Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and KTT Mallo offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff switches are celebrated for their invigorating medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an exciting choice for those who seek audible feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switches embody a more subtle approach, featuring gentle tactility that provides just enough feedback without overwhelming the user. Their medium-light typing feel, paired with a neutral sound profile, ensures a versatile performance suitable for various environments. While both switches excel in tactile feedback, the Cliff is perfect for enthusiasts craving a more pronounced experience, whereas the Mallo appeals to those who prefer a balanced and refined touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials for both the Bsun Cliff and KTT Mallo share significant similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when they are used. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sounds produced during keystrokes. Additionally, the aesthetic implications of using a clear polycarbonate housing allow for striking visual effects, especially when integrated with RGB lighting. This transparency serves not only a functional role in enhancing sound quality but also contributes positively to the overall user experience by providing visual feedback in the form of backlit illumination.
In contrast to the top housing, both the Cliff and Mallo utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, which leads to a distinctly different acoustic signature compared to polycarbonate. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the material tends to absorb sound more effectively. This absorption characteristics provide a mellower and more rounded keystroke experience, enhancing the tactile feedback and auditory pleasure while typing. While the top housing contributes to the sound made during the release of a key, the softer nylon material in the bottom housing becomes more pronounced when keys bottom out, resulting in a more subdued impact sound.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Cliff and Mallo switches creates a harmonious interplay of sound profiles. The top polycarbonate housing ensures a bright and resonant sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom housing softens the impact when keys are pressed down, resulting in a balanced auditory experience. Despite their different sound characteristics, the synergistic effects of these materials offer a well-rounded typing experience in both switch types, allowing users to enjoy the strengths of each material. If you were to experiment with these switches, you would find that the distinct sound profiles they produce are reflective of the materials employed, contributing to a rich and diverse keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff and KTT Mallo tactile switches, there's a clear distinction in their characteristics. The Cliff features a light actuation force of 37 grams paired with a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Mallo switch lacks a known actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which indicates that it provides a slightly more substantial feedback. This heavier bottom out may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the Cliff is the lighter switch, while the Mallo, with its medium-light bottom out force, offers a firmer feel, catering to a different preference in typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff switch the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that many gamers appreciate for its responsiveness. In contrast, the Mallo switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which some users may prefer for a more substantial feel and feedback with each keystroke. Therefore, those who value a tactile experience might gravitate towards the KTT Mallo, while gamers or users seeking faster actuation could opt for the Bsun Cliff. Overall, while both switches fall within the tactile category, their differing travel distances cater to varying preferences in typing experiences.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 produces a crisp sound signature that is quite engaging, making each keystroke feel lively and pronounced. This characteristic is well-suited for users who enjoy an audible confirmation with each press, adding a layer of auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch features a subdued sound profile, producing a dampened noise that is not silent but subtler than many traditional switches. This neutral sound makes the Mallo more versatile and suitable for various environments, as it won’t disrupt those around you, while still offering enough auditory feedback to keep the typing experience enjoyable.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, which translates to a pronounced feedback that many typists find invigorating. Its moderate to firm actuation force contributes to a snappy and reactive sensation, generating an immersive typing experience that keeps users engaged during long typing sessions. Conversely, the KTT Mallo possesses a more gentle tactile feedback that is characterized by its light, feathery actuation. This makes it exceptionally easy to press, reducing finger fatigue significantly, making it ideal for extended use. The Mallo's design emphasizes a mild feel with a subtle resistance that provides comfort without overwhelming the typist, allowing for a steady typing experience that's perfect for both gaming and office work.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Cliff and KTT Mallo switches largely depends on individual preferences regarding sound and feel. The Cliff offers a crisper sound and more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more energetic typing experience. In contrast, the Mallo provides a subtle, gentle feedback and subdued auditory response that caters to those seeking a more relaxed typing environment. Depending on your personal typing style and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard, either switch can deliver satisfying results, but they cater to different tastes in tactile and auditory experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you appreciate an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent option for you. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it suitable for users who enjoy quick, responsive keystrokes, perfect for fast-paced gaming or energetic typing sessions. On the other hand, if you favor subtlety and comfort, the Mallo's medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams and mild tactility make it a more approachable choice for extended typing, whether for work, school, or casual use. The neutral sound signature also makes it versatile enough to fit into various environments without being distracting. In essence, choose the Cliff for a lively and tactile typing experience and the Mallo for a more relaxed, refined approach.
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