Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences play a significant role, particularly when comparing options like the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Luciola. The Cliff, known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offers a tactile feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of resistance with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola stands out not just for its performance but also for its aesthetic appeal, glowing in the dark and providing a smooth, bouncy typing experience with a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This makes the Luciola particularly appealing for users seeking a quieter, more fluid typing experience without the tactile bump. Each switch has its advantages: the Cliff excels in delivering tactile feedback while the Luciola shines in aesthetics and smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Luciola, one can observe distinct characteristics in their respective designs. The Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffness lends itself to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prefer an elevated sound output. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for effective RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch when utilized in a backlit setup. In contrast, the Luciola incorporates a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, while still delivering a pointed and high-pitched sound, offers a slightly softer edge that avoids being overly sharp. This unique blend appears to balance clarity with a sense of warmth in the sound, indicating a nuanced approach that caters to tactile preferences.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the differences between the two switches become even more pronounced. The Bsun Cliff employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon significantly absorbs sound, resulting in a rounder acoustic quality that complements the crispness of the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola features the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as it does for the top. As a result, the sound profile remains pointed and high-pitched, emphasizing clarity and brightness. This consistency between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a uniform sound experience, although the degree of impact on the bottom-out sound may vary when compared with the Cliff's nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the interaction between the two housing types plays a crucial role in defining the switches' overall acoustic signatures. The Cliff’s combination of a polycarbonate top with a nylon bottom creates a dichotomy: the sharpness of the top housing adds clarity during key releases, while the softness of the nylon enriches the bottom-out experience with a fuller sound. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola’s use of an INK blend in both top and bottom housings ensures a cohesive sound profile throughout, leading to a more consistent auditory feedback with a clacky quality. Thus, while the two switches share some characteristics, their distinct material choices ultimately yield different sound experiences, emphasizing the importance of housing materials in keyboard switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option suited for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Luciola switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Cliff switch allows for a more effortless keystroke, the Luciola offers a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a stronger tactile experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Bsun Cliff is the better choice, whereas those who favor a heavier switch might lean towards the Gateron Luciola.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them comparable in terms of how far they travel when pressed. Since both switches offer this identical travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile experience and responsiveness when using each switch. Consequently, whether one chooses the Bsun Cliff or the Gateron Luciola, the key feel and performance will be roughly similar, ensuring a consistent typing experience across both options.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 tactility, making it ideal for those who appreciate clear auditory feedback without excessive volume. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is characterized by a more complex auditory profile that ranges from clacky and chirpy to high-pitched and marbly. This variety in sound gives the Luciola a vibrant and engaging acoustics experience, often resonating with players who favor a lively auditory environment while typing or gaming.
In terms of feel, the Cliff switches provide a medium amount of tactility, facilitating a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer noticeable feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, Gateron Luciola switches are known for their smooth and bouncy typing feel, described as snappy, buttery, and polished. This combination results in a typing experience that feels smooth and responsive, making it ideal for those who desire an effortless key actuation without sacrificing feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Luciola switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cliff switch delivers a clean and crisp auditory experience combined with a tactile response, while the Luciola switch provides a rich, varied sound profile alongside a smooth, bouncy feel. If you appreciate clear feedback and a crisper sound, the Cliff will likely be your go-to, whereas if you prefer a more vibrant sound along with a seamless typing experience, the Luciola is an excellent choice. Ultimately, either switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, depending on the qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter keystroke with a responsive and tactile feedback, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its medium tactility and crisp sound signature make it particularly suitable for typists who appreciate a more engaging typing experience that can enhance accuracy and improve touch typing. Furthermore, its lighter force may reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a smooth and bouncy feel with a medium heft, the Gateron Luciola is the way to go. Not only do these eye-catching switches boast a glow-in-the-dark feature, but they also provide a polished typing experience with a clacky sound profile that many find satisfying. The Luciola’s weight and distinct auditory feedback make it a great fit for gamers or those who enjoy a more dynamic response from their keystrokes. In the end, consider what aspects—such as tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall feel—are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard to make the best choice between these two unique switches.
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