Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options are the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Gold switches. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is lauded for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an appealing choice for typists who appreciate feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold embraces the realm of clicky switches, designed for users who thrive on an audible and tactile response, adding a lively sound to the typing experience. While the Cliff may cater more to those seeking a balanced typing experience with subtle feedback, the Gold offers an engaging auditory experience that can enhance the joy of typing for enthusiasts. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Gold both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by clarity and resonation. The unique properties of polycarbonate contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, thanks to its stiffness and translucency. This trait not only enhances audio performance but also makes it particularly suitable for setups featuring RGB lighting, as the material allows light to penetrate effectively. Since both switches employ polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when it comes to the sound produced during key releases, leading to a crisper and more vibrant typing experience.
When examining the bottom housing, the similarities continue with both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Gold using nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to the material's softer texture, which naturally dampens vibrations and produces a more rounded acoustic tone. Since both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, typists can anticipate a similar tactile response and a complimentary audio signature when the keys are bottomed out, thereby ensuring a cohesive feel and sound across both switches.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Gold have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the shared materials in both instances result in a well-rounded typing experience. With polycarbonate delivering a sharp and translucent quality in the top housing, and nylon providing depth in the bottom housing, users will enjoy an overall sound profile that combines clarity with fullness. The interaction of these materials ensures that both switches not only sound similar but also feel cohesive when typing, making either choice a solid option depending on personal preference for aesthetics or brand loyalty.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, notable differences arise in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Bsun Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer less resistance, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Gold has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Therefore, while the Cliff switch is ideal for comfort and extended use, the Gold switch caters to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, if a lighter switch is preferable, the Bsun Cliff would be the better option, whereas those who enjoy the weighty feel would lean towards the Outemu Gold.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the two exhibit distinct characteristics. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, which may cater to gamers who appreciate quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold, with its longer 4 mm distance, offers a more traditional and pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness and a more immediate feedback, the Bsun Cliff would be the preferable choice, while the Outemu Gold suits those who value a more substantial key stroke.
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 Gold 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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch is notable for its crisp sound signature, which adds a satisfying auditory feedback to typing. The sound produced by the Cliff has a medium-level tactility that usually strikes a balance between noticeable and unobtrusive. This makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a more refined acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch is recognized for its distinct click sound, which provides a pronounced auditory feedback upon actuation. This clicky nature often delivers a more pronounced and almost musical tone that some users find gratifying, especially during fast-paced typing or gaming sessions. Keep in mind, however, that sound characteristics will also depend on factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the specific keycaps used, so individual experiences may vary.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, meaning there is a noticeable bump at the actuation point without being overly aggressive. This creates a comfortable typing experience that allows for accurate keystrokes while reducing fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the Outemu Gold clicky switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, characterized by a hard bump followed by a distinct click. This provides a satisfying sensation for typists who enjoy that extra layer of interaction with their keys, enhancing typing accuracy and enjoyment through its more assertive tactile response.
In summary, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch will largely depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. The Cliff offers a medium tactility with a crisp sound, making it great for those who prefer a balanced experience, while the Gold delivers a stronger tactile feedback accompanied by a pronounced click sound, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory confirmation. Both switches can deliver satisfying results in their respective categories, but your choice will ultimately shape your typing experience based on your unique requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a lighter actuation and enjoy a tactile feedback that strikes a balance between being noticeable yet not overly pronounced, the Cliff is your best bet. With its 45-gram bottom-out force, it's well-suited for long typing sessions where comfort and precision are key, especially if you find yourself typing for extended periods. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more defined resistance with a bit more effort required to press down, the Outemu Gold, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, may be preferable. While it doesn't have the same tactile emphasis as the Cliff, the Gold’s satisfying click sound can provide a rewarding auditory feedback that many typists find enjoyable. So, if sound and a bit more force is what you crave, the Outemu Gold would probably better serve your needs. Ultimately, your specific use case—be it gaming, programming, or general typing—will determine which switch you gravitate towards, so consider your personal preferences and the kind of feedback you value most to make the right choice.
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