Bsun Cliff vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Brown offer two distinct yet appealing tactile experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Cliff switches are renowned for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switches emphasize subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience complemented by gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. This makes the MX Brown a favored option for users seeking an unobtrusive yet responsive typing environment, particularly in shared spaces. Ultimately, whether you prefer the more pronounced feedback of the Cliff or the understated elegance of the Brown, both switches cater to unique preferences. 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
45g
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
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
When comparing the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Brown switches, we find notable differences in their top housing materials. The Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users seeking an enhanced auditory experience, especially in environments where RGB lighting can enhance visual effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown features a nylon top housing that is inherently softer, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when pressed. This softer material dampens vibrations, creating a sound profile that is more muted and rounded compared to the crisp sound produced by polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches may deliver satisfying tactile experiences, they cater to different auditory preferences due to their differing top housing materials.
Both the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Brown switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a shared auditory characteristic between the two. Nylon, being a softer plastic, enhances the keyboard's overall sound dampening and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is especially relevant when considering the bottoming-out sound and feel, which are primarily influenced by the bottom housing material. Both switches will thus provide a similar auditory experience during keystrokes, thanks to the use of nylon in the bottom housing. Regardless of the differences above, users can expect a high level of acoustic satisfaction from both the Cliff and Brown switches, particularly during typing.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Brown switches differ in their top housing materials—with the former favoring the crispness of polycarbonate and the latter embracing the muted depth of nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a bridge between the two. The contrasting sound profiles brought about by the two top materials influence their signature auditory experiences, while the consistent use of nylon on the bottom ensures a familiar, deep, and rounded sound regardless of which switch is used. This interplay between the two housing materials illustrates how switch design can significantly impact user experience, both acoustically and tactically.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch present notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, categorizing it as a lighter option. In contrast, the MX Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This distinction means that users who prefer a light switch for extended typing sessions might gravitate towards the Cliff, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience would likely choose the Brown. Overall, the Cliff achieves a softer touch overall compared to the Cherry MX Brown, making it ideal for those who prioritize a lighter feel, while the Brown offers a firmer push suited for those who appreciate resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Bsun Cliff measures 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cliff switch offers a shorter actuation distance, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who prefer quicker keypress feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. Consequently, if you're seeking a switch that allows for faster response times, the Bsun Cliff would be the preferable choice, whereas the Cherry MX Brown might appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback with its longer travel distance.
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 Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switches produce a crisp sound signature that contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback with each key press, which feels satisfying for users who enjoy an audible response while typing. In contrast, Cherry MX Brown switches deliver a more subtle auditory experience, characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, making it appear softer and less intrusive than the Cliff's sound. Users looking for a quieter typing experience often prefer MX Browns because they generate a more muted response compared to the sharper sound profile of the Cliff.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Bsun Cliff is known for its medium tactility, providing a noticeable tactile bump that can be quite satisfying as users type. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy for those who appreciate a definitive distinction between key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are described as offering gentle tactility combined with a textured experience, meaning users may feel a bit of friction as they try to engage the keys. This can be a double-edged sword since some people enjoy the textured feedback, while others might find it less preferable compared to the Cliff’s more direct feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Cliff's crisp sound and medium tactility provide a more pronounced experience, whereas the MX Brown's bassy, low-pitched sound and gentle, textured responsiveness offer a subtler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback or a smoother, quieter approach to typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter key press and enjoy a more pronounced tactile response with a crisp sound, the Bsun Cliff might be the better fit for you. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a more engaging typing experience, perhaps for gaming or fast-paced typing, where you want to feel every keystroke. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more subtle and refined experience, the Cherry MX Brown switches could be the preferred option. They provide a slightly heavier actuation force, along with a gentle tactile feedback that minimizes noise, making them suitable for mixed-use environments like offices or quiet spaces. Ultimately, consider your typing style, noise sensitivity, and whether you value a more tactile experience over a smooth, subdued one when making your decision.
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