Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, each catering to different typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff is characterized by its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, making it an ideal choice for typists who enjoy tactile feedback with each keystroke. This switch offers a pleasant resistance that can enhance typing accuracy while providing an auditory cue that many find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch delivers an incredibly smooth typing experience, with carefully lubricated keystrokes that glide effortlessly under the fingers. Its ultra-light actuation force and satisfying poppy and clacky sound profile appeal to gamers and typists alike who prioritize speed and quiet operation over tactile feedback. Both switches have their distinct advantages depending on user preference, with the Cliff emphasizing tactile feedback and auditory cues and the Poro focusing on smoothness and reduced noise. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Poro, a clear distinction emerges in their top housing configurations. The Bsun Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic enhances the clarity and resonance of the audio produced by the switch, making it particularly appealing for users who favor a more pronounced auditory experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, further adding to its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, which is renowned for delivering a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon contributes to its sound absorption properties, resulting in a rounder and more mellow auditory experience.
The bottom housings of both models, however, are identical in material usage, as they both incorporate nylon as their choice of material. This consistency ensures that key characteristics, such as sound absorption and overall tactile feedback, remain the same between the two switches when typing. The nylon bottom housing is key in determining the bottom-out sound and feel, presenting a deeper tone that creates a satisfying experience for the user. Typists can expect a similar, rich auditory result purely from the nylon bottom housing regardless of whether they are using a Bsun Cliff or an HMX Poro. This convergence in bottom housing material allows for a consistent foundational experience across both switches, making them appealing for diverse typing preferences.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in the Bsun Cliff and HMX Poro provides users with unique sound profiles that are influenced by their respective top shells. While the Cliff's polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity, the Poro's nylon counterpart offers deeper and softer resonance. Nevertheless, both switches benefit from the shared nylon bottom housing, leading to a cohesive typing experience that retains the inherent qualities of nylon. For users who desire a mix of auditory characteristics, these switches offer complementary attributes, with the nylon bottom housing anchoring the typing experience while the top materials shape distinct sound signatures.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the Poro switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while both switches are categorized as light, the Cliff offers a more effortless keystroke experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Poro provides a more substantial typing feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer push. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch might lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback should consider the HMX Poro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the Cliff offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, ideal for users who favor a more responsive key press, as shorter distances can lead to quicker actuation and enhanced performance, especially in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Poro's 3.7 mm travel appeals to those who enjoy a more traditional and hearty feel, providing a greater depth that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences regarding response time and actuation feel.
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 HMX Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro for $2.99.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature that is characteristic of a more pronounced tactile response, marking each keystroke with a satisfying auditory feedback. This clear sound makes it an engaging choice for typists who appreciate auditory cues with every press. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a poppy and clacky sound profile that is more subtle in nature, yet still provides enjoyable acoustic feedback due to its ultra-light actuation force. While both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, the overall sound will also depend heavily on the specific keyboard and keycap choices used, allowing for variations in how each switch's unique qualities are experienced.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a medium tactility that strikes a balance between a gentle bump and a solid tactile experience, making it suitable for users who desire both feedback and ease of typing. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch is all about smoothness, featuring meticulously lubricated components that create an effortless glide, devoid of any tactile bump. This results in a fluid keystroke that many find preferable for fast-paced typing and gaming scenarios. While the Cliff offers that tactile sensation to signify actuation, the Poro’s design caters to those looking for a seamless stroke.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch both bring their unique characteristics to the table, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cliff's pronounced sound and tactile feedback appeal to those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience, while the Poro’s smooth and subdued acoustics are perfect for users who prioritize speed and fluidity. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference regarding sound and feel, and both options can lead to satisfying results based on your typing style and keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preference for tactile feedback. If you enjoy a medium level of tactility and appreciate a crisp sound signature during typing, the Cliff switches would likely be your best choice. They cater well to those who prefer a clear tactile bump that enhances your typing experience, making it particularly suitable for typists and gamers who benefit from that tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother keystroke with less resistance and a more fluid feel, the HMX Poro linear switches would serve you better. These switches, known for their silky smooth action and a satisfyingly poppy sound profile, are ideal for users who prioritize a fast, uninterrupted typing experience, such as gamers and those who often type quickly without requiring tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer the tactile reassurance of the Cliff or the seamless glide provided by the Poro.
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