Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can greatly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a distinct feedback during each keystroke. It appeals to typists who appreciate a tactile bump without overwhelming noise, striking a balance between performance and discretion. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, thanks to its innovative dual rail mechanism that ensures stability and consistency with every press. This switch is perfect for gamers and typists seeking a seamless, pre-lubed linear sensation, complemented by a subtle sound profile that minimizes distractions. While both switches have their unique strengths, they cater to different preferences in tactile feedback and overall feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
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
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and Gateron Lunar Probe share a striking similarity in their choice of housing materials, utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the well-documented acoustic properties of polycarbonate, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributable to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity. Furthermore, the translucency of this material makes it an excellent choice for designs intended to support RGB lighting, allowing the colorful illumination to shine through effectively. Aesthetically, both switches achieve a contemporary look that appeals to enthusiasts who value visuals alongside auditory performance.
Contrasting with the polycarbonate top housing, both the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Lunar Probe employ nylon for their bottom housing, which produces a distinctly different sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer texture, helping to absorb sound and creating a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This design choice results in a softer bottom-out sound and feel, lending each switch a rounder character that enhances the user experience during typing. The combination of the stiff polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom in both switches allows them to deliver a unique blend of acoustic and tactile sensations, which is a hallmark of well-designed mechanical switches.
Ultimately, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Lunar Probe are the same, their different mechanical properties balance the overall sound profile and typing feedback. The polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and brightness of the keys during actuation, while the nylon bottom absorbs sound to provide a comforting depth during bottom-out. This interplay of materials ensures that both switches not only perform similarly in terms of sound profile but also offer a compelling tactile experience that caters to various user preferences in mechanical typing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or extensive gaming. In contrast, the Lunar Probe requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches are considered light overall, the Gateron Lunar Probe's added weight gives it a firmer push, which some may find more satisfying. Consequently, if you favor a lighter feel, the Bsun Cliff would be the better option, whereas the Gateron Lunar Probe is suited for those who appreciate a more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means pressing down on either key will yield similar tactile feedback and actuation depth. This uniformity in travel distance ensures that users can expect a similar experience in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either switch. Therefore, there are no significant contrasts in travel distance between the two, highlighting their equivalency in this aspect of performance.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 known for its crisp sound signature, which adds a satisfying auditory element to each keystroke. This distinct sound can enhance the typing experience, making it feel more engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch features a subtle sound profile, which leads to a quieter typing experience compared to the Cliff. While both switches can produce a pleasant sound, the choice between them largely depends on whether you prefer the clear auditory feedback offered by the Cliff or the understated, smooth sound of the Lunar Probe. Keep in mind that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap materials used, so it may vary from setup to setup.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a medium tactility, giving a noticeable bump at the actuation point that can enhance feedback during typing. This tactile response is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more interactive experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is recognized for its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation. This smooth feel allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for users who prefer a gliding action without any tactile interruption. For those who enjoy the defined feedback of tactile switches, the Cliff presents a compelling choice, while the Lunar Probe appeals to users who favor a seamless and fluid keystroke.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch each offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff provides a crisp sound and medium tactility, resulting in a more interactive typing feel, while the Lunar Probe favors a smoother action with a subtle auditory presence. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should align with your preferences for sound and feel, and you can achieve a similar satisfaction based on what you value most in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback with a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound that enhances the typing experience without being too disruptive, the Cliff switch would be the ideal option for you. It offers a lighter touch at 45 grams, making it excellent for long typing sessions where you appreciate a clear indication of actuation without excessive force. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keypress and value stable and consistent key activation, you should lean towards the Gateron Lunar Probe. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a velvety linear sensation that’s pre-lubed for a seamless experience, perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing without interruptions or noticeable tactile bumps. Don’t forget the sound aspect as well—the Cliff tends to project a more pronounced sound signature, while the Lunar Probe offers a subtler auditory feedback. Consider your personal style, whether you seek tactile feedback or an ultra-smooth linear journey, as both switches cater to different preferences yet offer quality and enjoyment in their own right.
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