Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Black

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Black offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Cliff tactile switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists enjoy, making them ideal for those who appreciate a noticeable response without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Outemu Black switches are linear, known for their smooth keystrokes and silent operation, making them perfect for gamers who require quick, uninterrupted key presses. While the tactile feedback of the Cliff can enhance typing accuracy for some, others may prefer the uninterrupted flow and speed that the Black switches facilitate. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Outemu Black Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Black switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a sound profile characterized by sharpness, higher pitch, and notable crispness, which can significantly enhance the auditory experience during typing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clear resonance, and this is particularly advantageous if RGB lighting is included in the keyboard design, as the translucency of the material allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. This commonality in top housing not only fosters similar acoustic properties but also suggests that users can expect a consistent tactile response when engaging with either switch.

While the top housings of the Cliff and Black are alike, their bottom housings diverge in terms of sound profile characteristics. Both utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material that imparts a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, leading to a duller and rounder auditory experience. As the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, users can expect a cohesive sound experience when pressing down on either the Bsun Cliff or Outemu Black. This synergy between the two materials creates a balanced interaction where the crispness of polycarbonate at the top complements the depth of nylon at the bottom.

When comparing the overall sound and feel of the switches, the different roles of the top and bottom housing materials become apparent. The polycarbonate top of both switches will yield a bright and clear sound upon release, while the nylon bottom will add a sense of fullness during the actuation. This combination allows for a rich auditory experience that marries the strengths of both materials: the crispness of polycarbonate and the roundness of nylon. Consequently, users can look forward to a distinctive typing experience that leverages the desirable attributes of each housing material, resulting in a unique balance of clarity and depth in sound production.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff boasts a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged use, whether at work or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Black significantly surpasses this with a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch for ease of use, the Bsun Cliff is the better choice, while the Outemu Black would be suited for those seeking a firmer keystroke experience. The contrasting forces reflect a fundamental preference in keyboard feel that can influence typing comfort and efficiency.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter of the two switches, appealing to those who prioritize a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances can facilitate quicker actuation. Conversely, the Outemu Black's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a deeper, more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature that adds an engaging auditory element to typing. Its tactile bump is noticeable and enhances the acoustic feedback, making each keypress feel satisfying and affirming. While the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a specified sound profile, linear switches are generally quieter than tactile or clicky switches, which means that while the Cliff might provide a sharper auditory response, the Black will offer a more subdued experience. The sound of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, including the board material and keycaps used, allowing for customization in each case.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its medium tactility, allowing users to feel a distinct bump without being overbearing. This tactile feedback can improve typing accuracy and provide a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Black linear switch offers a smoother keypress without any tactile feedback or audible click, resulting in a glide-like feel that some users appreciate for rapid key presses, particularly in gaming contexts. While the Cliff's tactile nature can provide a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke, the Black’s linearity promotes speed and fluidity in typing.

In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a crisp sound and a medium tactile feel, making it a great option for users who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Black linear switch offers a quieter sound and a smooth keypress, catering to those who prefer uninterrupted flow during typing or gaming. Ultimately, choosing between these two options will depend on individual preference: whether one values tactile feedback and sound clarity over smoothness and silence.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter switch with noticeable feedback, the Cliff is an excellent choice; its 45-gram bottom-out force provides just the right amount of resistance while delivering a pleasant tactile feel and a crisp sound profile that enhances your typing experience. This makes it ideal for typing and casual gaming, where both feedback and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience and are looking for a heavy-duty switch, the Outemu Black, with its 82-gram bottom-out force, will suit you better. Its linear nature means it lacks tactile bumps, which some gamers favor for high-speed actions, as it allows for smooth and consistent key presses. Therefore, consider your typing habits, whether you prefer tactile feedback or a straighter linear experience, and choose the switch that best aligns with your personal preferences and usage scenarios.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more