Bsun Cliff vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Haimu Neo White present compelling yet contrasting options for typists and gamers alike. The Cliff tactile switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an appealing choice for users who enjoy feedback during typing without excessive noise. In contrast, the Neo White switches offer a linear experience, characterized by their medium weight and slightly reduced total travel. This combination, along with the rare Ly stem, provides a remarkably smooth actuation that many users find exceptionally satisfying. While the Cliff caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback in their keystrokes, the Neo White is ideal for those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted typing flow. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Cliff and Haimu Neo White switches share notable similarities that influence both the acoustic profile and aesthetic appeal of each switch. Both models feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through effectively, making it an aesthetically desirable choice for those who prioritize both sound quality and visual appeal in their keyboard switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, a material that offers a drastically different acoustic characteristic. Nylon's relatively softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This means that while the top housing contributes to the brightness of the sound when the key is released, the bottom housing primarily influences the overall feel and sound when the key bottoms out. Thus, the combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom in both the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Neo White creates a well-rounded auditory experience—one that balances clarity from the top and fullness from the bottom.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Haimu Neo White allow users to experience comparable auditory and tactile sensations in typing. Since both employ polycarbonate at the top and nylon at the bottom, enthusiasts can expect a consistent performance across switches when it comes to sound quality and feel. Typing on either switch would evoke the high-pitched clarity of the polycarbonate while benefiting from the fuller sound created by the nylon, providing a harmonious blend of attributes desirable in mechanical keyboards. Whether one chooses the Cliff or the Neo White, the crafting of these switches with identical materials ensures that users will enjoy similarly satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, a notable difference arises in their force specifications. The Cliff switch has a lightweight actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch features an unspecified actuation force but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, indicating a firmer overall feel. This makes the Neo White switch more suited for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, with the Cliff being the lighter option in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, it caters to those looking for comfort during long use, while the heavier feel of the Neo White would appeal to those seeking a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that they share the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience comparable keypress behavior and feedback, leading to a similar overall feel when typing or gaming. Because both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of actuation, making either choice suitable for those who prefer a switch with this specific 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp tone that enhances its tactile feedback, creating an engaging auditory experience during typing. While the specifics of the sound signature for the Cliff are not detailed, its crispness indicates a clear and pleasant auditory response. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is noted for its neutral sound, which balances actuation force with a moderate sound profile, making it versatile for different environments, whether at home or in the office. Both switches may produce different auditory experiences depending on the keyboard and keycap combination, but if you prefer a more pronounced and engaging sound, the Cliff offers an advantage over the more subdued Neo White.
Regarding feel, the Cliff tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility, meaning that it delivers a recognizable bump during actuation without overwhelming the typist. This creates an enjoyable typing experience for those who appreciate some tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Neo White has a mild mechanical switch feel that promotes smooth interaction, thanks in part to its unique Ly stem design. The reduced total travel enhances its ease of use, allowing for a gentle typing experience. While the Cliff engages typists with its tactile bump, the Neo White provides an overall smoother feel that may appeal more to those who prefer an effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the comparison between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch reveals distinct characteristics. The Cliff offers a crisp sound and medium tactility that enhances the tactile typing experience, while the Neo White features a neutral sound profile and a smooth, mild feel that caters to ease of use. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value tactile feedback and auditory engagement or a smoother, gentler typing experience. Both switches bring unique qualities to the table, allowing you to tailor your mechanical keyboard experience to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback, the Cliff is an excellent option for you, especially if you appreciate that crisp sound signature which can enhance the sensory experience of typing. This makes it particularly suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing sessions where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more consistent keystroke with a moderate amount of resistance, the Neo White linear switch might be a better fit. Its medium actuation force of 58 grams provides a stable feel, ideal for extended typing sessions, whether at work or home, without overwhelming you with sound or tactile feedback. In essence, choose the Cliff for dynamic typing and gaming scenarios, while the Neo White serves those who appreciate steady, mild feedback that balances performance with comfort.
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