Bsun Cliff vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, especially between tactile and linear options. The Bsun Cliff switch is renowned for its medium tactile feedback and a crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy the physical response of a keypress and the audible confirmation of their actions. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switch, characterized by its enticing lilac hue, provides a seamless typing experience with its “linear thock” profile, delivering deep, resonant sounds and an incredibly smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. While those who favor the tactile feedback of the Cliff might choose it for its reliability in typing accuracy, gamers and those seeking a quiet yet satisfying sound may gravitate towards the Gazzew LT. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Gazzew LT exhibit distinct differences in the materials used for their housing, particularly in the top sections. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness and translucency. This makes it quite favorable for setups that utilize RGB lighting, as the clear polycarbonate allows light to diffuse brilliantly. In stark contrast, the Gazzew LT employs a proprietary blend informally dubbed “boba plastic” for its top housing, contributing to a softer and more muted sound profile. While the Cliff's polycarbonate top brings brightness and clarity, the LT's material leans towards a deeper, richer sound, demonstrating how the choice of top housing can significantly influence the audible characteristics of a keyboard switch.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housings, both the Bsun Cliff and the Gazzew LT utilize materials that enhance the overall sound experience, but in opposing ways. The Cliff’s nylon bottom housing is a well-established choice that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile through its softer, sound-absorbing qualities. Similarly, the Gazzew LT’s proprietary blend for the bottom housing aims to enhance richness and depth, benefiting from its inherent softness. This similarity indicates that both switches are designed to provide a rounded and robust auditory experience from the bottom housing. Therefore, despite their differing materials in the top housings, the full sound profile of both switches is anchored by their respective bottom materials, which provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff and Gazzew LT utilize different materials for their top housings, they share a commonality in their softer, nylon or proprietary blends for the bottom housings. This design choice emphasizes a fuller sound across both switches, making them appeal to different user preferences. Users seeking clarity and a more dynamic range may prefer the Cliff’s polycarbonate top, whereas those looking for a fuller, deeper auditory experience might gravitate towards the Gazzew LT’s softer top material. Ultimately, the differences in their top housing yield distinct auditory experiences, but shared bottom housing materials provide a cohesive sound foundation, thus illustrating the intricate balance between materials in keyboard design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Bsun Cliff features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate a more effortless typing experience, potentially allowing for longer periods of use without fatigue. In contrast, the Gazzew LT has an unspecified actuation force but has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This increased bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a sturdier, more substantial typing feel. As a result, the Cliff switch is the lighter option, promoting comfort for extended use, while the LT switch is heavier and might provide more tactile feedback for users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, if a user seeks a lighter switch, the Bsun Cliff would be the more suitable choice, while those desiring a stronger push should consider the Gazzew LT.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, it is clear that the Cliff offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the LT may appeal to gamers and those who favor quicker response times, providing a more immediate feedback with each keystroke. Conversely, the Cliff's longer travel distance caters to users who prefer a more substantial feel and depth when pressing the keys, which may be perceived as less abrupt and more satisfying. Overall, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 offers a crisp sound signature that complements its medium tactile bump, providing a sharp auditory feedback with each keypress. This makes it an engaging option for those who appreciate a clear auditory cue when typing. In contrast, the Gazzew LT linear switch delivers a notably deeper and more resonant sound profile described as a "thock," characterized by a bassy tone that resonates with a rich, thudding quality. This low-pitched sound evokes a satisfying auditory experience that many typists consider desirable, enhancing the tactile sensation of typing.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is known for its medium tactility, which provides a balanced resistance without being overly stiff or too soft. This makes it ideal for both typing and gaming, as the tactility provides a nice feedback without interrupting rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT linear switch offers a seamless and smooth glide during operation, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes without any tactile bump or resistance. This type of smoothness appeals to users who favor fast and fluid typing, common in gaming scenarios where rapid keypresses are essential.
Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and auditory experience. If you appreciate a clearly defined tactile bump with a crisp sound, the Bsun Cliff is an excellent choice. However, if you lean towards a deeper, thocky sound and a fluid typing experience without tactile interruption, the Gazzew LT linear switch could be your switch of choice. In summary, selecting either can lead to satisfying outcomes, but your enjoyment will largely depend on whether you favor tactile feedback or a smooth, linear feel in conjunction with their respective sound profiles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter keystroke with a moderate tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overly harsh, the Cliff is an excellent option for you. Its crisp sound signature and 45-gram bottom-out force make it ideal for typing and gaming scenarios where you want to maintain a smoother, more fluid experience without too much weight. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier switch that offers a seamless glide paired with a deep, resonant audio experience, the Gazzew LT would be a better fit. With its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force and the appealing "thock" sound profile, the LT excels in providing a rich typing experience that makes every keystroke feel impactful. Ultimately, consider factors such as your typing style, preferred actuation feel, and auditory preferences to make the best decision for your setup.
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