Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Bsun Cliff switch and the KTT Orange switch. The Cliff, known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offers a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate, making it suitable for both typing and gaming where precision matters. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm long spring, allowing for a slick, frictionless typing experience. Its low-pitched sound profile, along with excellent factory-lubing, enhances smooth key travel, making it a great choice for those who prefer quiet operation during high-speed typing sessions. While the Cliff appeals to those who seek tactile feedback, the Orange caters to users looking for a fluid and seamless experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and KTT Orange switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which inherently results in similar sound profiles characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's properties as a stiffer plastic enhance the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the switches are engaged. Both switches also benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, which is especially advantageous for users looking to integrate RGB lighting into their setups. This shared material makes them appealing options for gamers and typists who appreciate vibrant and visually appealing keyboard configurations.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the Bsun Cliff is constructed from nylon, while the KTT Orange boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing. This difference significantly impacts the overall sound profile and typing experience. The nylon bottom housing of the Cliff absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a fuller, deeper sound that sounds more rounded when typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom of the Orange maintains the sharper and crisper sound profile initiated by its top housing, creating a more consistent acoustic experience across the switch's engagement and release phases.
When these switches are pressed, the distinct materials of the bottom housings further differentiate the tactile feedback experienced by the user. The nylon in the Bsun Cliff contributes to a softer and more muted bottom-out feel, enhancing a cushioned typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange offers a brighter, more pronounced sound due to the continued resonance from the polycarbonate bottom. Ultimately, while both switches offer polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a similar sound, the divergence in their bottom materials results in an overall varied tactile and auditory experience that users will perceive differently based on their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their typing feel and user experience. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, suiting those who prefer a softer touch for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a stronger push. While both switches serve different preferences, their forces highlight the choice between a light and a medium-light typing experience. Ultimately, if users seek a lighter feel for extended use, the Bsun Cliff would be the preferable option, whereas those who enjoy a firmer keystroke should opt for the KTT Orange.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Orange linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches are close in their measurements, the Cliff offers a bit more depth, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, gamers or those who prioritize quick response times might find the shorter travel distance of the Orange more suitable, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, individuals seeking a hearty depth should gravitate towards the Bsun Cliff, while those looking for greater responsiveness may favor the KTT Orange.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 quality of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that typically produces a pleasant auditory response during typing. This contrasts sharply with the KTT Orange linear switch, known for its low-pitched sound profile. The low-pitched tone of the Orange gives it a more subdued and bass-heavy quality, creating a mellow auditory experience. While both switches can contribute to a distinctive sound environment, the Cliff provides a sharper auditory feedback, which may be more satisfying for those who enjoy a pronounced acoustic element in their typing.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers medium tactility, providing noticeable feedback during actuation without being overly stiff. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is designed to deliver a bouncy feel, giving a spring-like sensation that adds a lively quality to typing. Additionally, the Orange features a frictionless typing experience thanks to its well-engineered components, minimizing any resistance as keys are pressed. This smooth travel combined with the bounce sets the Orange apart as an enjoyable switch for those who prioritize effortless key presses, while the Cliff maintains a balance between tactile feedback and resistance.
Considering both the sound and feel attributes, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cliff excels in providing a crisp sound and medium tactility, ideal for users who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Orange switch offers a low-pitched, smooth, and bouncy typing experience for those seeking minimal friction and a more fluid key press. Your choice will ultimately depend on whether you value auditory feedback or a frictionless and bouncy typing sensation more in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the responsiveness of a crisp sound signature while typing, the Cliff with its medium tactility and lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams may be the better option for you. This responsiveness can provide an engaging typing experience, especially if you find satisfaction in the noticeable bump that tactile switches offer. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more fluid typing experience with a bouncy feel, the KTT Orange might be your ideal switch. Its medium-light 53 grams bottom-out force combined with a frictionless travel allows for a more effortless keypress, perfect for those who type quickly and benefit from a softer sound profile. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tactile engagement of the Cliff or the smooth, bouncy character of the Orange, both switches cater to different typing experiences, making your choice a reflection of your unique typing style.
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