Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The Cliff is characterized by its medium tactility and a satisfying crisp sound signature, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate feedback and auditory cues while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, as a linear switch, offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, more seamless operation without tactile bumps. Each switch serves distinct preferences: the Cliff is ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback and enjoy the sound of their keystrokes, while the Silver caters to users seeking a swift and quiet experience. 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
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 Silver, one notable similarity is their construction from polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize this stiffer plastic to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced effects when used with RGB lighting, making it a great choice for visually appealing setups. As both switches feature polycarbonate as their top material, users can expect similar auditory qualities when pressing the keys of either switch, ensuring a consistent and vibrant sound experience that caters to gamers and typists alike.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Silver is crafted from nylon. As a classic material in switch construction, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which helps absorb more sound than the harder polycarbonate. This characteristic leads to a distinct auditory experience when typing or gaming, as users will sense a duller and rounder sound that contrasts with the sharper notes provided by the polycarbonate top. In both switches, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon utilizes their individual strengths to create a balanced sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing enhancing the overall typing feel and sound resonance during use.
The contrasts in the top and bottom housing materials between the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Silver highlight the impact of these components on the overall tactile experience. While both switches take advantage of polycarbonate in the upper section for clarity and crispness, the use of nylon at the bottom offers a warmer, more subdued auditory feedback. Consequently, each switch allows typists and gamers to enjoy the distinct characteristics introduced by the different materials. The interplay of nylon's absorbing qualities with polycarbonate's resonant capabilities results in a harmonious blend of sound experience that caters to various preferences, though the fundamental auditory results will remain similar due to the shared top housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, a notable difference exists in both their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions since it requires less physical exertion. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel that some users prefer for a tactile experience. Consequently, the Cliff switch is ideal for users seeking ease and comfort, while the Silver switch caters to those who like a more robust feedback during typing or gaming. Overall, the choice between these switches will hinge on individual preferences for weight and tactile feedback, with the Cliff being the lighter option and the Silver being the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, the Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver extends to 4.0 mm. This means that the Outemu Silver, having the longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced keystroke, which some users may appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Bsun Cliff may appeal to gamers or individuals seeking quicker response times, as the reduced travel can allow for faster actuation. Therefore, if you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Bsun Cliff would be the preferable choice, while the Outemu Silver caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys.
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 Silver 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 that enhances the typing experience, making it a delightful choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while they type. This sound is generally considered satisfying and pronounced, providing a clear indication of actuation. The Outemu Silver linear switch, on the other hand, does not have any distinct auditory character attributed to it, which means it operates more quietly. The sound produced by the Silver can largely depend on external factors like the keyboard's build quality and the keycap materials used, but it tends to be subdued compared to the more pronounced sound of the Cliff switch.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium tactility, creating a noticeable bump at the actuation point that gives users a gratifying tactile response with each keystroke. This feature makes the Cliff ideal for typists who appreciate feedback and want to know when their inputs are registered. The Outemu Silver switch, being linear, lacks this tactile feedback altogether, providing a smooth and uninterrupted keypress from top to bottom. This smoother action can be advantageous for gamers who require rapid key presses, but it may not satisfy those looking for tactile confirmation while typing.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a crisp sound and a satisfying medium tactile feel, making it well-suited for users who enjoy a mix of audible feedback and tactile sensation during their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch offers a quiet and smooth experience, appealing to gamers who prefer a streamlined, unobtrusive keystroke. Ultimately, if you enjoy sound and tactility, you’ll find the Cliff switch more to your liking, while the Silver is perfect for those who favor a more subdued and fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, you’ll want to consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a lighter keystroke with a tactile feedback that provides both a satisfying bump and a crisp sound, the Cliff would be an excellent choice for you. It's particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, making it great for typing and casual gaming where tactile response matters. On the other hand, if you are searching for a switch that delivers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and you don’t mind a bit heavier force during actuation, the Outemu Silver would be preferable. Its medium-heavy feel makes it more suitable for fast-paced gaming where rapid key presses are essential, allowing for quick and decisive actions without any tactile distractions. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you value tactility and sound, or smoothness and a firmer resistance in your typing experience.
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