Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Purple Click offer distinct yet appealing features that cater to various typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, delivering a satisfying feedback that strikes a balance between usability and auditory pleasure for typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch, often referred to as Purple Sauce, is recognized for its high-pitched, satisfying click, which provides a pronounced tactile sensation that is invigorating without being overbearing. This switch offers light keystrokes that create an enjoyable typing experience, making it a favorite for those who enjoy auditory cues with their input. While both switches enhance the typing experience in unique ways—whether you're drawn to the Cliff's balanced feedback or the engaging click of the Purple Click—it’s essential to delve deeper into their characteristics to determine the best fit for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and KTT Purple Click keyboards both feature polycarbonate top housings, making their sound profiles notably similar. Polycarbonate is renowned for its stiffness, which contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucency also enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for vibrant light diffusion through the housing. As both keyboards utilize this polycarbonate composition for their top housings, users can expect a similar performance regarding sound clarity and visual effects, especially when in a lit environment. The shared characteristic of polycarbonate guarantees that any user will experience bright and defined auditory feedback from key presses, contributing to an overall engaging experience.
In contrast, the lower housing materials of both keyboards diverge, with the Bsun Cliff using nylon and the KTT Purple Click also opting for nylon. This classic material choice provides a different auditory experience than polycarbonate, as nylon tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. As a result, switches that feature nylon in the bottom housing are characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the top polycarbonate housing enhances treble and clarity, the nylon bottom contributes warmth and rounds out the overall sound. This combination of materials ensures that while both keyboards have a crisper top-end, they also provide a rich and satisfying bottom-end sound profile owing to the nylon’s damping qualities.
Ultimately, the distinct use of nylon for the bottom housing in both the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Purple Click allows users to enjoy the benefits of varied sound profiles. The composite result of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom results in a well-balanced auditory experience, with the high frequencies being articulated by the polycarbonate and the low frequencies rounded by the nylon. Therefore, even though the top housing is identical in both models, users will still perceive different auditory nuances when pressing the keys down and releasing them, thus reflecting the unique qualities imparted by each material’s specific role in sound production and resonance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we see some clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a good option for those who prefer a lighter touch, especially for extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Purple Click switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 40 grams and has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that while the Cliff switch offers a more delicate feel, the Purple Click provides a stronger tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a switch that feels lighter during use, the Bsun Cliff is the better choice, whereas the KTT Purple Click might suit those who prefer a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the KTT Purple Click switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Cliff switch may appeal more to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, as shorter distances can enhance speed during gameplay. In contrast, the Purple Click, with its longer 4 mm travel, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke and a more pronounced feedback. Thus, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Cliff offers a shorter travel distance conducive to rapid key presses, whereas the Purple Click's slightly longer travel distance caters to those who value a more substantial feel when typing or gaming.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 profiles of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, notable distinctions arise. The Cliff is known for its crisp sound signature, which suggests a clean auditory feedback that may appeal to users who prefer a refined acoustic experience. In contrast, the Purple Click switch delivers a unique auditory character characterized by its crunchy and resonant notes, akin to the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. This higher-pitched click contributes an immersive auditory experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy pronounced clicking sounds while typing. Given these differences, those who prioritize clarity may prefer the Cliff, whereas users drawn to a more pronounced and engaging auditory experience might favor the Purple Click.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility that is likely to provide a satisfying yet unobtrusive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch presents a more invigorating feel; it responds with pronounced feedback and has a stepped tactile design that enables users to feel two distinct stages in the keystroke. This snappy and reactive engagement allows for an immersive typing sensation, especially appealing to typists who appreciate a more detailed feedback with each key press. The Cliff may cater to those looking for a subtler tactile experience, while the Purple Click excels in delivering a more dynamic and invigorating feel.
In conclusion, while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, they cater to different preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. The Bsun Cliff stands out for its crisp and clean auditory profile alongside a medium tactility, making it suitable for users seeking subtle feedback. In comparison, the KTT Purple Click impresses with its distinct, high-pitched crunchy sound and invigorating tactile response. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether one values clarity and subtlety or a pronounced auditory experience paired with an engaging tactile sensation. Each switch has unique characteristics that can significantly enhance your typing experience based on personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, consider your typing style and sound preferences. If you lean towards a lighter touch and appreciate a balance between tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction without overwhelming sounds, the Cliff might be your go-to option. Its medium tactility and crisp sound signature cater well to those who prefer a gentler typing experience, making it suitable for long hours of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced click with a higher-pitched sound reminiscent of crunching autumn leaves, the Purple Click switch could enhance your typing experience. With its invigorating feedback and a slightly firmer actuation force, it’s perfect for those who relish the auditory aspect of typing and prefer a more engaging keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a light tactile experience or an engaging clicky sound, ensuring your mechanical keyboard suits both your functional needs and personal tastes.
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