Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 Dustproof Silent Ocean offer unique experiences catering to different preferences. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a satisfying bump with each keystroke while still enjoying a bit of acoustic feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean is a linear switch, focusing on a smooth, uninterrupted keypress and reduced noise, making it a favorable option for gamers or quiet work environments where sound distraction is minimized. Both switches have their own charms: the Cliff provides a more tactile and auditory typing experience, whereas the Silent Ocean offers a whisper-quiet operation perfect for stealthy gameplay or a focused work session. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches display notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from this material's stiffer characteristics, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only allows for enhanced sound resonance but also makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, providing an aesthetic advantage for users seeking visual appeal alongside audio performance. This consistent application of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches ensures that users will experience comparable sound qualities when it comes to the clarity and brightness of the sound produced.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which results in a contrast to the polycarbonate top. Nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing properties create a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively dulling the overall acoustic impact when typing. This characteristic is essential, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. As a result, both the Cliff and the Silent Ocean share the same acoustic warmth and depth in their typing experience due to their nylon bottom housing. However, the combination of these different materials in their respective housing setups allows for a dual-layered auditory experience, blending the crispness from the polycarbonate top with the richness from the nylon bottom.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches utilize the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the interaction of these materials creates a nuanced acoustic profile that defines their overall sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing ensures a bright and clear sound upon release, while the nylon bottom housing delivers a more rounded and impactful typing experience. Users can expect harmonious results when using either switch, as the complementary qualities of the top and bottom housings work together to deliver a balanced auditory performance that caters to diverse preferences in keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to its reduced effort requirement. In contrast, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that some users may prefer. As a result, while both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams at their respective bottom outs, the Cliff is lighter overall, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and endurance, while the Outemu’s medium-heavy force caters to users seeking a more tactile response.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch reveals a notable difference. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you opt for the Outemu switch, you will experience a quicker response time, which is often preferred by gamers seeking a more immediate keystroke registration. Conversely, the Bsun Cliff’s longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users prefer for a deeper typing experience. Overall, the Cliff provides a longer travel distance compared to the Ocean switch, and choosing between them depends on your preference for responsiveness versus a more traditional, hearty key feel.
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 Dustproof Silent Ocean 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 adds a distinct auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. It produces a medium-level auditory experience that's not overly loud, making it suitable for both office environments and personal use. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch does not have specific sound qualities outlined, but being a silent switch, it generally tends to produce minimal noise during operation. This attribute makes it an excellent option for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience, especially in shared or noise-sensitive settings. However, the final sound profile of either switch can also be significantly influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump during actuation that can enhance typing accuracy and provide feedback to the user. This tactile sensation adds a layer of engagement to each keystroke, making it appealing for those who appreciate a more dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile feedback, delivering a consistent and fluid feel. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy rapid key presses without any hindrance from tactile bumps, allowing for swift and silent typing.
Overall, if you're considering the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, you can expect a delightful balance of auditory and tactile feedback, making it suitable for a variety of typing styles, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch caters to those who value silence and smoothness over tactile sensation. Both switches provide unique experiences that cater to different preferences, so the choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize sound and feel or favor quiet and effortless keystrokes. In terms of sound, while the Cliff offers a sharp auditory experience and the Ocean is designed to minimize noise, the tactile qualities set them apart distinctly in terms of typing engagement and preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a tactile feedback and a crisp sound, the Cliff is likely the better option; its 45-gram bottom out force makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions and provides a satisfying tactile bump for those who enjoy that feedback. Additionally, its sound signature is crisp, which may appeal to you if you enjoy a more dynamic acoustic feedback while typing. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth and silent experience, the 65-gram bottom out force of the Dustproof Silent Ocean will offer a more substantial feel, catering to those who prefer a heavier keypress without the clicky sound often associated with tactile switches. This switch is particularly suitable for quieter environments or if you need to minimize noise, such as in a shared workspace. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for tactility versus smoothness and the importance of sound in your typing experience.
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