Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary greatly depending on the typing experience one desires. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offering a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate, especially for those who enjoy a notable bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) stands out as a linear switch, celebrated for its buttery smoothness and a rich sound profile reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, providing a truly seamless and quiet typing experience that can be perfect for both gaming and prolonged typing sessions. While the Cliff appeals to those who relish tactile sensations and auditory feedback, the Oil King (V2) caters to users seeking a fluid and more subdued 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
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches, one can observe some key contrasts in the sound profile and aesthetic qualities attributed to their respective housings. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This particular material produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it well-suited for users who prefer a more resonant typing experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In classic switch design, such clear housing materials tend to enhance aesthetic appeal while also playing a crucial role in the acoustics of the switch, contributing to an overall bright sound when the switch is released.
On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) incorporates a nylon top housing, a well-regarded choice in switch construction. This nylon material is softer and more absorbent compared to polycarbonate, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The impact of the nylon top housing may not provide the sharp brightness of the Cliff’s polycarbonate; instead, it creates a softer typing experience that often appeals to those who prefer a more muted sound. While both switches utilize different materials for their top housings, their sound characteristics diverge significantly due to the inherent qualities of the plastics used.
Examining the bottom housing compositions reveals further distinctions and similarities. The Bsun Cliff also employs a nylon bottom housing, contributing to its warmer, fuller sound profile during typing. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, renowned for its thin, high-pitched, and clacky sound profile. This difference in construction suggests that the Gateron's bottom housing may enhance the sharpness of sound upon bottoming out, while the Cliff's nylon design fosters a more rounded auditory experience. Despite the differing materials, both switches can achieve satisfactory acoustic results through their unique combinations of top and bottom housings, ultimately catering to various sound preference profiles among users.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This makes the Cliff switch the lighter option, while the Oil King (V2) is the heavier choice, catering to users who enjoy a firmer push feel. Therefore, users seeking less strain over prolonged use might favor the lighter Cliff switch, whereas those who prefer a more tactile and substantial response may find the heavier Oil King (V2) more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, notable differences arise. The Bsun Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that pressing down on the Cliff will give you a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers who thrive on quick key presses. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2), with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, delivering a deeper and perhaps more satisfying depth during use. In summary, the Bsun Cliff offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a better choice for users seeking quicker feedback, while the Gateron Oil King (V2) with its 4.0 mm distance caters to those who enjoy a fuller typing experience.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound signature that many typists find satisfying, but the specifics of its pitch aren't clearly defined. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) presents a low-pitched and bassy audio profile, reminiscent of the deep richness associated with a dark chocolate bar snapping. This deeper tone adds a layer of ambiance to the typing experience, making it pleasant for users who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. While the Cliff delivers a more pronounced tactile sound, the Oil King's deeper sound may appeal to those who enjoy a more mellow acoustic environment.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff switch is characterized by medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point that gives typists a clear indication of keystroke registration. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) offers an exceptional typing experience described as creamy, silky, buttery, and polished. This combination of characteristics ensures a smooth, effortless keystroke with minimal resistance, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. The tactile feedback of the Cliff contrasts with the smooth flow of the Oil King, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch serve distinct purposes tailored to varying user preferences. The Cliff provides a tactile bump with a crisp sound for those who appreciate feedback in their typing experience, while the Oil King embraces buttery smoothness and depth in sound, favoring users who prefer quiet and fluid keystrokes. Depending on your typing style and auditory preferences, either switch could enhance your mechanical keyboard experience significantly. Selecting between them will ultimately depend on whether you value tactile feedback or the serene smoothness that the Oil King offers.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typical use cases. If you value a light actuation force and enjoy a tactile feedback in your typing, the Cliff switch is an excellent choice for you, especially if you appreciate a crisp sound signature. Its medium tactility strikes a balance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming without causing excessive finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier, more robust feel under your fingers and seek a smoother typing experience characterized by a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the Oil King (V2) would likely appeal to you more. These creamy and buttery switches excel in providing a premium tactile experience, perfect for long typing sessions or when you're looking to enjoy the satisfying feel of each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and lighter keystrokes found in the Cliff or the luxurious, silky smoothness of the Oil King (V2).
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