Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Silent Grey both offer users distinct tactile experiences, catering to different preferences in typing sound and feel. The Bsun Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing an enjoyable balance between feedback and auditory response, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a pronounced click without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey switches deliver a smooth keystroke with a pronounced bump while maintaining a remarkably quiet operation, ideal for those who desire a satisfying tactile feedback without disturbing their surroundings. Both switches have their merits: the Cliff for those who appreciate an audible yet refined typing experience, while the Silent Grey suits individuals aiming for a quieter workspace without sacrificing tactility. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Grey, it is evident that both switches utilize similar materials that yield comparable acoustic characteristics. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributable to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer resonance as sound travels through the material. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for users interested in RGB lighting, as the light can easily pass through it, providing a visually appealing glow to the switches. As a result, users of both switches can expect a similar brightness and vibrancy from their RGB setups.
Contrasting the top housings, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Grey are both made of nylon, which significantly affects the acoustic properties of the switches. The nylon used in both models is a softer plastic that dampens sound more effectively than the polycarbonate top, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile when the switch is engaged. This characteristic makes typing on switches with nylon bottom housings feel more rounded and less sharp when compared to their polycarbonate counterparts. The combination of these materials allows both switches to deliver distinct audio qualities that are complementary yet varied in their dynamics during use.
While the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Silent Grey utilize different materials for their housings, the synergy between these choices demonstrates how they can influence the overall sound experience. The polycarbonate top brings clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom offers warmth and depth. Therefore, even though both switches share the same material compositions, the overall acoustic experience is distinctly influenced by how each material interacts on its own and in concert with the other. Users looking for a specific auditory experience can select between these switches, knowing they will yield similar results in brightness but also unique sound profiles during typing and key release actions.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use at work or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Grey offers a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who appreciate a sturdier feel when typing. This medium-heavy resistance can provide a more fulfilling tactile feedback but may lead to fatigue over longer typing durations. Thus, individuals who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing may find the Bsun Cliff more suited to their needs, while those who prefer the substantiality of heavier switches might gravitate towards the Outemu Silent Grey. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces clearly delineate the user experience each switch offers.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that users who favor a more responsive feel would likely prefer the Bsun Cliff, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation. In contrast, those who enjoy a deeper and more tactile experience might opt for the Outemu Silent Grey, appreciating the additional depth it provides. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference, with the Cliff offering a shorter travel distance and the Silent Grey offering a longer one.
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 Grey 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
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature, which can enhance the overall typing experience with its clear auditory feedback. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate the distinct noise that accompanies each keystroke, providing a satisfying auditory cue that can enhance typing efficiency. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switch prioritizes a quieter experience, making it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check. While the Cliff offers a more pronounced auditory response, the Silent Grey aims to balance a tactile experience with minimal sound disturbance, making both switches suitable for different user preferences depending on their sound tolerance.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by medium tactility, providing a balanced feedback that many typists find pleasurable. Its tactile bump is designed to be noticeable without being overly aggressive, striking a good balance for both typing and gaming. The Outemu Silent Grey, on the other hand, features a pronounced bump that enhances its tactile feedback even further. This pronounced feeling can be particularly rewarding for users who enjoy a more marked response as they type. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the Silent Grey leans towards a stronger tactile sensation, making it a preferable option for those who actively seek that pronounced feedback.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. If you enjoy a crisp sound and medium tactility, the Cliff may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you desire a smooth keypress coupled with a pronounced tactile bump but with quieter operation, the Silent Grey stands out. Ultimately, you'll find a rewarding typing experience with either switch, though the differences in sound and feel will cater to distinct preferences that can highly influence your overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
To summarize, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter switch that provides a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its 45 grams of bottom-out force makes it suitable for long typing sessions, especially if you value a quick, responsive feel. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more substantial tactile experience with a pronounced bump and a smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey is the way to go. With a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying resistance that caters to those who want a more deliberate typing style, all while keeping noise levels to a minimum. The Silent Grey is particularly advantageous in shared workspaces or quiet environments. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by whether you value a lighter, crisper interaction with the keys or a more weighted, quiet typing experience.
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