Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Yellow. The Cliff, characterized by its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offers a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate for both accuracy and a more pronounced tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch that boasts a smooth keystroke, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer quiet typing sessions, particularly in shared environments or during late-night gaming marathons. While the Cliff's tactile feedback is excellent for enhanced typing feel, the Silent Yellow’s seamless action is perfect for gamers seeking speed and stealth. 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
2.20 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
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
The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Yellow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a shared characteristic of a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound when keys are pressed and released. This rigid material's translucency also enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is employed, resulting in vibrant illumination that highlights the switches. The sonic clarity produced by the polycarbonate top provides an exciting and vivid auditory feedback, making both switches ideally suited for users who appreciate enhanced sound dynamics in their typing experience.
In contrast, the two switches diverge in their choice of bottom housing material, as both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Yellow utilize nylon. This softer plastic inherently absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch bottoms out. The nylon's sound-dampening properties create a more mellow typing experience, which complements the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing. As a result, while both switches deliver a unique typing experience, the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom in both cases contributes to a balanced sound profile that captures the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, although the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silent Yellow feature different bottom housing materials, the cohesion between their top and bottom housings produces a well-rounded auditory experience. The sharper sound from the polycarbonate tops is offset by the warmer tones generated from the nylon bottoms, resulting in a typing experience that showcases clarity while maintaining a rich sonic depth. Whether one chooses the Cliff or the Silent Yellow, the synergistic effects of the materials ensure that typists will enjoy a full range of sound dynamics, making either option an excellent choice for those who value both performance and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for users seeking extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons without fatigue. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch has a medium actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists may prefer. This variation means that those who favor a lighter touch would likely lean towards the Cliff, while those who appreciate a stronger push might opt for the Silent Yellow. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Cliff is the better choice, whereas the Silent Yellow caters to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, catering to those who prefer quicker key presses and faster response times, which can be beneficial for gamers. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more traditional and pronounced feel when typing, providing a sense of depth that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you are seeking a more responsive feel, the Bsun Cliff would be the better choice, whereas the Outemu Silent Yellow would be ideal for those who favor a more substantial keystroke 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 Silent Yellow 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 is known for its crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying auditory feedback upon actuation. This makes it ideal for users who appreciate an audible confirmation when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, while lacking in specific detailing regarding its sound profile, is designed to minimize noise, appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard you use and the keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium tactility, allowing for a noticeable bump during actuation that can enhance typing accuracy and provide a more engaged experience. Conversely, the Silent Yellow linear switch has a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke, which means there is no tactile feedback or resistance that can be felt when pressing the key. This smooth action is preferred by those who enjoy rapid keypresses and fluid motion without any bumps or interruptions.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out with its medium tactile feel and crisp auditory feedback, making it a great choice for typists who appreciate engagement and sound during their typing. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch caters to users seeking a quiet and smooth keypress without tactile bumps. Each switch offers a distinct experience tailored to different preferences, ensuring that both types can provide satisfying results depending on what the user prioritizes in their mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing or gaming needs. If you enjoy a light tactile feedback that offers a satisfying bump with each keystroke, the Cliff switch might just be your best bet. Its 45-gram bottom-out force, combined with a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound, provides a responsive and engaging typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback and clarity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow linear switch is better suited for users who prefer a smoother, quieter experience, as it features a heavier 60-gram bottom-out force and is designed for a seamless keypress without any tactile bump or audible feedback. This makes it a great choice for those who want to type or game in silence, minimizing distraction for both you and those around you. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or if you prefer a more subdued and fluid keypress; consider your typing habits and environment to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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