Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Gateron New North Pole V2 represent two distinct options catering to different preferences. The Cliff is a tactile switch renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate feedback during typing without being overly noisy. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 abandons its predecessor’s rubber dampener, offering a frictionless typing feel that results in a swift, smooth, and silent experience. This linear switch is ideal for gamers or typists seeking a seamless glide without any tactile interruptions. While both switches have unique characteristics that cater to varying user needs—one highlighting tactile feedback and the other emphasizing smoothness—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond the generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Cliff and Gateron New North Pole V2 switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which brings about notable similarities in their acoustic performance. The usage of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This rigidity allows for a clear and resonant sonic experience, making both switches particularly effective for users who prefer more pronounced audio feedback when typing. Additionally, their translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting applications, enabling striking visual effects that enhance the overall aesthetic of the tabletop setup. Consequently, those who favor vibrant backlighting will find these switches equally appealing in terms of both sound and visual impact.
While the top housings are the same in both switches, the bottom housing materials diverge, which leads to differences in their overall acoustic profiles. The Bsun Cliff employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for its softer characteristics, resulting in deeper and fuller sound profiles. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 features polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, thus maintaining a consistently crisp sound profile throughout. As such, when typing on the Cliff, the plushness of the nylon bottom provides a contrasting sound experience to the sharper polycarbonate top, while in the New North Pole V2, both top and bottom polycarbonate housings yield a cohesive sonic signature.
Due to the distinct impact each housing material exerts on the typing experience, users can expect different feedback from the two switches. For the Bsun Cliff, the rounded characteristics of the nylon bottom housing will dominate the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a softer feedback that could be more comforting for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2, with its entirely polycarbonate construction, offers a more uniform typing experience, where clarity prevails throughout its acoustic profile. Thus, while users of both switches can anticipate some similarities in sound stemming from the shared top housing material, the bottom housing differences mean they each have unique tactile and auditory experiences tailored to varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users seeking a comfortable typing experience, ideal for long hours at work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists may prefer for tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're sensitive to fatigue and favor a lighter touch, the Cliff switch would be the better option, whereas the New North Pole V2 is ideal for those who appreciate a firmer push feel in their keyboard.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference places the Cliff in the realm of shorter travel distances, which are often favored by gamers for their quicker response times, allowing for rapid key presses. In contrast, the New North Pole V2, with its more traditional travel distance, may provide a deeper feel that some users prefer for a more tactile experience. Therefore, if you're looking for enhanced responsiveness, the Bsun Cliff would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke and a reassuring bottom-out feel might gravitate towards the Gateron New North Pole V2.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 crisp, which contributes to an enjoyable auditory feedback during typing. This quality allows users to hear their keystrokes, providing a satisfying confirmation of input without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, while lacking a specific sound description in the information provided, is designed to deliver a crisper typing experience than its predecessor due to the absence of a rubber dampener. Consequently, the typing sound might resonate more clearly with each keystroke, especially when considering factors like the chosen keycaps and board could further influence the auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is noted for its medium tactility, which offers a noticeable bump that can enhance typing accuracy and provide feedback that some typists find satisfying. The tactile element can help users better articulate their keystrokes, making it easier for those who prefer a more engaged typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is characterized by a polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, indicating a smoothness and refined finish that elevates the overall feel. The frictionless quality contributes to a seamless glide when typing, providing an effortless action that many users might appreciate for an extended typing session.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Cliff offers a medium tactile feedback and a crisp sound, ideal for those who value a pronounced typing experience. Meanwhile, the New North Pole V2 excels in delivering a slick, frictionless action and potentially clearer acoustics, making it suitable for users seeking a smooth and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactility and feedback or a more fluid typing experience—both switches are engineered to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you enjoy a light bottom-out force along with a moderate tactile response and a crisp sound, the Cliff is a great fit for you, especially if you're a typist or gamer who values precision and feedback without overwhelming resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, polished typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the New North Pole V2 will be more to your liking. Its frictionless feel combined with the absence of a rubber dampener results in a refined glide that is perfect for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where quick, fluid motions are key. Ultimately, consider whether you lean towards a tactile sensation that informs you of your keystrokes or a linear switch that allows for rapid key presses with less noticeable feedback—your choice will greatly influence your overall typing experience.
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