Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Cream Yellow both present compelling options for tactile enthusiasts, yet they offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate clear feedback while enjoying a satisfying acoustic response. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow, while also a tactile switch, lacks specific notoriety for its sound or tactility, potentially leading users to discover its qualities through personal experience. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize an audible click and tangible feedback with the Cliff or a more subdued experience with the Cream Yellow. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in their top housing. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffness results in a more resonant sound that can enhance the auditory experience when pressing the keys. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to pass through effectively, creating visually striking effects. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing known for its deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted auditory profile that may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience.
Both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which leads to shared characteristics in terms of sound profile despite the differences in their top housings. The nylon in both cases promotes that classic switch feeling, as it absorbs sound and generates a duller, rounder acoustic output. This similarity means that, regardless of the top material, the bottom housing plays a vital role in the typing experience by influencing the key press feedback and the 'bottom-out' sound. Thus, users can expect a certain consistency in the tactile and auditory feedback when using switches with nylon bottom housings.
Ultimately, the contrast in top housings between the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Cream Yellow defines the auditory landscape of each switch. The Cliff's polycarbonate top creates what could be described as a bright and dynamic typing sound, while the Cream Yellow's nylon top offers a more muted and mellow auditory profile. When engaging with these switches, users will experience the unique interplay between the two different top materials and the coherent qualities of the nylon bottom housing, with the latter assuring that a fuller sound experience is maintained across both models. This blend of materials can lead to a diverse typing experience, catering to different user preferences and styles.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, notable differences arise 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 easier to press and potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who prefer a stronger push during each keystroke. Thus, while the Cliff switch is lighter overall, offering a softer typing experience, the Cream Yellow is heavier and delivers a more robust tactile feedback. Users looking for a lighter switch might prefer the Cliff, whereas those desiring a firmer touch should consider the Cream Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, a clear difference emerges. The Bsun Cliff switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow's travel distance is shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Cream Yellow may be the better choice, as it offers a quicker actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial press, the Cliff switch would be preferable, providing a more traditional feel that some users might find more satisfying. Overall, the Cliff has a longer travel distance compared to the Cream Yellow, making it a better option for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Yellow 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
The sound produced by the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp signature, offering a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This can enhance the overall enjoyment and engagement while using the keyboard. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch lacks a well-defined sound profile, which may result in a more muted experience. However, it's important to remember that the sound a switch produces can be influenced by various factors, including the construction of the keyboard, the material of the keycaps, and even the surface beneath the keyboard.
When it comes to the tactile feel, the Bsun Cliff provides a medium level of tactility. This means users can expect a noticeable bump that gives a clear indication when a key has been actuated, making it suitable for those who appreciate feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch does not have a specific description available, leaving its tactile characteristics a bit of a mystery. Without this information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of feel, though some users may find the tactile experience of these switches to differ significantly.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out with its medium tactility and crisp sound, making it an excellent choice for tactile feedback enthusiasts. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow’s features remain unspecified in these areas, which could imply a more neutral or undefined presence in terms of feedback and sound. If you prefer pronounced feedback and sound, the Cliff switch would be the clear contender, while the Cream Yellow may appeal to those seeking a less intrusive typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a medium level of tactility along with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams makes it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort and can reduce strain on your fingers. Additionally, if you enjoy that satisfying feedback and sound during your keystrokes, the Cliff will enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more substantial typing feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow with its 60-gram actuation force might better suit your needs. While it lacks notable tactility or sound characteristics, it provides a firmer feel that can cater to those who prefer a more deliberate typing experience. In essence, consider the Cliff for a combination of lightness and tactile feedback, while the Cream Yellow may appeal to you if you're looking for a sturdier switch without specific sound or tactile features.