Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a significant role, and the choice between tactile and linear switches can greatly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing distinct feedback that can enhance typing precision and satisfaction for those who enjoy a responsive feel with audible confirmation. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch offers a smooth, buttery experience, characterized by its medium-heavy actuation and polished finish that reduces friction for effortless key travel—ideal for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted stroke. Both options cater to different preferences, with the Cliff being perfect for users who thrive on tactile feedback and the Pine appealing to those who prioritize smoothness and speed. 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the KTT Pine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a notably similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes significantly to this effect, enabling clearer resonance that enhances the overall performance of the switch. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting, making these switches particularly appealing for aesthetic builds. Since both the Cliff and Pine feature the same material in their top housing, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of brightness and sound clarity when using these switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, there's a distinct contrast between the materials used in the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Pine. The Cliff incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, a traditional choice that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer alternatives. This creates a muted and rounded auditory experience, particularly notable when key presses bottom out. Conversely, the KTT Pine uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the sharpness of its top. This choice may yield a more consistent sound profile across the entire switch, as the rigidity of polycarbonate delivers clarity at both the top and the bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of materials results in two distinctly different sound experiences in terms of overall acoustic quality. While the Cliff’s nylon bottom excels in producing a deeper and more rounded sound, the Pine’s all-polycarbonate construction maintains a sharp consistency throughout the keypress. This distinction plays a crucial role in how the switches feel and sound during use. When evaluating these two options, it’s important for users to consider their preferences for sound profiles and to choose a switch that aligns with their typing or gaming style, as the differences in the bottom housing materials significantly impact the overall key experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, we see some distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams, offering a more substantial tactile feel that some users might favor for a more pronounced typing experience. This means that while the Cliff switch is more suited for those looking for comfort over long durations, the Pine switch appeals to those who appreciate a firmer push. Overall, the Cliff is the lighter option, while the Pine is the heavier choice, reflecting different user preferences in actuation force and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Pine linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Cliff has a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine, making it a potentially better choice for users who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Pine's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience and deeper feedback when typing. Overall, if you're after a switch that offers quicker actuation and feels less abrupt, the Cliff would be the favorable option, while the Pine might be more suited for those who enjoy an added depth in their key presses.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine 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 comparing the sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Cliff is known for its crisp sound signature, which accompanies its medium tactility, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. This makes it an engaging choice for typists who appreciate a pronounced sound during their typing experience. In contrast, the Pine switch offers a deeper, richer sound profile, often described as bassy and low-pitched. This gives the Pine switch a mellow and warm auditory feedback that feels soothing, particularly when compared to the sharper sound of the Cliff. Ultimately, the sound of each switch will also vary depending on the specific keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility, which means users can expect a noticeable bump when the switch is actuated. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience by allowing typists to sense their key presses more effectively. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is designed for a smooth, buttery feel that promotes an effortless typing experience. The factory lubrication and polished finish contribute to this creamy sensation, which reduces friction significantly. When using the Pine switches, it feels like gliding effortlessly over the keys, providing a seamless typing action without tactile interruption.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and KTT Pine switches offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff's crisp sound and medium tactility cater to those who enjoy responsive feedback and a more pronounced auditory signature. In contrast, the Pine switch excels with its smooth, creamy feel and deeper sound profile, ideal for users who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Each switch offers its own merits, allowing newcomers to choose based on whether they prefer tactile feedback combined with a sharp sound or a buttery smooth keystroke accompanied by a richer auditory experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile feedback during your key presses and prefer a light feel—ideal for both gaming and typing—the Cliff’s 45-gram actuation force and medium tactility can enhance your experience, providing both responsiveness and an engaging sound profile. The crisp sound signature of the Cliff can also make your typing sessions feel more lively, which is perfect if you enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother and more effortless typing experience, the KTT Pine’s heavier 58-gram bottom-out force and buttery, creamy feel can deliver a superior level of comfort and fluidity. This makes the Pine an excellent choice for long typing sessions or for those who prioritize a quieter setup with its bassy sound signature. Therefore, evaluating your typing habits and what feels best for you will lead you to the right switch that complements your mechanical keyboard experience.
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