Bsun Cliff vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Ragdoll each offer their unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its satisfying medium tactility and crisp sound signature, catering to users who enjoy noticeable feedback with each keystroke, making it ideal for typists seeking a more engaged connection with their keyboard. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is celebrated for its smooth travel thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, providing a clacky sound that appeals to those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience, perfect for gaming or extended typing sessions without interruption. While the Cliff offers a tactile response that many find fulfilling, the Ragdoll’s linear nature appeals to those who enjoy a seamless motion with less resistance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and Bsun Ragdoll exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influences the sound profile and aesthetic appeal of each switch. The Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly suited for RGB lighting applications, as its clarity allows for vibrant light diffusion within the switch. In contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon absorbs more sound, it produces a rounder auditory experience, making the typing feel more substantial but less bright compared to the polycarbonate of the Cliff.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, a similarity arises as both the Cliff and the Ragdoll use nylon for this component. This shared choice enhances the depth of sound characteristic of both models, as nylon inherently dampens vibrations and creates a more muted acoustic profile. Consequently, when typing on these switches, the nylon bottom housing plays a pivotal role in delivering a fuller sound and an experiential sense of cushioning at the bottom-out point. Hence, while the Cliff and Ragdoll offer contrasting upper sound signatures due to their materials, the foundational aspects of the switches are harmoniously aligned, ensuring a substantial and resonant typing experience attributable to the common use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the interplay between the housing materials delineates the auditory and tactile differences between the two models. The Cliff's polycarbonate top delivers a clear and resonant sound upon release, while the Ragdoll's nylon top yields a more subdued feel. However, since both switches utilize nylon for their bottoms, they converge in providing a rich, consistent sound experience when the key reaches its lowest point. This balance between the qualities of different materials fosters a unique blend of sharpness and depth in the overall feel of both switches, illustrating how housing materials can dictate the tactile and acoustic characteristics of keyboard switches.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, is lighter, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer less resistance and the ability to type for extended periods with ease. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. This difference in forces translates to a more pronounced tactile feedback with the Ragdoll, as it requires a heavier push to engage. Consequently, while both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Cliff is better suited for prolonged use due to its lighter actuation, whereas the Ragdoll is ideal for users seeking more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Ragdoll switch provides a deeper press compared to the Cliff switch. For gamers who favor shorter travel distances for quicker response times, the Cliff may be the more suitable choice. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial feel in their keystrokes may prefer the Ragdoll's longer travel distance, allowing for a more deliberate and hearty response. Overall, the Bsun Cliff offers a shorter travel experience, while the Bsun Ragdoll provides a longer, more pronounced keystroke.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp sound signature that enhances the tactile experience without being overly loud. This makes it well-suited for both typing and gaming environments, as it provides audible feedback without being disruptive. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch emits a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This sound can be more pronounced, contributing to a different auditory experience that some users may find satisfying, particularly if they enjoy the characteristic sound that comes from linear switches.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing noticeable feedback at the actuation point. This can enhance typing accuracy and is particularly appealing to those who prefer a defined response when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is designed for smooth travel, which means it lacks the tactile bump that the Cliff provides. This creates a more fluid keystroke, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where swift key presses are essential.
Overall, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. While the Cliff focuses on tactile feedback and crisp sound, the Ragdoll emphasizes smoothness and a clacky auditory profile. Your choice between the two will depend largely on whether you prefer a tactile feel and a quieter experience or a smoother action with a pronounced auditory characteristic. Both switches cater to different styles, allowing users to select based on their individual typing or gaming needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Bsun Cliff tactile switches and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches largely depends on your personal typing style and the sensory feedback you seek from your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy tactile feedback, the Cliff is an excellent option with its 45-gram bottom-out force, providing a medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, which contributes to an engaging typing experience. This makes it ideal for those who type frequently and require a responsive feel with a satisfying "bump" at actuation. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a smoother keystroke without tactile interruptions, the Ragdoll linear switch may be more suited to your needs. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 52 grams, it offers a smooth travel and a clacky sound, making it an appealing choice for gamers or typists who appreciate a more consistent keypress without the tactile feedback. Therefore, consider your priorities: opt for the Cliff if you want tactile feedback and a lighter touch, or choose the Ragdoll for smoothness and a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels best for your typing or gaming preferences.