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Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Milk Tea

An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can profoundly influence your typing experience, and two popular tactile options are the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Milk Tea switches. The Bsun Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate for precision and accuracy. In contrast, while the Outemu Milk Tea switches don’t have a specific distinguishing feature, they offer a smooth tactile bump that many users find pleasing for extended typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Cliff for those who enjoy audible feedback and a pronounced tactile response, while the Milk Tea focuses on a smoother feel for quieter environments. 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

N/A

Pre-travel

2.30 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

4.00 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

Ly

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

The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Milk Tea switches both feature distinct materials for their top housings, with the Cliff utilizing polycarbonate and the Milk Tea constructed with Ly. The polycarbonate top housing of the Cliff is notable for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This enhanced clarity can be primarily attributed to the material's stiffness, which allows the acoustics to resonate more effectively. In contrast, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing also contributes to a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks during typing. Although both materials differ, they share the ability to create a lively auditory experience due to their brightness; this characteristic is beneficial for users who seek an engaging typing experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting.

When examining the bottom housings, both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Milk Tea utilize nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This similarity in material leads to a consistent auditory experience when bottoming out the key switches, as both will exhibit the same characteristics of warmth and resonance attributed to nylon. Therefore, while the top housings differ in terms of the sound profile they create, the nylon bottom housings ensure that the overall typing feel maintains a balanced deepness across both switch types.

In summary, while the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Milk Tea switches employ different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate and Ly, respectively—their nylon bottom housings provide a strikingly similar experience in terms of sound deepness. The contrasting top materials allow for a separation of auditory characteristics, leading to a bright typing experience when keys are released, while the nylon bottom housings contribute a unified, fuller sound when keys are pressed down. This combination of distinct top materials and a shared bottom housing ultimately results in switches that can deliver unique but ultimately harmonious typing experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, a distinct difference in actuation force becomes apparent. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged keyboards use during both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, while the Cliff switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, the bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch remains unknown. Overall, the Bsun Cliff is the lighter option, providing easy keystrokes, while the Outemu Milk Tea is heavier, appealing to those who prefer a firmer resistance during typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you choose the Bsun Cliff switch, you'll experience a slightly shorter key travel, which may be preferable for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea, with its greater travel distance, may feel more substantial and satisfying for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, if you're seeking a more responsive experience, the shorter travel of the Bsun Cliff may be the better option, while the Outemu Milk Tea could cater more to those who favor a more reassuring tactile experience.

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 Milk Tea 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 comparing the sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, the Cliff is characterized by a crisp sound signature that accompanies its medium tactile feedback. This auditory response makes it satisfying for typists who enjoy an audible confirmation of their keystrokes, contributing to a more engaging typing experience. The Milk Tea switch, however, lacks a specific sound description, which leaves its auditory attributes less defined. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by several factors, such as the type of keyboard used and the keycap material, meaning both switches could potentially yield similar acoustic results when paired with the right components.

In terms of tactile feel, the Bsun Cliff switches feature a medium level of tactility that provides a distinct feedback during keypresses, allowing users to sense when they’ve actuated the switch. This creates a comfortable experience for both typing and gaming, striking a balance between responsiveness and usability. The Outemu Milk Tea switch, on the other hand, does not have a specific tactile feel discussed, making it difficult to compare directly. Without defined characteristics, it’s unclear whether the Milk Tea offers a similar level of tactility or a different sensation altogether.

Overall, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch boasts a defined crisp sound and medium tactility that can elevate the typing experience, the Outemu Milk Tea's sound and feel remain unspecified. If you're seeking a tactile switch with a clear auditory and physical feedback, the Cliff may be a more suitable option. However, if the Milk Tea can deliver on tactile quality once articulated, it may still be worth exploring. In any case, both switches could potentially work well in creating a satisfying typing experience, dependent on individual preferences and keyboard configurations.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, you should consider 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 Bsun Cliff could be an excellent fit for you. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a responsive feel without too much resistance, making it suitable for both typing and gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a smoother and quieter experience and aren't specifically looking for unique sound characteristics, you might lean towards the Outemu Milk Tea switch. While it may lack detailed specifications in terms of tactility and sound, it is often favored by users who appreciate a softer touch and subtle feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired typing experience—whether you prioritize tactile feedback and audible response, as found in the Cliff, or a more subdued and gentle feel associated with the Milk Tea.

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