Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Red Panda

Overview

When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Red Panda stand out as two compelling tactile options, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, the Red Panda switches present a light-medium tactility, along with a distinct sound profile that features a thocky bass-rich bottom-out and a clackier top-out note, making them an attractive choice for those who enjoy a more auditory typing experience. While both switches have their merits—Cliff's precision and clarity appealing to those seeking a sharper feedback and Red Panda's warm soundscape drawing in users who prefer a richer acoustic profile—each one ultimately serves different user preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$3.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Red Panda keyboards share a significant similarity in their top housing materials, which are both made from polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for both switches, resulting in a crisp auditory experience when typing. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, thereby allowing for clear sound production. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is an aesthetic advantage, particularly for users who utilize RGB lighting. In both cases, users can expect a consistent sound experience influenced by the polycarbonate's properties, leading to similar auditory results when pressing keys on either switch.

Contrasting the top housings, both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Red Panda feature nylon for their bottom housings. This choice of material is essential for sound absorption, as nylon is comparatively softer and allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing helps to soften the overall sound produced when the key bottoms out, creating a more rounded auditory experience. While the polycarbonate top contributes to clarity and sharpness in sounds produced during release, nylon’s presence in the bottom amplifies depth during key presses. Thus, although both switches utilize the same materials for their respective parts, the combination leads to distinct characteristics in key interactions.

When the materials of the top and bottom housings are considered together, the interaction between them results in a unique typing experience for each switch. The polycarbonate top contributes to the sharpness and clarity of the sound while the nylon bottom moderates this with a fuller, deeper tone. As a result, when typing on either the Bsun Cliff or the Outemu Red Panda, users will notice that the top housing influences the sound produced upon release, while the bottom housing enriches the experience during the key press phase. This harmonious balance of materials highlights how the specific qualities of each housing work in tandem to create a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience, despite the differences in user preferences and switch applications.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to distinct user preferences. The Bsun Cliff boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience during extended use, such as in long gaming sessions or at work. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile feel that some users may find more satisfying for typing. While both switches perform well in their respective categories, the Cliff is the lighter option, ideal for users seeking comfort, while the Red Panda is better suited for those who appreciate a stronger push feel and a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red Panda measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that if you choose the Cliff, you'll experience a deeper press when typing or gaming, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. On the other hand, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance can lead to quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for the Outemu Red Panda would be the way to go, whereas those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Bsun Cliff.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a medium sound profile characterized by a crisp and clean signature. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda features a more dynamic auditory experience, where the bottom-out sound is described as bassier and reminiscent of a raindrop, while the top-out sound delivers a clackier, higher-pitched note. This contrast between the two creates a distinct auditory identity for each switch; the Cliff may appeal to those who prefer a more straightforward, refined sound, while the Red Panda will attract users who enjoy a richer, more resonant acoustic feedback.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a satisfying but not overly pronounced feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Red Panda delivers a light-medium amount of tactility, resulting in a typing experience that is more accommodating and approachable. This difference means that the Cliff could be favored by typists who enjoy a bit more tactile response, while the Red Panda caters to those who may prefer a gentler, less intrusive sensation under their fingers, striking a balance that most users will find comfortable.

In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches bring unique qualities to the table. While the Cliff offers a crisp sound and medium tactility, the Red Panda stands out with its bassier and clackier sounds along with a lighter feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on your personal preferences regarding acoustics and typing feedback, but you can expect a satisfying experience from either option.

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately comes down to your preferences regarding actuation force, tactility, and sound signature. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a medium level of tactility accompanied by a crisp auditory feedback, the Bsun Cliff switches would be an excellent choice for tasks that require prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as their 45-gram bottom-out force reduces finger fatigue. However, if you enjoy a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, along with a deeper, thocky sound that adds character to your keystrokes, the Outemu Red Panda switch would be more suited to your needs. These switches provide a mild tactility that strikes a balance for many users while delivering a richer audio experience typical of 'thocky' switches. Thus, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, more tactile experience or a more pronounced auditory feedback combined with a firmer actuation.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Panda Tactile

$3.40 per 10

Learn more