Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Quinn both present compelling options for those seeking a tactile experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Cliff switches offer a medium level of tactility paired with a crisp sound profile, making them ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced feedback without an overwhelming auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switches provide a unique tactile sensation that blends a light switch-like feel with a deep, resonant sound thanks to their specially designed nylon housings. This combination results in a rich and immersive auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more character-driven typing environment. While both switches aim to enhance your typing experience through their tactile feedback, they do so in distinct ways that cater to varying preferences. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Quinn switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affect their acoustic profiles. The Cliff switch features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic is attributed to polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for a more vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn is made with a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, imparting a duller and rounder tonal quality to the keypresses, creating a more muted auditory experience compared to the Cliff.
Both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which means they share similar acoustic qualities in that regard. The nylon used in the bottom housing of both the Cliff and Quinn contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it effectively dampens sound and creates a softer bottom-out experience. This characteristic is crucial because the bottom housing has a significant impact on the switch's feel and the sound produced when the key is fully pressed down. Thus, despite their differing top housings, both switches will share a consistent sound profile at the point of actuation due to their matching nylon bottom components, ensuring that the experience at the bottom-out stage remains relatively uniform across both models.
In summary, the main contrast between the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Quinn lies in their top housing materials, which result in different sound profiles when typing. While the Cliff's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper auditory feedback ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced sound, the Quinn’s nylon top housing caters to users seeking a warmer, more subdued typing experience. However, the commonality of nylon in the bottom housings ensures a consistent sound and feel when the keys are fully depressed. Therefore, while the overall auditory experience may differ during key release, the bottom-out sound and feel will exhibit similar characteristics, creating a balanced typing experience despite the differences in sound profiles associated with the top housings.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or extended gaming. Conversely, the Quinn has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for a more tactile and pronounced feedback during typing. This contrast means that the Cliff is better suited for those who favor a lighter touch, while the Quinn caters to those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Since the actuation and bottom out forces for both switches are different, it’s clear that they provide distinct typing experiences: one is light and smooth, and the other is medium-heavy and robust.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Quinn has a slightly shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Bsun Cliff offers a deeper key press, which some users might find more satisfying and less abrupt, providing a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Quinn may be the preferable choice, while the Cliff is better suited for those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a crisp audio signature, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. While the specifics regarding pitch and resonance aren't provided, the Cliff’s sound is notably defined and pronounced. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch delivers a more complex auditory experience characterized by a deep, resonant profile that combines both bassy and clacky qualities. This switch’s sound features low-pitched elements that enrich the typing experience, offering a vibrant sound that is less sharp but more immersive, ensuring that each keystroke resonates with depth and warmth.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is noted for its medium tactility. This means it offers a balance that isn’t overwhelming but still noticeable, providing adequate feedback to the typist. Although the exact nuances of the Cliff's tactile feedback aren't elaborated upon, the description suggests a solid typing sensation. The Gateron Quinn tactile switch, on the other hand, is packed with a range of textured feedback qualities. It presents snappiness, polished smoothness, and a bouncy rebound with each key press, contributing to an engaging and dynamic typing experience. The Quinn's tactile bump is described as precise and clean, indicating a well-engineered switch that prioritizes responsiveness and overall typing enjoyment.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Quinn tactile switches present distinct characteristics, they cater to different preferences within the typing community. The Cliff offers a crisp sound and reliable medium tactility for users favoring clear feedback, while the Quinn provides a deeper, resonant sound and a more textured tactile experience. This makes the choice between the two largely dependent on whether you prioritize sound depth and complexity or a balanced tactile response with clarity in audio feedback. Regardless of your choice, both switches will deliver an enjoyable typing experience, but they do embody different aspects of tactile feedback and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Quinn tactile switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter switch with a medium level of tactility, making it easier to type quickly and with less finger fatigue, the Bsun Cliff may be the ideal option for you. Its crisp sound signature enhances your typing without being overly intrusive, making it suitable for both office environments and home usage where a quieter operation is preferred. On the other hand, if you appreciate a robust feel and sound, alongside a more pronounced tactile feedback, then the Gateron Quinn would be a better fit. With its heavier bottom-out force providing a more substantial keystroke, the Quinn delivers a rich and immersive auditory experience with each press. This switch's snappy and polished feel can make typing feel alive and engaging, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a vibrant and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you seek comfort and speed or an engaging and tactile typing sensation.
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