Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Blue Jade present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff switches are renowned for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an excellent choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade switches are a classic clicky option, often favored for their satisfying audible click and pronounced actuation, appealing to those who enjoy the nostalgia and engagement that comes with each keystroke. While both switches offer unique experiences, the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a tactile feel or a pronounced auditory response. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Blue Jade switches, a notable contrast exists in their top housings. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, providing a crisper auditory experience, particularly beneficial for setups involving RGB lighting due to its ability to transmit light more effectively. In contrast, the Blue Jade opts for a nylon top housing, a material that is softer and absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile tailored for those who prefer a more subdued auditory sensation. Therefore, while the Cliff delivers brightness and clarity, the Blue Jade offers warmth and depth in their respective sound signatures.
However, both switches align when it comes to their bottom housings, as both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Blue Jade feature nylon material in that component. This uniformity leads to a consistent auditory experience with increased sound absorption, resulting in a more rounded and duller sound profile that encourages a more cushioned typing feel. The bottom housing directly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch; hence, the reliance on nylon for both models ensures that users will experience a consistent sonic characteristic regardless of the differing top housing materials.
In summary, the varying top housing materials between the Cliff and the Blue Jade yield distinct sound profiles—the polycarbonate of the Cliff offers brightness, while the nylon of the Blue Jade provides a deeper tone. However, the congruence in their bottom housings fosters a common auditory experience, bridging the differences in their overall performances. This duality complements the typing experience across both switches and reflects how the effects of housing materials can yield unique, yet sometimes harmonized, sound characteristics within mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Blue Jade switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback and responsiveness. This difference means that the Cliff is better suited for those seeking a lighter typing experience, while the Blue Jade appeals to users who enjoy a firmer keypress. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter switch for long hours at work or gaming, the Bsun Cliff would be the go-to choice, whereas the Outemu Blue Jade is ideal for those who favor a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, a clear distinction emerges: the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Jade measures 4 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter of the two, appealing to those who seek a more responsive typing experience, often favored by gamers for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Blue Jade, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may prefer for a richer typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will largely depend on your personal preference for either a more immediate response or a greater sense of depth while typing.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 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 comparing the sound of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, the Cliff provides a crisp sound signature that enhances typing feedback without being overly loud. This makes it suitable for shared environments where noise might be a concern. In contrast, the Blue Jade is recognized for its distinct clicking noise, which is more pronounced and satisfying, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback alongside tactile sensations. It’s important to note that the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycaps used but the inherent qualities of these switches set them apart in this category.
When discussing the feel of these switches, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable bump during actuation that allows typists to feel when their keypress has been registered. This feedback helps in achieving a more accurate typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade features a classic clicky feel often associated with strong tactile feedback, delivering a pronounced bump as well. While the Cliff switch leans towards a moderate tactile response, the Blue Jade presents a more aggressive tactile feedback thanks to its click mechanism, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced sensation during typing.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Cliff's medium tactility and crisp sound make it ideal for environments where a subtle typing experience is preferred, while the Blue Jade’s distinct clicking noise and stronger tactile response are better suited for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either switch can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to whether you favor a more subdued sound and feel or a louder, more tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch should be influenced by your typing preferences and the type of experience you desire. If you prefer a switch that offers a lighter touch with medium tactility and a crisp sound, the Cliff might be the better option for you, especially if you enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming where rapid key presses are advantageous. The tactile feedback it provides is satisfying without being overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for users who want a more subtle yet engaging experience. Conversely, if you appreciate a more pronounced click and a heavier actuation force, the Blue Jade will suit you well. At 65 grams, this switch offers a firm resistance that can enhance your typing accuracy and give a more defined response, which some typists find appealing, especially for long writing sessions or for those who enjoy the nostalgia of older typing experiences. Overall, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, whether you lean towards a lighter, more responsive feel, or a heavier, more deliberate action.
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