Bsun Cliff vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, both the Bsun Cliff and SP-Star Polaris Purple offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a balanced typing experience without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple distinguishes itself with a pronounced tactile bump, delivering an exhilarating tactile sensation alongside a snappy sound profile, ideal for users seeking a more pronounced feedback. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile experience, but their differing levels of tactility and sound can influence your decision based on personal preference and intended use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the SP-Star Polaris Purple both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, resulting in a strikingly similar acoustic profile. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound. This material's translucency greatly enhances RGB lighting effects, making both switches aesthetically appealing in illuminated setups. As both switches employ polycarbonate in the top housing, users can expect the sound quality to be crisp and clear, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen.
However, the differences arise in the bottom housing materials. The Bsun Cliff utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer, more absorbent qualities. This creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muted bottom-out noise when the keys are pressed. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple opts for polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, mirroring the top's attributes. Consequently, the Polaris Purple achieves a sharper sound profile throughout, with both the top and bottom housing contributing to a more consistent, higher-pitched tone.
These variations in housing materials illustrate how switches can produce diverse sound profiles while sharing similar top housing features. When users press down on the Bsun Cliff, they will feel and hear the plush, rounded acoustics generated by the nylon bottom, contrasting with the Polaris Purple's sharper sound occurring on both the actuation and bottom-out stages. Ultimately, the decided choice between the two will depend on user preference for sound characteristics, as the composite material choices effectively shape the overall typing experience in complementary yet distinct manners.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cliff has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a great option for those who prefer less resistance, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, although its actuation force remains unspecified. This suggests that while the Polaris Purple may require a stronger push to register a keystroke due to its higher bottom out force, the exact actuation force might provide insight into whether it feels significantly heavier or lighter during use. Consequently, users who prioritize a lighter typing experience should lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while those who enjoy a sturdier feel may favor the Polaris Purple's heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Cliff switch may provide a more responsive feel, potentially appealing to gamers or users who favor quick key presses. Conversely, the Polaris Purple switch, with its greater 4 mm travel distance, may deliver a more substantial bottom-out experience that some users find more satisfying. If someone prefers a more tactile feel with a hearty depth, the Polaris Purple would likely be the better choice. Therefore, for those seeking swift reactions in gaming or typing, the Cliff switch’s shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm offers an advantage, while the Polaris Purple’s longer 4 mm travel distance caters to users who appreciate a deeper key press.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 signature that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience. This clarity makes it stand out during use, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple is known for its snappy sound, which contributes to an engaging atmosphere when typing. It is described as having a neutral sound, making it versatile enough to suit various environments. Both switches’ sound qualities may be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps, but the Cliff generally leans towards a more vibrant sound, while the Polaris has a more balanced approach.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff offers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable bump that ensures users receive good feedback with each keystroke. This balance allows for an efficient typing rhythm. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple features a prominent tactile bump that creates an exhilarating experience, making each key press distinctly satisfying. Additionally, the Polaris Purple is classified as mild, which means its typing experience is gentle and approachable. Furthermore, the polished nature of this switch contributes to a smooth key travel, reducing friction and allowing for seamless typing. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Cliff leans towards a marked, medium tactile response, while the Polaris is known for its more pronounced and smoother characteristics.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff and SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switches provide distinct experiences for users. The Cliff delivers a crisp sound with medium tactility, making it suitable for those who appreciate clear auditory feedback, while the Polaris Purple excels with its snappy sound and pronounced tactile bump that invigorate typing sessions. Additionally, the Polaris is characterized by a mild touch coupled with a polished finish that enhances its overall comfort and usability. While both switches have unique qualities, they can cater to different typing preferences, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world can find a satisfying option tailored to their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a medium tactility with a crisp sound signature, the Bsun Cliff would likely be the better option for you. This makes it particularly well-suited for a more casual typing experience or if you tend to type quickly since the 45-gram bottom-out force requires less effort. Conversely, if you are seeking a switch with a more pronounced tactile bump and the sensation of a substantial key press, the Polaris Purple's heavier force of 67 grams will provide an exhilarating feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Additionally, the Polaris Purple’s polished and mild characteristics can be a great balance for both work and leisure, ensuring that your key presses are not only snappy but also comfortable. Ultimately, your priorities—whether they lean towards lightness and speed or a more robust tactile experience—will guide your decision.
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