Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Lotus

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy feedback while typing, as it can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that appeals to gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, more fluid experience without the tactile bump. This distinction can influence your preference depending on whether you value auditory feedback and physical feedback from your keys or a seamless, low-resistance feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Outemu Lotus Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Lotus exemplify the diverse qualities that different plastics can contribute to the tactile and auditory experience of mechanical switches. The Cliff's use of a polycarbonate top housing is notable for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributable to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances sound resonance and clarity. In contrast, the Lotus employs a nylon top housing, which offers a drastically different acoustic experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound rather than emphasizing it, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental contrast in material properties leads to distinct auditory results that cater to different preferences among users.

When examining the bottom housing, both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Lotus utilize nylon, reinforcing consistency in sound and feel. Given that nylon's sound-dampening qualities are inherent to both models, the deeper and fuller auditory profile delivers a uniform experience when typing. This means that both switches can create a rounded and subdued sound during the keypress, regardless of the differences in their top housings. The shared use of nylon in the bottom housing plays a critical role, as it ensures that users benefit from a certain level of acoustic harmony, bridging the sound characteristics between the two designs.

In conclusion, the combination of polycarbonate in the Cliff's top housing and nylon in its bottom housing results in a hybrid sound profile that balances crispness and depth, while the Lotus's consistent use of nylon in both its top and bottom housing creates a cohesive, acoustic experience. While they differ significantly in the materials used for their top housings—yielding distinctly contrasting sound profiles—both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which guarantees a core auditory element that resonates throughout each keystroke. This interplay of materials will appeal to users depending on their specific preferences for sound and tactile feedback, highlighting the ingenuity behind mechanical switch design.

Weight

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch both exhibit relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them appealing for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lotus switch offers an even lighter actuation force at 35 grams but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Cliff switch requires a bit more force for actuation but is easier to bottom out compared to the Lotus. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter side, the Outemu Lotus is marginally lighter in terms of actuation force, but the Bsun Cliff takes the edge in the bottom out category. Consequently, those seeking a more tactile push might prefer the Cliff for its balanced feel, whereas users looking for a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Lotus.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Bsun Cliff offers a more pronounced depth to the key press, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more seamless keystroke experience. Ultimately, while both switches have their unique advantages, the Cliff's longer 3.6 mm travel distance may provide a more traditional and hearty depth, whereas the Lotus's 3.3 mm distance may feel more abrupt but offers greater responsiveness for fast-paced activities.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its distinct and crisp sound signature that some users find satisfying, particularly when bottoming out during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks a defined sound profile, which means it generally produces a quieter operation. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by each switch can greatly depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can amplify or dampen the auditory feedback of either switch.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable bump during keypresses that can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback. This tactile response can be quite engaging for users who prefer a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch delivers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. This creates a more fluid typing experience that many users appreciate for types of tasks that require rapid key presses, such as gaming.

In summary, if you are looking for a switch with auditory feedback and tactile response, the Bsun Cliff would be a suitable choice, while the Outemu Lotus is an excellent option for those who favor a smooth and quieter experience. Ultimately, your preference will depend on whether you prioritize a tactile feel and distinct sound or a silent and seamless keystroke during your typing or gaming sessions. Both switches cater to different typing styles, allowing you to achieve a satisfactory result based on your personal preferences.

Conclusion

In summary, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that provides a distinct bump with each keystroke, along with a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice. The Cliff's light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it particularly suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where you appreciate the extra feedback without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bumps, the Outemu Lotus linear switch would be the better option for you. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Lotus can offer a more stable feel while gliding through your typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider what feels most comfortable—tactility and sound versus smoothness and consistency—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Lotus Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more