Bsun Cliff vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Red are two popular options that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cliff tactile switch is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is celebrated for its linear design, characterized by a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, which delivers a robust typing experience that many users find both responsive and satisfying. While the Cliff switch is perfect for typists seeking a blend of precision and auditory feedback, the MX Red appeals to gamers and casual typists who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
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
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Red switches exhibit distinct differences, particularly in their top housing construction. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for enthusiasts who prioritize RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more efficiently. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is more muted in nature. The contrasting properties of these two materials significantly influence the auditory experience each switch offers.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Red utilize nylon. This choice in material results in a consistent sound profile characterized by a deeper and fuller auditory experience, as nylon dampens sound more than harder plastics. Thus, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches share a common acoustic effect, providing a similar tactile and auditory sensation during key presses. Since the bottom housing generally contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect a more uniform performance in this aspect, regardless of variations in the top housing material.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Red switches display a harmonious balance between their distinct top and shared bottom housings. The contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing offer users a choice based on their preference for sound profile and aesthetic considerations, while the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures a consistent and resonant bottoming-out experience for both switches. The result is a unique sound character and typing experience due to the interplay of materials, wherein the distinctive qualities of the top housing contribute to the overall performance of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Cherry MX Red linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, notable differences emerge. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that is conducive to longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This absence of a defined bottom out force for the MX Red means that while it is heavier in terms of actuation, we cannot directly compare their bottoming out characteristics. For those who prefer a lighter switch to facilitate prolonged use, the Bsun Cliff would be the more suitable choice, while those favoring a firmer feel might lean toward the Cherry MX Red. Overall, while the Cliff is lighter and offers a tactile experience, the Cherry MX Red provides a stronger push, catering to different preferences in the keyboard experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff switch the shorter of the two, ideal for users who prioritize quick response times, such as gamers. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deeper key press. While both switches provide differing experiences due to their travel distances, players looking for responsiveness may find the Bsun Cliff more suited to their needs, whereas users who enjoy a more substantial feel might prefer the Cherry MX Red. By understanding these distinctions, users can make an informed choice based on their typing or gaming preferences.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature, which provides a clear auditory feedback when each key is pressed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a thocky sound, producing a deep, rich noise with a satisfying "thud" or "knock" that resonates upon activation and release. The MX Red's low-pitched acoustics deliver a bass-heavy tone that enhances the overall typing experience. Although both switches produce distinct sounds, the Cliff provides a sharper clarity, while the MX Red emphasizes a fuller, deeper auditory feedback, which some users may find more pleasing.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is noted for its medium tactility, allowing for a noticeable bump during key activation that helps guide the typist. This feedback can enhance typing confidence and accuracy. In comparison, the Cherry MX Red switch is recognized for its slightly heftier feel, providing a textured experience that may include some friction during pressing. This texture might appeal to users who prefer a more engaged typing sensation, while others might favor the smoother actuation of the Cliff. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver a gratifying typing experience, they achieve this through different tactile characteristics.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and Cherry MX Red linear switch present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Cliff excels in delivering a crisp sound and medium tactility, while the MX Red impresses with its thocky, low-pitched sound and textured feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but you can expect a satisfying keyboard experience from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback during typing, the Bsun Cliff, with its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, is an excellent choice, especially for typists who appreciate a clear indication of actuating the keys without the need for bottoming out. Its lighter bottom out force of 45 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience with a satisfying deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red is the way to go. With its heavy thocky and low-pitched acoustic feedback, it offers a robust and tactile feel that many gamers and typists appreciate for both fast-paced gaming and prolonged typing tasks. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you— tactile feedback and sound with the Cliff, or smoothness and depth with the MX Red— to find the switch that best fits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
