Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Tom

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Tom stand out as two compelling options for tactile switch enthusiasts. The Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offering users a satisfying typing experience that combines feedback with auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Tom, while lacking a specific standout feature, still provides a reliable tactile experience that appeals to users seeking a balanced and versatile option. Each switch has its merits: the Cliff is perfect for those who value clarity and feedback in their keystrokes, while the Tom is suitable for users looking for a dependable, general-purpose switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Outemu Tom Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Tom switches exhibit remarkable similarities in their housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to their auditory characteristics. Polycarbonate is lauded for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material choice not only enhances the clarity and resonance of the switches but also emphasizes their translucent nature, a feature that is especially beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting. Thus, both the Cliff and the Tom promise a visually appealing aesthetic while delivering a bright and clear audio experience, making them particularly well-suited for gamers and typists who value both performance and visual flair.

While the top housings of both switches are constructed from polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing materials; yet, both employ nylon, creating a balanced acoustic dynamic. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile. When typing, this material absorbs more sound than stiffer counterparts, resulting in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. Yet, although the bottom housing's impact is felt during key presses, it harmonizes with the crispness introduced by the polycarbonate top. Therefore, both switches provide a well-rounded sound experience, blending the vibrancy of the top housing with the warm depth of the bottom housing.

Even with their shared essence in materials, the Bsun Cliff and Outemu Tom may reflect nuanced differences in performance depending on their construction specifics. The polycarbonate top provides a lively sound when the keys are released, while the nylon bottom is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes. This division of sound characteristics highlights how the unique blend of materials interacts, affecting user experience. Consequently, whether used in gaming or typing, the Cliff and Tom switches embody a harmonious relationship between top and bottom housings, offering a compelling synthesis of clarity and richness that can elevate the typing experience significantly.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch differ significantly, catering to different user preferences. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience ideal for extended use, such as in a work setting or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tom switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel, but lacks an available bottom out force measurement. This means that while the actuation force in the Tom is significantly higher, the absence of a bottom out force measurement does not allow for a direct comparison in that aspect. Therefore, for users who favor a lighter touch for comfort, the Cliff is the better option, while those who appreciate a firmer key press with tactile feedback might lean towards the Outemu Tom, despite the incomplete information regarding its bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is clear that they differ in their specifications. The Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tom has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Cliff switch provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Tom makes it a potentially better choice for gamers looking for quicker response times in their key presses. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Outemu Tom would be the preferable option, while the Bsun Cliff may be favored by users who enjoy a deeper, more traditional typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is defined by a crisp signature that resonates lightly with each keystroke, creating a delightful auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. This lends itself to a somewhat pronounced noise level, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a clear auditory response without it being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactile switch does not have a defined sound profile commonly associated with it, leaving the specifics of its acoustic characteristics unknown. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can vary significantly based on factors such as the keyboard plate material and the type of keycaps used, so users can still achieve a pleasant sound experience regardless of the specific switch.

When it comes to the tactile feel, the Cliff switch offers a medium level of tactility that provides a balanced feedback, allowing typists to easily discern when the actuation point is reached. This tactile bump contributes positively to typing accuracy and has become a favorite for many who enjoy a tactile response without excessive resistance. In contrast, the Tom switch does not have a broadly established tactile feel described in available resources, which may make it a less certain choice for enthusiasts looking for distinct tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out with its combined qualities of a medium tactile feel and a crisp sound signature, making it appealing for typists seeking engagement and responsiveness. The Outemu Tom switch presents uncertainties in its sound and tactile characteristics, but without conclusive descriptions, its performance might still resonate with users looking for a different typing experience. Ultimately, both switches can offer enjoyable typing experiences; however, those who prefer clear acoustic feedback and defined tactility may find the Cliff switch more to their liking.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Tom tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a balanced tactile feedback along with a crisp sound, the Cliff might be your ideal choice. Its medium tactility and sounding signature can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy typing fast and want a satisfying response without much resistance. On the other hand, if you're uncertain about the Tom's specifications due to the lack of available information regarding its tactility and sound, it may be more prudent to lean towards the Cliff, which has established characteristics. In summary, if you're seeking an enjoyable and precise typing experience, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is likely the better option for you, while the Outemu Tom might be worth considering only if its specific traits become clearer in the future.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Tom Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more