Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between a tactile switch like the Bsun Cliff and a linear switch such as the Outemu Cream Pink can significantly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing gamers and typists alike with satisfying feedback that can enhance precision and enjoyment during long sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink, being a linear switch, offers a smooth keypress without the tactile bump, favored by those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. While the Cliff excels in offering tactile feedback that can improve typing accuracy, the Cream Pink caters to users who prioritize speed and a soft touch, making it ideal for rapid key presses. 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
2.00 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 Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Pink switches, a significant distinction arises in their top housing materials, which profoundly influences their overall sound profile. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties that contribute to a sharper, more resonant sound when typing. This results in a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience, making it particularly advantageous for users who favor a brighter sound. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Pink employs a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer characteristics that absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, the typing experience on the Cream Pink is markedly different; users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile, which lends a rounded and muted quality to each keystroke.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as they both utilize nylon. This uniformity means that the sound qualities of the bottom housing will contribute similarly to both switches' overall acoustic profiles. Since the bottom housing is crucial for determining the bottom-out sound and feel, the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Pink will produce a similar experience during key presses. The nylon bottom housing, being softer than polycarbonate, will absorb more sound, reinforcing the deeper notes created by both switches when bottoming out. Therefore, while the switches may deliver distinct top sound experiences due to their differing top materials, the commonality found in their bottom housings creates a shared auditory foundation.
Ultimately, the difference between the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Pink lies in the interaction between their top and bottom housing materials. The polycarbonate top of the Cliff enhances brightness and clarity in sound, while the nylon top of the Cream Pink provides a softness that rounds out the acoustic experience. However, with both switches utilizing nylon as their bottom material, the deeper tones are consistent across both designs during key presses. Thus, users may find that although the Ridge and Cream Pink offer differing types of sound profiles, they achieve similar warmth and fullness because of their shared nylon bottom housings. These design nuances exemplify how varying materials can affect the sonic characteristics of mechanical switches while still allowing for common results in typing feel and sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, clear differences emerge in terms of weight and tactile experience. The Bsun Cliff features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Outemu Cream Pink requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial pressing feel for a more impactful typing experience. Consequently, while the Cliff is the lighter option overall, the Cream Pink provides more resistance and feedback, appealing to those who favor a firmer keystroke. These force differences highlight the unique preferences of users based on their typing habits and comfort.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff switch the shorter option, providing a snappier response that may appeal to gamers looking for quick actuation. In contrast, the Cream Pink's longer travel distance allows for a more deliberate keystroke, which some users may find preferable for a more satisfying typing experience. If you're seeking speed and responsiveness, the Bsun Cliff is the better choice, whereas the Outemu Cream Pink caters to those who appreciate a deeper and more pronounced actuation.
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 Pink 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 noted for its crisp sound signature, which can provide a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This quality makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a pronounced audio experience while using their keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch does not have a well-documented sound profile, which leaves its auditory characteristics somewhat unknown. Keep in mind, however, that the overall sound produced by any switch can significantly vary depending on factors like the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable bump that can enhance typing accuracy and engagement. This tactile feedback caters to users who appreciate a definitive indication of each keypress. In contrast, the feel of the Cream Pink linear switch is also not specifically detailed, but linear switches are generally characterized by their smooth operation without tactile bumps or resistance throughout the keypress. Therefore, while the tactile quality of the Cliff switch emphasizes a tactile experience, the Cream Pink likely delivers a more seamless and uninterrupted keystroke.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch excels in both sound and tactile feedback with its crisp auditory details and medium tactility, making it an excellent choice for users who value these qualities. On the other hand, while the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch's sound profile remains unspecified, it likely provides the smoother experience typical of linear switches. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the pronounced feedback of the Cliff or the potentially smoother operation of the Cream Pink.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch should ultimately be guided by your personal preferences and typing needs. If you lean towards a lighter switch that offers a tactile bump for greater feedback while typing, the Cliff would be an excellent fit for you. Its medium tactility and crisp sound signature can enhance your typing experience, providing audible and tactile feedback without needing excessive force, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, if you prefer a switch with a heavier feel that allows for smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, the Cream Pink might be more aligned with your preferences. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams delivers a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a linear feel without tactile bumps. Thus, weigh your need for tactile feedback versus a smooth key press, and choose accordingly to enhance your keyboard experience.