Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly impact your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Bsun Cliff and KTT Matcha are both tactile switches, each offering unique characteristics suitable for different preferences. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility combined with a crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a balanced feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha stands out for its comfortably snappy tactility, providing a pleasant typing experience coupled with a notably clean bottom-out sound, thanks to its long pole stem. As a result, users looking for a tactile response that combines a satisfying click with a softer acoustic profile might gravitate toward the Matcha, while those who prioritize precise feel and sound might lean toward the Cliff. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and KTT Matcha switches demonstrate both similarities and contrasts that significantly influence their sound profile and overall user experience. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This commonality arises from the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance— a quality cherished by users seeking to harness RGB lighting's visual appeal due to the material's translucency. In this aspect, both switches promise a bright auditory experience, making them suitable for enthusiasts who value both aesthetic and acoustic performance.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and KTT Matcha switches diverge in material choice, which leads to different auditory characteristics. The Cliff utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic in the switch domain, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer composition. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound that contrasts sharply with the sharpness of the polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, the Matcha maintains the use of polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housings, producing a consistent auditory experience that leans towards the higher-pitched sound profile typical of polycarbonate throughout the switch. This difference highlights how the choice of materials in a switch's construction can create varying auditory results and tactile sensations.
Ultimately, the presence of different housing materials in the two switches affects the overall sound experience during typing. While both the Cliff and Matcha may share similar attributes in their top housing, the impact of their distinct bottom housings— nylon in the Cliff and polycarbonate in the Matcha— leads to a split in the qualities imparted by each component. Users can expect the Cliff to deliver a fuller sound upon keystroke completion, infused with a rich depth from the nylon, while the Matcha will provide a brighter and clearer sound throughout, reflecting the characteristics of polycarbonate across both housing elements. The resulting auditory sensations will differ based on the intended use and preference of the user, ultimately allowing a tailored typing experience from each switch type.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch exhibit similar bottom out forces of 45 grams, which means both switches provide a consistent resistance when fully pressed down, enhancing tactile feedback for users. However, they differ in their actuation forces; the Cliff switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Matcha switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel while typing. As a result, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while those who favor a stronger push should consider the KTT Matcha. In summary, while both switches share the same bottom out force, the Cliff offers a lighter actuation experience compared to the Matcha.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Matcha has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the longer option. This difference means that users who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Cliff, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback might prefer the Matcha due to its longer travel distance. Thus, while both switches offer their unique benefits, the Cliff's shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quick response, whereas the Matcha appeals to those who value a deeper keypress.
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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 characterized by a medium crispness, producing a clean and satisfying auditory feedback during use. Although the specific tonal qualities are not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on a “crisp sound signature” suggests a sharp, clear response that many users may find appealing. In contrast, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a distinctly clacky sound, described as sharp and percussive. The incorporation of a long pole stem contributes to a clean bottom-out noise, making it suitable for users who enjoy a bright and resonant typing experience. Keep in mind that sound perception can vary based on keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Cliff switch provides a medium tactility that allows for a balanced typing experience. Although specifics about its tactile feedback were not included, it can be inferred that it strikes a good balance between comfort and responsiveness. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha boasts a more pronounced tactile experience, characterized as comfortable and snappy. It features a stepped design that permits a noticeable progression during actuation. This versatility is further enhanced by its snappy feel, thanks to potentially longer or dual-staged springs. The Matcha also incorporates a light touch that makes typing feel effortless, reducing fatigue during prolonged sessions.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility and clean, crisp sound, the KTT Matcha stands out with its distinctly clacky auditory profile and comfortable, responsive feel. Users looking for a balanced typing experience may lean towards the Cliff for a more neutral tactile feedback, while those who favor a punchy and lively typing sensation might find the Matcha more to their liking. Ultimately, both switches offer quality tactile experiences but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a typing experience that combines medium tactility with a crisp sound profile, the Cliff is a great choice, especially if you prefer a milder tactile feedback that doesn’t overwhelm your fingers during lengthy typing sessions. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it suitable for both gamers and those looking for a relaxed typing experience. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more engaging and lively feel, the KTT Matcha switch might be your go-to option. With its snappy and accented tactility, along with a distinctly clacky sound, it caters well to those who appreciate responsive feedback in their keystrokes. The Matcha also provides a comfortable typing experience with its stepped feel, making it ideal for both gaming and intensive typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer a balanced and crisp experience with the Cliff or a more dynamic and playful one with the Matcha.
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