Bsun Cliff vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out: the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Orange Sea. The Cliff switches are renowned for their medium tactility and crisp sound, providing users an invigorating typing experience that enhances both feedback and satisfaction. They make an excellent choice for those who appreciate a tactile bump while typing, ensuring that each keystroke feels deliberate and precise. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer an impeccably smooth typing feel paired with a neutral sound signature, making them ideal for users seeking a more fluid experience without the distraction of audible feedback. These switches are particularly suited for long typing sessions where comfort and speed are paramount. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Cliff catering to tactile enthusiasts and the Orange Sea appealing to those who favor a sleek, uninterrupted keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Orange Sea, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality contributes to the creation of a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the overall auditory experience of both switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, making both switches visually appealing, particularly for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. This shared characteristic ensures that users of both models can expect a similar sound quality when engaged with the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize nylon, which is an established material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than stiffer materials, leading to a duller and rounder sound during typing. Both switches benefit from this material in their bottoms, meaning that when pressed, users will experience a satisfying and muted tactile feedback that is consistent across both models. This shared feature in bottom housing helps to balance the overall sound signature of the switches, creating a complementary auditory profile that enhances typing comfort.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Orange Sea demonstrates a well-considered approach to switch design. While they share similar materials in both the top and bottom housings leading to specific sound profiles, the differing properties of polycarbonate and nylon come together to create a unique typing experience. The paired materials allow each switch to leverage the advantages of both the crisp clarity provided by the polycarbonate and the warm depth offered by nylon, ensuring that users across both models experience a harmonized sound dynamic, whether typing down or releasing keys.
Weight
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch exhibit identical actuation and bottom out forces, each requiring 37 grams to actuate and 45 grams to bottom out. This similarity means that users can expect similar typing experiences in terms of key sensitivity and depth of press. With both switches classified as light, they are ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch. Since the actuation and bottom out forces are the same, users can confidently choose between the two switches based on other preferences, knowing that their basic performance characteristics will be consistent.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either switch. Since the travel distances are the same, the overall keystroke experience is likely to be comparable, providing consistent feedback and response for typing or gaming tasks. In this case, there is no distinction in terms of travel distance, allowing users to enjoy a uniform keypress response across both types of switches.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 produces a crisp sound signature that adds a delightful auditory layer to your typing experience. This pronounced sound can be satisfying and engaging, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate audio feedback from their keystrokes. On the contrary, the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a neutral sound signature, meaning it operates more quietly without the distinct acoustic character of a tactile switch. If you prefer a more subdued auditory atmosphere, the Orange Sea is a great option; however, the sound profile will depend on the kind of board and keycaps used, which can greatly influence the overall auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Cliff switch offers an invigorating sensation with its medium tactility. This switch delivers pronounced feedback coupled with a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive typing experience that many users find immersive. On the other hand, the Orange Sea switch combines an accented tactile feel that isn't overly intense but still pronounced enough to be noticeable, along with an invigorating quality that creates a similarly engaging typing interaction. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying feel, catering to users who appreciate both responsiveness and a tactile feedback, while ensuring the experience remains enjoyable without being overwhelming.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Haimu Orange Sea tailor to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cliff’s crisp sound and invigorating medium tactile feedback offer a more pronounced typing sensation, while the Orange Sea presents a quieter and smoother experience with its neutral sound and accented tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize sound or a specific tactile interaction, but both switches are designed to enrich your typing experience in their respective ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and your intended use. If you appreciate pronounced feedback and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is likely the better option for you. Its medium tactility combined with an invigorating feel can create a more engaging typing experience, particularly for tasks that require precision and responsiveness. Conversely, if you favor a smoother, more seamless typing experience without the tactile bump, the Orange Sea is an excellent choice. Its neutral sound signature and impeccably smooth feel make it ideal for those long typing sessions or for gaming, where fluidity is essential. Therefore, consider whether you are looking for that satisfying tactile feedback of the Cliff or the effortless glide of the Orange Sea to find the switch that best suits your needs.