Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of tactile versus linear switches. The Bsun Cliff, characterized by its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, provides a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate a bit of resistance and auditory confirmation in their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green stands out as a linear switch, offering a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke for those who prefer a quieter workstation or gaming environment without the distraction of audible clicks. This contrast highlights the Cliff's blend of tactile feedback and sound, ideal for individuals who like to feel their keystrokes, while the Silent Green caters to users seeking silent operation and fluidity in their typing. 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
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Green switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. Both the Cliff and Silent Green utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This shared material choice enhances the sound clarity and resonance due to polycarbonate's stiffness, making it an ideal option for users who appreciate the enhanced auditory feedback when utilizing RGB lighting. Regardless of the switches' other characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing assures that both models deliver an articulate sound profile that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a vibrant typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches present a stark divergence. The Bsun Cliff uses a nylon bottom housing, which contributes a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's relatively softer nature. This softer material absorbs more sound, resulting in a muted, rounder auditory feedback that contrasts sharply with the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Green employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, augmenting the higher-pitched, resonant sound profile established by its top housing. Therefore, while both switches share a bright top profile attributed to polycarbonate, the Cliff's use of nylon in the bottom housing allows for a more rounded sound, which may be preferred by those seeking a more subdued typing experience.
The impact of these material differences can be felt distinctly when typing. With the Cliff, the combination of the crisp polycarbonate top and the deeper nylon bottom produces a balanced auditory experience that varies between keystrokes and releases. In contrast, the Silent Green maintains a consistently bright and resonant sound due to its use of polycarbonate throughout. This contrast showcases how the interplay between the materials can meet different user demands: those seeking clarity may gravitate toward the Silent Green, while those preferring a fuller sound might opt for the Cliff. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal sound preferences—both will produce unique yet satisfying results driven by their material compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there are notable differences in their 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 an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, ideal for long periods of use in work or gaming environments. In contrast, the Silent Green switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback with each keystroke. Consequently, the Cliff switch is the lighter of the two, while the Silent Green offers a heavier, more resistant feel that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer it. Overall, if you seek lightness and ease for extended sessions, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch would be the favorable option, whereas the Outemu Silent Green would cater to those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it's clear that the Cliff has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Silent Green's 4 mm. This means that pressing the Cliff's switch will require slightly less distance to register a keystroke, which can result in a faster response time—an advantage for gamers or those who prefer a more immediate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Green, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced and hearty typing experience, as it allows for a greater depth before bottoming out. Therefore, if you're looking for a quicker action, the Cliff is the better choice, while the Silent Green may suit those who prefer a richer feel during use.
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 Silent Green 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature that can enhance the typing experience, giving users an audible confirmation with each keystroke. This satisfying auditory feedback is beneficial for those who enjoy the classic sound of typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch tends to be quieter, as it is designed to be less noisy during operation. This makes it a preferable choice for users who work in shared spaces or require a more subdued typing experience. However, the overall sound can still be influenced by the keyboard's build, including the choice of case, plate, and keycaps, which can either amplify or dampen the inherent qualities of both switches.
Regarding the feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, allowing for a noticeable bump that provides satisfying feedback as you type. This tactile sensation can enhance typing accuracy, making it appealing for those who prefer a more engaged feel with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch lacks a tactile bump, resulting in a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. This linear feel caters to those who seek a fluid typing experience without the tactile interruption, which can be appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing.
In summary, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch emphasizes a crisp sound and a pleasant tactile feel, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch prioritizes a quieter operation and a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value auditory feedback and tactile engagement or a more muted and fluid typing experience. Each switch has its distinct qualities, catering to different preferences, and you'll achieve similar results with customizations that suit your personal style.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a light touch with a noticeable tactile bump and a crisp sound, the Cliff switch may be the ideal choice for you. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate feedback during typing, making it a great option for both gaming and typing scenarios where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a smoother, more subtle typing experience without the noise, the Silent Green linear switch may be more suitable. This switch excels in quieter environments, offering a premium feel that minimizes distractions from sound, which can be ideal for office spaces or shared settings. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value tactile feedback and a light touch or a smooth, quiet experience with a bit more resistance.
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