Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in determining the best fit for your typing style and experience. The Bsun Cliff and HMX Lotus (Heavy) exemplify two distinct options: the Cliff being a tactile switch and the Lotus (Heavy) representing the linear variety. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, allowing typists to enjoy satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a medium-heavy actuation weight of 62.5g and a bright, resonant tone that enhances the overall tactile joy, offering a smooth and bouncy feel that can be particularly appealing to gamers or those who favor fast-paced typing. While both switches cater to diverse preferences, the choice ultimately depends on whether you lean toward a more tactile and auditory feedback with the Cliff or a fluid and responsive feel with the Lotus (Heavy). However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 Bsun Cliff and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) in terms of housing materials, notable contrasts emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucence. This stiffness allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when the keys are pressed. Coupled with its clear design, polycarbonate not only enhances the auditory experience but also amplifies RGB lighting effects, making it visually striking. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller, and rounder sound profile. This inherent quality leads to a distinctly different auditory experience when typing on these switches.
The bottom housings of both switches exhibit a similarity that emphasizes their compatibility in sound profiles. Both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This choice leverages nylon’s properties to create a deeper sound profile, which tends to absorb some of the noise produced during typing, consequently delivering a more muted auditory response. Therefore, although the top housings differ significantly in material—polycarbonate for the Cliff and nylon for the Lotus—the bottom housings harmonize their sound characteristics. When pressed, both switches offer a sound quality dominated by the softer, more absorbent nature of nylon in their lower sections.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) share certain acoustic qualities due to their nylon bottom housings, their overall sound profiles are influenced more heavily by their contrasting top materials. The Cliff's polycarbonate top has the potential for a brighter, more resonant sound output, especially when interacting with RGB lighting, while the Lotus (Heavy)'s nylon top yields a warmer and softer auditory experience. This interplay between the top and bottom housings is crucial; the stiffer polycarbonate dictates the release sound, whereas the deeper nylon bottom provides the fundamental tonal quality during the actuation, showcasing how different materials can interact to create distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming, facilitating longer sessions with less strain. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a substantially firmer feel that some users may appreciate for its more tactile feedback and typing experience. Therefore, the Cliff is the lighter option, while the Lotus is heavier, catering to different preferences in switch feel and user comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we see that the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus (Heavy) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that, although both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard, the Cliff provides just a bit more depth than the Lotus. Consequently, those who prefer a more pronounced key feel might gravitate towards the Cliff for its additional millimeter of travel, while those seeking faster response times may find the Lotus more appealing due to its slightly shorter actuation. Ultimately, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for depth versus responsiveness.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 sound signature that complements its medium tactility. This creates a distinctly satisfying auditory feedback on each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch produces a bright, resonant sound that stands out with its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. While both switches provide engaging auditory experiences, the Cliff’s crispness and the Lotus’ resonance yield different acoustic impressions, making them suitable for varying preferences in sound.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, giving users a noticeable bump at the actuation point that enhances typing feedback. This tactile response adds a layer of assurance with every keystroke. Conversely, the Lotus (Heavy) switch provides a smooth and bouncy experience, where the linear movement feels fluid with no tactile bump. The heavier weight of the Lotus enhances the feeling of stability, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more robust typing sensation. While one prefers tactile feedback and the other emphasizes smoothness, the individual experience will dictate which feel is more desirable.
In conclusion, both switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cliff tactile switch stands out with its crisp sound and defined tactility, ideal for users who thrive on that feedback during typing. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) linear switch offers a smooth, resonant sound paired with a bouncy feel that delights users seeking a fluid typing experience. Ultimately, both options bring diverse qualities to the table, encouraging newcomers to explore their preferences to discover the perfect switch for their keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences, typing style, and intended use. If you favor a lighter feel and appreciate a medium tactility coupled with a crisp sound, the Cliff switch might be ideal for you, especially for long typing sessions where comfort and feedback are a priority. Its 45-gram bottom-out force provides a responsive feel that can help reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use, whether for gaming or typing. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a weightier feel—like the delightful bounce of the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch—you might lean towards this option. With its heavier 62.5-gram force, it adds a sense of durability and stability to your keystrokes, making it perfect for projects that demand precision and deliberate pressing while still delivering a bright, resonant sound with every keystroke. Ultimately, evaluate how each switch aligns with your tactile and auditory preferences, along with how you anticipate using your keyboard, whether for gaming, work, or creative projects.
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