Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Spring Breeze, each offering distinct tactile experiences. The Cliff is well-regarded for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a noticeable feedback without the loudness of a clicky switch. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze, categorized as a clicky switch, provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel satisfying and expressive, perfect for typists who enjoy the audible confirmation that comes with every press. While the Cliff's balance of tactility and subtlety may appeal to those seeking a quieter workspace, the Spring Breeze attracts users looking for a lively and engaging typing 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 to those of the Outemu Spring Breeze, a distinct contrast is evident in the choice of materials used for the top housings. The Bsun Cliff employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's transparency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a favorable choice for users who appreciate visual aesthetics in their keyboard setups. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, making the typing experience feel rounder and more substantial. Thus, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Cliff’s polycarbonate top is geared more towards clarity and visual appeal, contrasting sharply with the warmer, absorbed sound signature produced by the Spring Breeze’s nylon top.
The bottom housings of both switches are consistent in their use of nylon material, which brings about a similar acoustic experience when typing. Given that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile from both models when keys are bottomed out. Nylon's softer characteristics help absorb some sound, contributing to a more pleasant typing experience. Consequently, while there is a clear divergence in the sound characteristics between the polycarbonate top of the Cliff and the nylon top of the Spring Breeze, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing connects the two switches in terms of sound absorption and typing feel, leading to a more muted but satisfactory feedback during use.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials used for the top housings result in varying sound profiles and aesthetic choices for the two switches, while the shared nylon for the bottom housings aligns their auditory experiences. Users who appreciate the clarity and brightness of the Bsun Cliff may opt for its polycarbonate top, while those who prefer a deeper, more resonant sound may gravitate towards the Outemu Spring Breeze with its nylon top. Regardless, the combined effect of each switch’s materials offers a diversity of tactile and auditory experiences, ensuring that users can choose according to their personal preferences while still benefitting from the sound-dampening properties common to nylon material in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find some noteworthy differences that cater to various user preferences. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to press down. Conversely, the Spring Breeze switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a firmer feedback that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. While both switches exhibit a relatively medium-light feel, the Cliff overall is the lighter option, allowing for easier prolonged use, whereas the Spring Breeze provides added resistance that could appeal to those who appreciate a more robust keystroke. These differences highlight the importance of personal preference in selecting the right switch for typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option of the two, suggesting a more responsive feel that gamers might prefer. In contrast, the Spring Breeze, with its longer travel distance, offers a more pronounced depth that can appeal to those who favor a less abrupt keystroke. Both switches are designed for different user experiences; if you lean towards speedy response times, the Cliff might be your pick, while the Spring Breeze will provide a richer tactile feedback for those who enjoy a deeper key press. The difference in travel distances highlights the varying preferences among users, with the Cliff encouraging quick, sharp actions and the Spring Breeze delivering a more traditional 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 Spring Breeze 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 considering the sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, it is characterized by a crisp sound signature that emphasizes clarity without being overly intrusive. This makes it a desirable option for users who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch doesn't have specific sound qualities attributed to it, but clicky switches generally tend to produce a more pronounced and tactile click with each keystroke. However, it should be noted that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard construction and chosen keycap material, meaning that even if the Cliff has a crisp sound, the Spring Breeze’s output could yield a higher decibel level due to its inherent clicky nature.
Moving to the feel of these switches, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump that is neither too soft nor overwhelmingly harsh. This makes it an excellent choice for those who desire a satisfying tactile sensation without excessive force required to actuate the switch. On the contrary, the Spring Breeze, being a clicky switch, typically focuses on delivering a more pronounced and audible feedback alongside a tactile bump. While the precise tactile force of the Spring Breeze isn't specified, clicky switches generally provide a firmer feel, which can cater to typists who enjoy a more engaging keystroke.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences. If you prefer a crisp sound with medium tactility, the Cliff is a strong contender. However, if you gravitate towards a more pronounced clicking mechanism, the Spring Breeze may be more appealing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a balanced tactile experience or crave the sharp feedback of a clicky switch, all while considering how your keyboard setup can influence sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a lighter tactile experience with a more pronounced feel and crisp sound, the Cliff is an excellent option for you, especially if you do a lot of typing or gaming where responsiveness is key. The 45-gram bottom out force makes it comfortable for extended use, while the medium tactility ensures that you receive feedback without excessive resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and enjoy a more pronounced click sound while typing, the Spring Breeze might be the way to go, providing a solid tactile experience with its 55-gram bottom out force. Although it lacks a specific known characteristic beyond being a clicky switch, the feedback you receive will enhance your typing experience, especially if you're a fan of auditory feedback. Ultimately, assess your typing style, how much feedback you desire, and whether sound is an essential factor for you to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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