Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Cold Plum

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your typing experience, and two unique options to consider are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch. The Cliff is recognized for its medium tactility, providing a discernible bump that enhances feedback while typing, accompanied by a crisp sound signature that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches deliver a smooth keystroke with a distinctive "thocky" sound profile, thanks to their fully nylon construction, making them a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. While the Cliff may cater to those who prefer tactile feedback and auditory cues, the Cold Plum appeals to users seeking a quieter and more fluid typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine which switch is best suited for your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The construction of the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Cold Plum switches showcases a marked contrast in their top housing materials. The Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for providing a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance when typing. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for better RGB light diffusion if the switches are backlit, creating a visually appealing experience as well. In contrast, the Cold Plum features a nylon top housing, a material typically associated with a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to a more muted sound, absorbing vibrations and resulting in a rounder typing experience, making it less piercing compared to polycarbonate.

While the top houses of the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Cold Plum differ significantly, the bottom housings for both switches are made of nylon, giving them a common characteristic. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing sound more effectively than harder materials, regardless of the differing top housings. This similarity means that when typing on both switches, users will experience a softer, rounder sound at the bottom, which provides a consistency in the overall acoustic profile. This shared usage of nylon in the bottom housing is indicative of a well-rounded typing experience that diverges only in the upper portion, where the characteristic sound qualities of the top housing materials take precedence.

When examining the overall performance of these two switches, it becomes evident that the differences lie mainly in the combination of top and bottom housing materials. The Cliff's polycarbonate top lends itself to a more bright and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom balances this with a full, rich sound experience. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum's nylon top provides a duller auditory response, yet it pairs harmoniously with the nylon bottom to create a consistent sound experience throughout. Ultimately, this delineation showcases how the interaction between materials affects the perceived sound and feel of a switch, emphasizing the nuance in user experience that is achieved through thoughtful design choices.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are notable differences in their 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 more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use in workplaces or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cold Plum switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback with each keystroke. While the Cliff switch’s lighter forces facilitate quicker response times and less fatigue during prolonged use, the Cold Plum switch’s heavier forces offer a stronger tactile sensation, which can enhance the typing experience for those appreciating a firmer keystroke. Consequently, if you prefer lighter switches, the Bsun Cliff is the clear choice, while the Outemu Cold Plum is better for users seeking a heftier experience.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch measures 3.3 mm. This means that the Cliff switch offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cold Plum, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Cold Plum may appeal to gamers seeking quick response times, allowing for faster key presses. Although both switches fall within the range of modern preferences, with shorter travel distances being increasingly popular, the Cliff's additional 0.3 mm may provide a more substantial tactile experience for users who favor a deeper press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that adds a distinctly sharp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This clarity in sound can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is known for its thocky sound profile, which is deeper and softer, providing a more muted but rich auditory feedback. Users who favor a sound that feels more subdued yet full may prefer the Cold Plum switch. It's essential to note that sound can vary depending on the keyboard construction and keycap material, so while both switches have their unique acoustics, your overall sound experience will be influenced by other factors.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff offers a medium tactility, which means that typists can expect a noticeable bump at the actuation point, delivering feedback that some users find helps with typing accuracy. This can appeal to those who enjoy the sensation of a tactile response without it being overwhelmingly aggressive. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum switch provides a smooth keystroke throughout the process, offering a seamless typing experience with no tactile bump, making it ideal for users who prefer a linear feel. This smoothness can be particularly attractive for fast typists or gamers who value speed and fluidity in their keystrokes.

In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out with its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it appealing to those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch boasts a smooth keystroke along with a thocky sound profile, catering to users who like a softer and richer auditory feel while typing. Ultimately, the best choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, as each offers unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and auditory experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, your decision should depend largely on your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter switch with a medium tactility and a crisp sound, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for quick, feather-light typing, making it ideal for those who often type for long durations or need to execute fast keystrokes in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you enjoy a robust and satisfying typing experience, the Outemu Cold Plum, with its medium-heavy 70-gram bottom-out force, offers a smooth keystroke combined with a thocky sound that can elevate the auditory experience of typing or gaming. Its fully nylon construction provides enhanced durability, making it a great option for enthusiasts who value longevity in their switches. Ultimately, assess your typing style—whether you lean towards lighter, more tactile feedback or a heavier, smoother experience—and choose the switch that aligns with your comfort and performance needs.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Cold Plum Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more