotus is likely your best bet. With its 50 grams bottom-out force, the Lotus switch offers a delightful sensation that can be particularly satisfying during fast-paced actions or intense gaming scenarios. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek the tactile precision of the Cliff or the smooth, lively responsiveness of the Lotus, ensuring a keyboard experience that feels just right for you.
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