Bsun Cliff vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Speed Silver each offer distinct characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an appealing choice for typists and general users who appreciate feedback and auditory cues while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is a linear switch that excels in rapid response, designed for gamers who demand speed above all else; its full-height structure and low spring resistance allow for instantaneous actuation, ensuring every millisecond counts in high-stakes gaming scenarios. While the Cliff provides a satisfying tactile experience suited for productivity, the Speed Silver prioritizes performance and speed, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 top housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches showcase a marked contrast in their properties and effects on sound profile. The Bsun Cliff uses a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This clarity is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is employed, as polycarbonate allows for better illumination. In comparison, the Cherry MX Speed Silver opts for a nylon top housing, which, owing to its softer nature, produces a deeper and fuller sound. This divergence in material choice signifies how the sound emitted during key release will differ, with the Cliff offering a more resonant key release while the MX Speed Silver provides a more subdued tone.
However, when examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, leading to a uniformity in their sound characteristics. Both the Bsun Cliff and the Cherry MX Speed Silver benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housings, which creates a deeper and more rounded sound profile when the keys bottom out. The use of nylon here means that regardless of the material of the top housing, the fundamental auditory experience during key presses will retain a softer and fuller sound due to the characteristics inherent in nylon. This similarity indicates that both switches deliver a comparable feel when it comes to the actuation point and bottoming out, despite the differences in their top housings.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff and Cherry MX Speed Silver differ in the materials used for their top housings—polycarbonate versus nylon—their nylon bottom housings provide a commonality in sound profile during key presses. The polycarbonate top of the Cliff enhances clarity and brightness, aligning well with RGB applications, while the MX Speed Silver’s nylon top leads to a fuller expressiveness of sound. Consequently, when operating these switches, users will perceive distinct differences driven by the top housing, yet enjoy a similar depth and richness from the nylon-based bottom, culminating in an overall unique but complementary typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the MX Speed Silver requires a heavier 45 grams to register a keystroke. This difference indicates that users looking for a more effortless typing experience may prefer the Cliff for its lower effort, particularly during extended use such as gaming or long work sessions. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's heavier actuation force may be more appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, making it ideal for individuals who prefer better feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, while the Cliff switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, the bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw a comparison on this aspect. Overall, users seeking a lighter typing experience would benefit from the Bsun Cliff, whereas those favoring a heavier switch might opt for the Cherry MX Speed Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Speed Silver measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Bsun Cliff the longer option, offering a deeper press that some users might find more satisfying, especially for typing or tasks requiring more feedback. Conversely, the Cherry MX Speed Silver, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers seeking faster response times, allowing for quicker key actuation. Both switches embody modern trends, appealing to different preferences: the Cliff for those who enjoy a more substantial feel and the Speed Silver for users prioritizing speed and agility.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 features a crisp sound signature that contributes to an engaging typing experience. Users can expect a clear auditory feedback with each keystroke, creating a pleasant and satisfying acoustic environment. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched sound. When pressed, it delivers a deep, rich "thud" or soft "knock," evoking a sense of solid reliability. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback that enhances user engagement, though their tonal qualities differ significantly due to the Cliff’s more pronounced crispness versus the deep resonance of the Speed Silver.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers medium tactility, allowing for a noticeable bump at the actuation point without being excessively harsh. This tactile feedback can make typing more enjoyable as it provides a sense of physical confirmation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is known for its textured feel, which can add a degree of friction when pressed. While some users may appreciate this texture for its feedback, it can also be slightly polarizing as others might prefer a smoother and more fluid typing experience without the perceived scratchiness. The differing tactile sensations make each switch suitable for different typing preferences and purposes.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch brings a crisp sound and medium tactility, offering a unique auditory experience along with satisfying feedback on each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch excels in delivering rapid responsiveness and a thocky sound, with its textured feel appealing to a specific user demographic. While both serve distinct purposes and preferences, understanding these differences will help users select the right switch for their typing or gaming experience, depending on whether they prioritize sound quality, tactile response, or overall performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch should ultimately align with your typing or gaming preferences. If you appreciate a tactile feel with a medium bump for feedback, along with a crisp sound, the Cliff is an excellent option, particularly for typists who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience or want to feel each keypress. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue, suitable for those who prioritize comfort. On the other hand, if you're a gamer seeking swift responsiveness, the MX Speed Silver switch is tailored for you. With its linear action and swift actuation, it allows for rapid key presses, which is essential in fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Its thocky and low-pitched sound adds a satisfying auditory experience that can enhance your gameplay. Ultimately, you should choose the Cliff for a tactile typing experience that strikes a comfortable balance or opt for the Speed Silver when speed and rapid response are your top priorities.
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