Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Brown

Overview

When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Brown both stand out as popular tactile options that cater to different user preferences. The Bsun Cliff switch is recognized for its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, which can provide satisfying feedback during typing without being overly loud, making it suitable for both office and home environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch, while also a tactile switch, has a more muted feel and sound, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience while still enjoying tactile feedback. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that can influence your typing experience, whether you prioritize the pronounced tactility and sound of the Cliff or the subtlety of the Brown. 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

Outemu Brown Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and Outemu Brown switches share a notable similarity in the materials used for their top housings, both featuring polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness and crispness due to polycarbonate's relative stiffness. As a result, both switches are capable of producing a clear and resonant sound, particularly when combined with RGB lighting. The translucency of the polycarbonate not only enhances visual aesthetics but also optimizes the brightness and color diffusion of the lighting, providing a visually appealing experience for users who prioritize RGB illumination in their setups.

In contrast, while the top housings of both the Cliff and Brown are identical in material, they feature nylon for their bottom housings. This choice directly impacts the auditory experience and tactile feedback when typing. Nylon, a classic housing material, is softer than polycarbonate, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon result in effective sound absorption, creating a rounder sound when the switch is bottomed out. This characteristic provides a pleasant contrasting effect to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top, allowing for a nuanced typing experience that caters to different user preferences.

Ultimately, the combination of these materials in each switch creates a unique blend of auditory and tactile outcomes. While the top housings enhance brightness and clarity, the nylon bottom adds depth and warmth to the overall sound profile. If a user decides to try out both switches, they would experience a well-rounded sound signature, with the polycarbonate enhancing the initial keystroke and the nylon shaping the feel and sound upon release. Therefore, both the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Brown can produce a harmonious sound experience for typists, leveraging the distinct yet complementary qualities of their respective materials.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Brown requires a stronger actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Thus, the Cliff switch caters to those who favor a lighter feel for prolonged use, while the Brown switch’s medium-heavy forces provide a firmer tactile response. For users seeking a balance between comfort and feedback, the choice between these switches will depend on their personal preference for weight and responsiveness in their keyboard experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, there is a clear distinction in their specifications. The Bsun Cliff switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that users of the Cliff switch will experience a shorter actuation distance compared to those using the Brown switch, potentially making the Cliff feel more responsive for fast-paced tasks like gaming. On the other hand, the Brown switch offers a more traditional depth, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you favor quicker response times, the Bsun Cliff would be the more suitable option, while the Outemu Brown might be ideal for those who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that provides a pleasant auditory feedback when pressed, contributing to a more engaging typing experience. The tactile bump activates with a medium level of resistance, leading to an assertive sound that signals when a key has been actuated. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch is well-known for producing a softer and quieter sound, which appeals to users looking for a more understated auditory experience while typing. Overall, though both switches offer tactile feedback, the Cliff's sound is more pronounced, creating a livelier atmosphere, while the Brown is tailored for quieter environments or for those who prefer subtlety in their keystrokes.

Regarding the feel of these switches, the Bsun Cliff offers a medium tactility that provides a clear, defined point of actuation, allowing typists to easily discern when a key has been pressed without bottoming out. This tactile sensation can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it suitable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch is known for its softer tactile response. It has a gentler bump compared to the Cliff, which some users may find less immediate, but it caters well to those who appreciate a smoother typing experience that still allows for feedback without being overly pronounced. This differentiation in feel can significantly influence a user's preference based on their typing style and purpose.

In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Brown tactile switches cater to different user preferences with their sound and feel characteristics. The Cliff offers a crisper sound and a medium tactile feedback that many find energizing, while the Brown switch provides a quieter, more subdued experience with a gentler tactile response. Each switch has its merits, allowing newcomers to choose based on whether they prioritize auditory feedback or a softer touch when typing. Ultimately, both can accommodate users looking for tactile satisfaction, but the choice will hinge on the desired balance between sound and feel.

Conclusion

To conclude, the decision between Bsun Cliff tactile switches and Outemu Brown tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a medium level of tactility along with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force may make typing feel more effortless, which is especially beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming where quick actions are crucial. On the other hand, if you lean towards a sturdier feel and don’t mind a bit of added resistance, the Outemu Brown, with its heavier 65-gram bottom-out force, can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users find satisfying, even if it lacks the distinct sound and feel of the Cliff. Consider how each switch aligns with your typing style—be it light and quick or deliberate and steady—as this will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more