Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Mars stand out as intriguing options tailored for different typing preferences. The Cliff, a tactile switch, offers a medium level of tactility paired with a crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a responsive feel with audible feedback during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars, a linear switch, presents a smooth keystroke experience thanks to its innovative POK stem and durable housing constructed from a blend of Nylon and POM, appealing to users who prefer silent, uninterrupted key presses. While the Cliff is ideal for typists and gamers looking for tactile cues, the Mars caters to those who prioritize a fluid keystroke without the noise. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Mars switches, distinct differences emerge that influence their sound profiles and overall aesthetics. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This property enhances the clarity of the keystrokes, resulting in a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes nylon for its top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb more sound. Consequently, the Mars delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing a more rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material leads to contrasting experiences for users, with the Cliff favoring brightness and clarity, while the Mars embraces warmth and richness.
Looking at the bottom housing of each switch, we see an intriguing parallel in the use of nylon. Both the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Mars include nylon for their bottom housing, reinforcing their shared characteristic of producing deep and muted sound profiles. The nylon material is effective in softening the sound produced during key presses, enhancing the overall typing experience by dampening the impact noise. However, the Mars differentiates itself with POM (Polyoxymethylene) in its bottom housing, which offers a unique sound profile that is similarly muted but with its own distinct tonal quality. The variations in materials impact the overall sound and feel of each switch in different ways, making these switches appealing to different aesthetic preferences in auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the interplay between the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Mars showcases the nuanced differences that contribute to their unique performances. While both switches have nylon in their bottom housings, offering a layer of similarity in sound absorption, the contrasting materials in their top housings lead to divergent auditory experiences. If one were to combine a polycarbonate top from the Cliff with the nylon bottom from the Mars, you would achieve a blend of sharpness and warmth, balancing clarity with fullness. Therefore, understanding how each material influences both the sound produced and the overall typing feel is crucial for users looking to customize their keyboard experiences effectively.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch, the key difference lies in their actuation forces. The Cliff switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions where less effort is preferred. In contrast, the Gateron Mars features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams; however, its bottom out force remains unknown. This suggests that users of the Mars switch may experience a more substantial feel when typing, which can be appealing to those who prefer a stronger resistance. Overall, the Cliff is the lighter option, ideal for users seeking ease and comfort, while the Mars may cater to those looking for a more tactile and robust typing experience, albeit with a less defined bottom out experience.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that pressing down on either switch will yield a similar feel and response. This equal travel distance means that users can expect comparable actuation experiences when using these switches, making both suitable options for those who prefer a consistent keypress depth. Given their identical specifications in this regard, users will likely achieve similar results in terms of typing feedback and performance with both switches.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 is recognized for its crisp sound signature, which adds a delightful auditory feedback to each keystroke. This clarity enhances the typing experience, providing a satisfying feedback loop as you type. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars linear switch does not have specific sound characteristics detailed, so its auditory profile remains unknown. However, it's worth noting that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and keycap materials, which may yield different acoustic results regardless of the switch.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a medium tactility, offering a balanced experience that appeals to many typists who appreciate a defined bump without the heaviness of a more pronounced tactile switch. In contrast, the Gateron Mars linear switch is characterized by the unique POK stem design, leading to a smoother keystroke intended for a velvety typing experience. The differing tactile feedback between these two types of switches means that users will have notably distinct experiences; the Cliff provides tactile cues while the Mars appeals to those who prefer the effortless glide of linear action.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch cater to different preferences, the clarity of sound and a defined tactile response of the Cliff contrasts with the smoother, silent nature of linear typing offered by the Mars. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes tactile feedback and sound or prefers smoothness and a quieter operation. For those who appreciate the sound and feel of typing, these switches will lead to varied but satisfying results tailored to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback and a crisp sound with a lighter actuation force, the Bsun Cliff switch might be your ideal choice, especially for tasks that benefit from clear keystrokes, such as typing, coding, or even gaming where feedback is beneficial. Conversely, if you prioritize smooth keystrokes and a silent operation for a more serene typing experience, the Gateron Mars switch would be more suitable, particularly in settings where noise could be disruptive, like in an office or shared space. In the end, consider what kind of feel and sound you're looking for, and let that guide you toward the switch that fits your style.
Mentioned in this article
