Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and KTT Phalaenopsis stand out as compelling options, each offering unique tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate a balanced feel and auditory feedback during their typing sessions. This switch delivers a satisfying typing experience without being overly loud, perfect for both office environments and gaming setups alike. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a light actuation force of just 37g that minimizes finger fatigue, especially during extended use. With a tactile force of 50g, it provides a pronounced tactile bump that enhances each keystroke, allowing for a delightful typing rhythm. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Cliff leans toward a more refined auditory experience, whereas the Phalaenopsis prioritizes a lighter touch for endurance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and KTT Phalaenopsis switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which significantly contributes to their sound characteristics. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in top housing material means that both switches will exhibit a clear and resonant sound when the keys are pressed, especially beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances lighting effects. The aesthetic and auditory qualities derived from the polycarbonate top housing thus provide a consistent experience across both switches in terms of performance and visual appeal.
However, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and KTT Phalaenopsis contrast in material, with the Cliff utilizing nylon and the Phalaenopsis opting for polycarbonate. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is softer and absorbs sound more effectively compared to the stiffer polycarbonate found in the Phalaenopsis. Consequently, the sound profile of the Cliff's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Phalaenopsis's purely polycarbonate construction continues to reflect the sharper and crisper quality throughout. Thus, the two switches will feel different during typing: the Cliff will provide a rounded bottom-out sound whereas the Phalaenopsis will maintain a sharper note due to its matching housing.
In essence, the differentiation in bottom housing material greatly impacts the tactile and auditory experience of the two switches. While both benefit from the polycarbonate top housing's clarity and brilliance, the nylon bottom of the Bsun Cliff delivers a unique depth to the overall sound profile that is absent in the KTT Phalaenopsis. Therefore, users seeking a fuller typing experience may prefer the Cliff, while those desiring a consistent clarity throughout both the bottom and the top may gravitate towards the Phalaenopsis. Despite their contrasting materials, both switches can achieve commendable results in sound performance, albeit through different auditory qualities that cater to varying preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 37 grams, which means they provide a similar feel when initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Cliff at 45 grams and the Phalaenopsis at 50 grams. This means that while both switches can be activated with the same light force, the Phalaenopsis requires a little more effort to fully press down, providing a slightly heavier typing experience. For users who prefer a lighter switch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue, the Cliff may be the better option. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing may gravitate towards the KTT Phalaenopsis due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, both switches are considered light, but the Cliff offers a less strenuous experience overall compared to the Phalaenopsis.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Bsun Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cliff switch provides a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis offers a more pronounced depth, catering to those who appreciate a firmer tactile experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize quick responses, the Bsun Cliff may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis is ideal for users who enjoy a deeper key travel with its 4 mm distance.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 offers a crisp sound signature that suggests a clear auditory feedback on each keystroke. This contrasts with the KTT Phalaenopsis switch, which has a deeper, richer sound profile, characterized as both "bassy" and "thocky." The Phalaenopsis produces a more resonant and satisfying auditory experience, invoking the sensation of a deep "thud" or soft "knock" upon key presses. The difference in sound attributes indicates that users seeking a pronounced auditory response may prefer the Cliff, while those looking for a fuller, thocky timbre might gravitate towards the Phalaenopsis.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is noted for its medium level of tactility, providing a balanced typing experience that isn’t overly pronounced, allowing for comfortable typing. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis boasts a satisfying tactile bump along with a light actuation force of 37g, meaning that it requires less effort to actuate while still providing tactile feedback, thus minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped nature of its tactile feedback gives the user the sensation of two distinct stages during a keystroke, which may not provide as immediate a response as the medium tactility of the Cliff.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Bsun Cliff is optimal for those who enjoy a crisp sound with medium tactility, while the KTT Phalaenopsis emphasizes a softer actuation force combined with a deeper sound profile and a unique stepped tactile feedback. Your choice between these two will ultimately hinge on whether you prioritize auditory richness or a gentle typing experience with less resistance. Regardless, users will appreciate that both switches offer enjoyable, engaging typing sensations, albeit through different auditory and tactile pathways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you desire. If you appreciate a lighter key feel combined with a medium tactile response and crisp sound, the Cliff switch may be the ideal choice for you, especially if you enjoy the sensation of each keystroke being pronounced without excessive force. On the other hand, if you favor a more nuanced tactile feedback with a deeper, bassy sound profile, the Phalaenopsis is an excellent option. Its slightly higher tactile force offers a satisfying bump that enhances the feedback without straining your fingers during extended use, making it suitable for long typing sessions. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s sound, tactile feedback, or overall typing fatigue—and choose accordingly between the Cliff's lighter, crisper experience and the Phalaenopsis's rich, deeper feedback.
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