Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Milk Blue

Overview

When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Milk Blue, a clicky switch. The Cliff switches offer a medium tactility, providing a satisfying feeling of feedback with each keystroke, paired with a crisp sound that adds a pleasant auditory dimension to typing without being overly loud. In contrast, the Milk Blue switches are recognized for their distinctive click sound that accompanies every key press, making them ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response while typing or gaming. Choosing the Cliff might be advantageous for those who seek a balanced typing experience with a quieter operation, while the Milk Blue could be preferable for enthusiasts who revel in the nostalgic clicky feedback of old-school typewriters. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Milk Blue switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in remarkably similar sound profiles due to the inherent properties of this material. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which lends itself to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when compared to softer plastics. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly for keyboards equipped with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through more vividly. Consequently, both switches benefit from the resonant nature of polycarbonate in their top housings, ensuring that users enjoy a bright and clear auditory experience.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Milk Blue switches are made of nylon, a material recognized for its ability to deliver a warmer sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is softer and more absorbent, which contributes to a deeper and fuller typing sound. This discrepancy in housing materials produces a nuanced auditory experience where the effects of each housing type come into play. While pressing down on the switch will evoke the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, leading to a rounder and more subdued sound, the release of the key will resonate with the distinct clarity of the polycarbonate top housing.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches means that the overall sound experience is crafted from a blend of the sharpness associated with polycarbonate and the depth provided by nylon. Users can expect a unique auditory experience that retains the bright characteristics from the top housing while benefiting from the warmth of the nylon bottom. The interplay of these materials indicates that while both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Milk Blue leverage similar characteristics in their top housings, the marriage with nylon at the base creates a distinctive yet harmonious sound profile. This design approach emphasizes the role that each housing material plays in shaping the switch's sound and feel, making both switches appealing to enthusiasts seeking diverse auditory experiences.

Weight

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a gentle touch, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams but lacks a specified bottom out force, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares in that regard. Consequently, while the Cliff is lighter overall, the Milk Blue's greater actuation force provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer response. If users are seeking a lighter switch for comfort during long hours, the Bsun Cliff is the better choice, whereas the heavier actuation requirement of the Outemu Milk Blue would cater to those who prefer a stronger push and tactile feedback.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Milk Blue offers a more traditional feel with its greater depth, making it suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Cliff’s shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers. Although the difference is not significant, the Cliff's travel distance is indeed closer to the shallow end of the spectrum, while the Milk Blue remains aligned with the conventional preference for a longer travel distance. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a more responsive experience, the Cliff is the better option, whereas the Milk Blue would appeal to users who enjoy a richer, deeper actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, the Cliff is noted for its crisp sound signature, which many users appreciate as it offers a clear auditory response without being overly loud. In contrast, the sound profile of the Milk Blue is less defined; it is not widely noted for any specific characteristics, leaving its auditory feedback somewhat ambiguous. This means that while the Cliff provides a satisfying auditory cue when typing, the Milk Blue might not deliver the same level of sound clarity, leading to a potentially less engaging experience unless modified by keycap or board choices.

Regarding the feel of each switch, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a medium level of tactility, giving users a noticeable but not overpowering feedback during key presses. This balance makes it comfortable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the feel of the Milk Blue switch is not explicitly defined but is typically associated with a clicky experience that many typists enjoy. If the Milk Blue provides a more enhanced tactile experience than the Cliff, it could make for a remarkable typing sensation, though the exact nature of that tactile feedback remains uncertain.

In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out for its crisp sound and medium tactility, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback and auditory confirmation while typing. The Outemu Milk Blue switch offers a clicky character that has yet to be fully defined in terms of sound and feel. When making a decision, consider that both switches have promising qualities, and it’s important to match these switches to your typing style and preferences, as sound and feel can significantly vary based on the keyboard and keycap choices.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding tactility, sound, and required pressure. The Cliff switch is characterized by its light bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience with a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound profile. If you enjoy subtle feedback without feeling overwhelmed by noise, the Cliff could be your go-to. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Blue, while lacking specific details in this comparison, is generally considered a clicky switch that provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, perfect for individuals who thrive on the satisfaction of audible clicks with every keystroke. If you desire a keyboard experience that feels mechanical and rewarding with each press, the Milk Blue switch is likely your best choice. Ultimately, if you prioritize a lighter feel and tactile feedback, opt for the Cliff; however, if you crave a more pronounced clicky experience with more sound, the Outemu Milk Blue will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Milk Blue Clicky

$3.10 per 10

Learn more