Bsun Cliff vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Purple RGB stand out as two compelling options in the tactile switch category, each catering to unique user preferences. The Bsun Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy a clear feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches provide a refined tactile experience, featuring a short, medium-strength bump, which was developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking a responsive feel with a touch of sophistication. While both switches offer tactile feedback that enhances typing comfort, the Cliff is ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced auditory response, whereas the MX Purple may suit users looking for a balance between tactile sensation and agility. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your 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
2.00 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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, notable differences emerge primarily in the top housing. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material's translucency also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for a visually enhanced experience when backlit. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB employs a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile characterized by its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This fundamental difference in materials results in the Cliff producing a more resonant sound when the key is released, while the MX Purple RGB conveys a fuller tone upon key press.
Both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both models. This similarity is significant, as the nylon bottoms exhibit the same sound-absorbing characteristics that lead to a rounder and mellower sound profile regardless of the brand. Since both switches are built with nylon on the bottom, they will likely deliver a consistent bottom-out feel and sound, thereby maintaining some level of acoustic and tactile similarity between the two. This commonality offers a familiar experience for users who prefer the deeper auditory feedback typically associated with nylon materials, independent of the distinct top housing composition each model presents.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials give each switch its unique sound profile while the shared nylon bottom housing helps establish some consistency in the overall acoustic experience. This division of characteristics means that while the Cliff will shine in terms of its crisp overall sound due to the polycarbonate top, the MX Purple RGB's softer nylon top will create a fuller auditory experience. Users may appreciate lighter and more dynamic feedback from the Cliff, while those desiring a deeper, more muted sound may gravitate towards the MX Purple RGB. Each switch provides distinct advantages based on the sound characteristics imparted by their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The Bsun Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a suitable choice for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force is not available for comparison. This means that those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean toward the Cherry MX option due to its greater actuation resistance. For users prioritizing longer-term comfort, the lighter actuation of the Bsun Cliff can provide similar results in terms of ease of use and fatigue reduction over prolonged use. Ultimately, the Bsun Cliff is the lighter option while the Cherry MX Purple RGB serves as the heavier alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, the Bsun Cliff measures 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Cherry MX Purple. This means that for gamers or users who prefer a more responsive feel with less key travel, the Bsun Cliff may be more appealing due to its reduced distance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple, with its longer travel distance, might be favored by those who enjoy a more substantial key press experience, as its deeper travel could provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in key travel depth, the Bsun Cliff offers a more immediate response, whereas the Cherry MX Purple accommodates those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 appealing to users who enjoy an auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic can create a satisfying experience, especially in a quiet environment. In comparison, the Cherry MX Purple RGB also delivers a distinctive sound, stemming from its refined design, but the specifics of its auditory feedback may vary slightly. It’s important to note that the overall sound profile of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard casing and keycap material, meaning users will experience some level of variability depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff switch is notable for its medium tactility, providing a solid tactile response that some find ideal for both typing and gaming. Users often report a satisfying, clear bump without being overly pronounced, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. The Cherry MX Purple RGB, while also characterized by its tactile feedback, is designed with a short, medium-strength bump, thanks to its collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses. This makes the feedback slightly more refined, designed to enhance accuracy during fast typing or gaming sessions. Both options cater to tactile preferences, emphasizing responsiveness but with nuanced differences in the intensity and nature of the tactile bump.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches offer engaging auditory and tactile experiences that cater to specific user preferences. The Cliff provides a medium tactility and a crisp sound, while the MX Purple RGB features a refined tactile bump that is slightly shorter and more nuanced in strength. Ultimately, both switches can deliver satisfying results, and choosing between them will largely come down to personal preference regarding the depth of tactile feedback and sound signature.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing style will heavily influence your choice. If you prefer a lightweight switch that brings a satisfying, crisp sound and a medium level of tactility, the Cliff may be your ideal option. Its lower actuation force of 45 grams will feel effortless for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, catering to those who enjoy a more responsive feel without much resistance. On the other hand, if you seek a refined tactile experience with a medium-strength bump and a well-rounded feel that offers a balance between tactile feedback and typing efficiency, the Cherry MX Purple RGB would be better suited to your needs. This switch emphasizes a structured tactile profile that can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly if you’re looking for a switch developed with community feedback in mind. Therefore, consider how the characteristics of each switch align with your typing habits, whether you prioritize lightness and responsiveness or a more robust tactile feedback.
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