Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Red offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Bsun Cliff is recognized for its medium tactility and distinctive crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a tactile feedback while still maintaining a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Red is classified as a linear switch, known for its smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or audible click, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a quieter environment. While the Cliff provides a satisfying tactile response ideal for typing, the Red offers a fluid motion that can enhance gaming performance. 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 Red Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Red switches both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which is known for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in housing material ensures that both switches offer a comparable auditory experience, particularly when pressed. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making both switches ideal for users who appreciate a more vibrant keystroke feedback. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic appeal, especially when integrated with RGB lighting, allowing for a cohesive visual experience that many gamers and typists seek in their mechanical keyboards.

In contrast to their top housing, the bottom housing of both switches diverges from one another in material choice. Both the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Red feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound when the switch is bottomed out. As such, while the top housings yield a bright, crisp sound during key release, the bottom housings enrich the audio experience by delivering a warmer undertone. This combination of materials allows users to experience the best of both auditory worlds, with the distinct acoustic properties of each material enhancing overall switch performance.

Overall, the pairing of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Red creates a balanced and multifaceted sound experience. Users can expect a bright and clear response when pressing down on the switches, thanks to the polycarbonate tops, followed by a smooth and rounded sound upon release due to the nylon bottoms. This thoughtful combination not only influences the auditory qualities of typing but also ensures that the keystrokes remain pleasurable and satisfying. In essence, while both switches incorporate the same materials for their respective housings, the different roles played by each material contribute to a nuanced and rich typing experience.

Weight

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for varying typing preferences. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods, as it reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial tactile experience favored by users who prefer the sensation of a stronger push. This means that while the Cliff switch is ideal for those seeking a lighter feel, the Red switch caters to those who appreciate a firmer response. Consequently, users looking for a comfortable option for long gaming sessions or office work might lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while those desiring a more robust typing experience might opt for the Outemu Red.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it's clear that the Cliff features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red measures 4 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the Cliff may offer a more responsive typing experience, appealing to gamers who enjoy quicker key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Red, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial and deliberate feel for those who prefer a deeper actuation. Thus, while the Bsun Cliff is designed for a quicker response time, the Outemu Red caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound produced by the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp auditory signature that adds a delightful quality to each keystroke. This enhances the typing experience, making it both engaging and satisfying. Conversely, the Outemu Red linear switch is known for its quieter operation, producing minimal sound as it lacks any tactile bump or click. This makes the Red switches more suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority, but it may lack the satisfying auditory feedback that some typists seek from a keyboard.

When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Cliff tactile switch delivers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable bump that helps users register each keypress confidently. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and overall user experience. In comparison, the Outemu Red linear switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, lacking any tactile resistance or feedback, which some may prefer for fast-paced gaming or typing but can result in a less pronounced sensation of each keystroke.

Overall, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a more engaging sound and satisfying feel for those who enjoy tactile feedback, the Outemu Red linear switch caters to users who favor smooth, quiet operation. Depending on personal preference, both switches can provide enjoyable experiences; choosing between them largely boils down to whether you prioritize audio feedback and tactility or prefer the subdued and fluid action of a linear switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a clear indication of when a key has been actuated, the Cliff is an excellent choice; its medium tactility coupled with a light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it suitable for typists who prefer a responsive feel without a lot of effort. This switch also produces a crisp sound signature that adds auditory satisfaction to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter keypress without the tactile bump, the Outemu Red linear switch would be ideal. With a heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams, it requires slightly more pressure to press down, which can be beneficial for gamers or those who prioritize fluid key presses without the distraction of noise or tactility. In conclusion, your choice should reflect whether you desire a more pronounced tactile experience with sound or a silent, smoother operation when typing or gaming.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more