Bsun Cliff vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch. The Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound, delivering tactile feedback that many users appreciate for typing and gaming alike. This tactile response can enhance the typing experience, providing a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its stiff, low-pitched feel and smooth texture, thanks to Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling. The deep sound profile and linear action make this switch ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without tactile bumps. Ultimately, choosing between the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Black comes down to personal preference: whether you favor the tactile feedback of a switch or seek the smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes of a linear option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Black switches showcase distinct characteristics that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Bsun Cliff employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a more resonant sound when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing that generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is notably rounder and less piercing. Therefore, while both switches may share a common goal of providing a pleasant typing experience, the materials they utilize lead to differing auditory and tactile outcomes.
On the contrary, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in similarities in their performance in that area. Regardless of the differing top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Since nylon is generally recognized as a classic switch housing material that creates a fuller sound, both the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Black exhibit a pronounced depth in sound when a key is pressed down. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, which contributes to a more muted and rich auditory feedback when bottoming out. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent depth in sound, offering a satisfying tactile response regardless of the switch’s top housing.
Ultimately, the divergence in sound profiles between the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Black switches highlights the influence of their respective top housing materials while showcasing a common ground in the nylon bottom housing. This combination leads to a unique typing experience, as both switches present distinct auditory outcomes based on their upper housings. A user typing on the Bsun Cliff will notice the crisp and clear sounds when releasing the key, resulting from the polycarbonate top, while the Cherry MX Black provides a more subdued auditory setback due to its nylon counterpart. When utilized together, these materials demonstrate how a combination of different properties can result in varied yet complementary acoustic and tactile experiences within mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lightweight option ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, such as during long work hours or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel when typing. This means that while the Bsun Cliff provides a light and effortless action, the Cherry MX Black delivers a firmer resistance that can enhance the tactile feedback for those who favor a heavier switch. For users who prioritize lighter switches for comfort in prolonged usage, the Cliff is the preferable choice; conversely, for those seeking a more pronounced typing sensation, the Cherry MX Black is the stronger option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, the differences are notable. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, ideal for those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers who often opt for switches with shorter travel distances. In contrast, the MX Black, with its 4 mm travel distance, provides a more traditional feel, which some users may find offers a satisfying depth. Consequently, individuals seeking a more responsive typing experience might prefer the Cliff, while those who appreciate a heftier keypress might be inclined towards the Cherry MX Black. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches highlights personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and response time.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is known for its crisp sound signature, making it quite pleasant during use. It provides a medium-level audio feedback that many find satisfying while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This deeper sound, typical of linear switches, may appeal to those who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound produced by each switch can vary depending not only on the switches themselves but also on the keyboard case, plate, and keycap material used.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Cliff tactile switch boasts a medium tactility which provides a noticeable bump during keypresses, giving users feedback that can enhance typing accuracy. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff nature, requiring more force to actuate and providing a more deliberate typing experience. The added friction in MX Black can be preferable for those who appreciate a tangible resistance with each keypress, while others may find this stiffness and texture less desirable compared to the relatively smoother experience offered by the Cliff.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Black switches cater to different typing preferences, each with its own unique characteristics. The Cliff's crisp sound and medium tactility contrast with the deep, mellow sound and stiff texture of the MX Blacks. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and crisp sound or prefer a smoother, more linear experience with a deeper auditory profile. You may find satisfying results with either option, depending on your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a tactile feedback with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, the Cliff would be ideal, especially if you enjoy the satisfying response of a medium tactile feel and the crisp sound signature that accompanies your typing experience. This makes the Cliff particularly suitable for typing and light gaming, allowing for quicker response times while still providing feedback on key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a more deliberate bottom-out force of 80 grams, the Cherry MX Black is the way to go. Designed for those who value a smooth, linear keystroke and a low-pitched, deep sound profile, the MX Black excels in both gaming and extensive typing sessions where stamina and build quality come to the forefront. This switch’s textured feel may appeal to users who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing, although it does require more force to press down. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards the tactile feedback and lighter touch of the Cliff or the heavier, smooth actuation of the MX Black.
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