Bsun Cliff vs. Bsun Olive

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Olive can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Cliff switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offering users a balanced feedback that enhances typing accuracy without overwhelming the senses. In contrast, the Olive switch, with its all-POM housing and unique long pole stem design, provides a resonant, deep sound paired with pronounced tactile feedback, creating a notably satisfying auditory experience. While both switches fall under the tactile category, the Cliff leans towards a more subtle and refined feedback, whereas the Olive delivers a sharper, invigorating punch with each keystroke. Whether you prefer the Cliff's smoother tactility or the Olive's snappy, sharp response, both offer distinct advantages that cater to varying preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Bsun Olive Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Olive switches exhibit both similarities and contrasts that contribute significantly to their overall sound profiles. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer characteristics that generate a sharper, crisp sound profile. This quality of polycarbonate not only enhances the resonance of sound produced when the key is released but also makes it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Bsun Olive employs a POM top housing, which leans towards a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials serve distinct sound nuances—polycarbonate delivering brightness and POM offering a warm richness—this divergence affects the overall auditory experience when utilizing these switches.

Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a familiar theme of sound production. The Bsun Cliff is crafted with nylon, a classic housing material that absorbs sound and provides a fuller, deeper output that tends to be rounder and less crisp. Comparatively, the Bsun Olive features a POM bottom housing that, while also capable of producing deep sounds, introduces its own unique muted quality. In this regard, while both switches employ materials that favor deeper sound profiles, the nylon of the Cliff leads to a somewhat different auditory result than the muted resonance of the Olive’s POM. Thus, even though both switches utilize POM in the Olive and nylon in the Cliff, the overall sound produced when pressing down on the key will differ according to the nuances that each material introduces.

Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch significantly influences the feel and sound when typing. In the case of the Bsun Cliff, the stiffer polycarbonate top provides a distinctive high-end clarity during key release, while the nylon bottom contributes to a richer base sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Bsun Olive's POM top and bottom ensure a predominantly muted and deeper sound throughout the keystroke. Should the top and bottom housing materials be different for a given switch, the overall auditory experience will be split between the contributions of each, showcasing the intricate interplay of materials in keyboard switch design. This means that while there may be overlaps in sound characteristics, the overall performance will be notably different due to the inherent qualities of the plastics used in each model.

Weight

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct user preferences. The Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize ease of use and comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Olive switch presents a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial tactile feedback that some users might favor for a robust typing experience. Consequently, while the Cliff is more suitable for those seeking lighter keystrokes, the Olive serves those who prefer a firmer push feel. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the Cliff's lighter profile compared to the Olive's medium-heavy characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Cliff offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive has a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Cliff the option for those who prefer a more tactile and deeper feel when pressing down on a key, as its longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the Olive, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who seek quicker responsiveness, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who value speed over depth. Thus, while both switches are within the range of contemporary preferences, the Cliff is ideal for those who appreciate a more substantial actuation, whereas the Olive caters to those favoring a quicker pressing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature that is satisfying and clear, making each keypress distinct. This characteristic helps create an engaging auditory experience when typing, similar to a well-balanced musical note hitting just right. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch offers a resonant and deep sound that sets it apart from other tactile switches. This richness in tone is attributed to its all-POM housing, enhancing the audio experience during use. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard board and keycaps, which may slightly alter the acoustics of each switch.

Regarding feel, the Cliff switch is noted for its medium tactility that strikes a balance between not being overly pronounced and still providing notable feedback. The tactile response is consistent and user-friendly for both novice and seasoned typists. On the other hand, the Olive switch is characterized by its pronounced tactile feedback alongside various other descriptors including "accented" and "invigorating." The long pole stem contributes to a sharp tactile bump that users will feel distinctly with each keypress, offering a snappy and reactive typing experience that is both immersive and energetic.

In summary, while both the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Olive tactile switches offer engaging auditory feedback and pronounced tactile sensations, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Cliff leans toward a clearer sound and straightforward medium tactility, whereas the Olive excels with its deeper sound and a more invigorating tactile response. Depending on your typing style and auditory preferences, either switch could provide a satisfying experience; however, the choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize a crisp sound or a richer, resonant tone during your typing sessions.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Olive tactile switches, your personal preferences and typing style will play a significant role. If you prefer a lighter touch and a crisp sound with a medium level of tactility, the Cliff switches may be your best choice. Their 45-gram bottom-out force creates a delightful typing experience that is easy on the fingers, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or for those who appreciate a swift and responsive feedback. On the other hand, if you are someone who enjoys a more pronounced tactile response paired with a deeper sound profile, the Bsun Olive switches could be more suitable for you. With a heavier 65-gram actuation force, the Olives offer a satisfying, invigorating feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm, making each keystroke feel more substantial and rewarding. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you value a lighter, snappy feel with a crisp auditory signature or a more substantial and resonant tactile experience that invigorates your typing journey.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more