Bsun Cliff vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is designed to provide a medium tactility that delivers a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, accompanied by a crisp sound signature that many users find gratifying. This makes it an excellent choice for typists and gamers who appreciate the tactile sensation of a switch that allows them to feel when a key actuates. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, categorized as a linear switch, stands out due to its proprietary material blend that offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This switch can be a perfect fit for those who prefer a smooth typing experience without the interruption of tactile bumps. While both switches have their unique appeal, the choice between a tactile punch or a silky glide can be a matter of personal preference. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Piano, it becomes evident that both switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, yet they each deliver unique sonic profiles that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, allowing for a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile and compatibility with RGB lighting. This is critical for users looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetics and sound clarity. Conversely, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, producing a deeper sound profile that offers a satisfying auditory experience. Despite the apparent differences in material, both switches yield high-quality sound; however, the Cliff leans towards a brighter tone while the Piano favors a richer depth.
In terms of the bottom housing, a similarity emerges as both the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Piano utilize proprietary POM blends. The Cliff’s nylon bottom housing is recognized for its softer material, which absorbs sound and creates a fuller and rounder auditory experience, whereas the Piano’s proprietary POM blend also claims to provide a uniquely satisfying depth in sound. This alignment in bottom housing materials suggests that users of both switches can expect a robust sound signature, albeit manifested through different degrees of auditory experience. While nylon contributes a softer touch that can dull sharper sounds, POM’s potential versatility means it can balance clarity and depth according to its specific formulation.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the top and bottom housing materials will influence the overall sound profile when one interacts with the switches of both the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Piano. Given that the top housing plays a pivotal role in the sound produced during key release, and the bottom housing affects the bottoming out experience, users may find that these switches offer complementary qualities depending on their preferred typing experience. While the Cliff emphasizes brightness and clarity through its polycarbonate top, the Durock Piano highlights a more rounded, satisfying depth. In essence, the mixture of these materials shapes each switch's character, offering unique options for users depending on whether they prioritize sharpness or roundness in their typing sounds.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, significant differences emerge, making their selection dependent on user preference. The Bsun Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a more comfortable typing experience for those who type for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has a notably heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, though its actuation force remains unknown. This characteristic lends a more substantial push feel, catering to users who prefer a firmer feedback while typing. Consequently, the Bsun Cliff is the lighter option, ideal for users prioritizing comfort and ease, while the Durock Piano is the heavier choice, suited for those seeking a more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Piano measures slightly longer at 4.0 mm. This difference means that those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, might gravitate towards the shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Cliff, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress and a more pronounced tactile experience. Therefore, in this comparison, the Cliff is the shorter switch at 3.6 mm, while the Piano is the longer switch at 4.0 mm, making a notable distinction for potential users based on their preferences for depth and responsiveness in their typing 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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp resonance that provides clarity with each keystroke. This sharp auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile moments during typing. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep, creamy sound signature. It produces a bassy tone that lends a rich, full-bodied auditory character, creating a satisfying acoustic experience that is both soothing and immersive. The distinction in their sound is quite noticeable: the Cliff presents a brighter, more defined sound, while the Piano provides a deeper, more resonant thump.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, striking a balance that provides noticeable feedback without being overly resistant. This makes it suitable for users who appreciate a responsive typing experience without too much distraction. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch excels in providing a frictionless and silky typing experience. The smoothness of the Piano switch minimizes any sense of resistance, facilitating a gliding push feel that is both effortless and enjoyable during extended typing sessions. The Piano's design aims to enhance the overall fluidity and comfort of typing, catering to users who favor a consistent and uninterrupted key press.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Piano switches offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, differing primarily in sound and feel. The Cliff provides a crispy auditory feedback paired with medium tactility, while the Piano delivers a deep, bassy sound along with an incredibly smooth, frictionless feel. Depending on your preferences, you can select between these two options based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and clear sound of the Cliff or the rich, creamy audio and seamless typing of the Piano. Either switch can yield satisfying results, tailoring to various typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a lighter feel and enjoy a noticeable tactile bump along with a crisp sound, the Cliff switch would be an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable for typists who like to feel the actuation without excessive resistance, making it a great option for long writing sessions or for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch that provides an exceptionally smooth and frictionless feel, the Durock Piano switch is likely more aligned with your needs. The Piano's deeper, bassy sound and creamy gliding sensation cater well to gamers and typists who want a seamless experience, whether they are gaming or typing extensively. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making your final choice a reflection of your personal typing style and sound taste.
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