Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, users often weigh their preferences between tactile and clicky options. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback while typing without the pronounced noise that can be disruptive in shared spaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue, classified as a clicky switch, offers an audible click with each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable, especially for typing-intensive tasks. While the Cliff may appeal to users seeking a quieter yet responsive experience, the Cream Blue caters to those who thrive on the combination of tactile and acoustic feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Blue switches, a clear distinction arises in their top housings. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiff nature, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's rigidity contributes to a more resonant sound, especially beneficial when combined with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In stark contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, known for offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition tends to absorb sound better than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the differing materials significantly influence the sound characteristics produced during switch activation, with the Cliff favoring brightness while the Cream Blue leans towards richness.
While the top housings of both switches differ, they share a similarity in their bottom housings; both the Cliff and the Cream Blue use nylon material. This commonality results in both switches delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing is instrumental in absorbing sound, contributing to a muted auditory experience that enhances the tactile feel when a key bottoms out. Whether you're using the Bsun Cliff or the Outemu Cream Blue, the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a satisfying, rounded sound experience during key presses, reinforcing the idea that even among different top housing materials, certain qualities can unifyingly resonate through a shared bottom housing design.
Ultimately, when the top and bottom housings are taken together, the sound profile of each switch becomes a blend of their respective materials' qualities. The crisp and bright character offered by the Cliff's polycarbonate top is offset by a warmer and rounder sound from its nylon bottom. On the other hand, the Cream Blue's nylon top paired with its nylon bottom consistently channels an overall deeper sound. This interplay means that in terms of performance, while each switch presents distinct characteristics, the effects of the materials culminate to provide a unique typing experience. Thus, while the switches stand apart in their designs, their shared reliance on nylon in the bottom housing represents a common ground that can produce similar auditory results when it comes to typing dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it relatively light and suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without excessive finger fatigue. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier force can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer push feel. Overall, the Bsun Cliff is the lighter option, ideal for users seeking comfort, while the Outemu Cream Blue offers a more robust tactile feedback for those who enjoy a stronger keystroke resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we see a notable difference. The Bsun Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Blue measures at 4 mm. This means that the Cliff has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for those who prioritize quick key presses, such as gamers. In contrast, the Cream Blue’s longer 4 mm travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for typing or a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're looking for rapid response times, the shorter Cliff switch is the better choice, whereas the Cream Blue might be more suitable for users who appreciate a deeper, more traditional keystroke experience.
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 Cream Blue 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing experience. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate a clear and distinct sound without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue switch, known for its clicky nature, is typically understood to produce a more pronounced and louder clicking sound with each keystroke, reminiscent of traditional typewriter keys. This makes the Cream Blue particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more assertive audio feedback when typing, creating a more tactile and engaging atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium tactility, providing a nice balance that can appeal to both typing enthusiasts and casual users alike. This level of tactility ensures that you can feel the actuation point without it being overly aggressive, allowing for smooth and comfortable typing over extended periods. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Blue switch is designed to provide a clicky sensation that can feel more pronounced compared to the Cliff, delivering a strong tactile response that is especially satisfying for typists who prefer a more interactive feel. This makes the Cream Blue less suitable for quiet environments but offers a rewarding typing experience for those who enjoy the feedback.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium tactile feel paired with a crisp sound, perfect for a balanced typing experience, the Outemu Cream Blue switch provides a louder, clicky sound and a more robust tactile sensation that caters to a different audience. The sound and feel of each switch can vary based on the keyboard it’s installed in and the keycaps used, so both options will deliver enjoyable results, albeit with distinct auditory and tactile qualities. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a subtler tactile experience and sound or a more pronounced and engaging click with every keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth tactile feedback with a medium level of tactility, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram actuation force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while still delivering a satisfying response. Moreover, if you appreciate a crisp audio experience without the clicky feedback that may disrupt your workflow in quieter environments, the Cliff would enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced clicky feel and don't mind the heavier actuation force of 65 grams, the Cream Blue is well-suited for you. It provides a distinctive auditory and tactile feedback that can enhance the satisfaction of each keystroke, making it suitable for typing enthusiasts who want a more robust and engaging interaction with their keyboard. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter feel with subtle sound or a heavier, more clicky experience.
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