Bsun Cliff vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect your typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch. The Cliff switch is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, catering to users who enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances the responsiveness of each keystroke. In contrast, the RedBlue switch offers a medium-light typing experience characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience without the interruption of tactile bumps. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches often comes down to personal preference: if you enjoy the tactile feedback and auditory feedback of a tactile switch, the Cliff may be your best bet, while those who favor a linear feel may find the RedBlue more appealing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the SP-Star RedBlue utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which yields a sharply defined sound profile characterized by crispness and clarity. Both switches benefit from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which heightens the overall resonance and enhances the auditory response upon key press. This commonality denotes that when using either switch, gamers or typists can expect a similar experience in terms of sound while pressing or releasing keys, particularly when RGB lighting is considered. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for brilliant lighting effects, making both of these switches visually appealing in addition to their auditory qualities.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly in material choice. The Cliff employs nylon for its bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer texture. This characteristic tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a muted effect compared to the sharper sound produced by harder materials. Conversely, the RedBlue integrates polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well—further reinforcing the high-pitched and crisp auditory experience at the bottom-out moment. Thus, the nature of the bottom housing distinctly shapes the overall typing experience between the two switches, with the Cliff providing a rounder sound, while the RedBlue maintains a more consistent high-end profile.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Bsun Cliff and SP-Star RedBlue creates unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences. The Cliff offers a balanced experience with its nylon bottom housing, allowing for a warmer and more subdued auditory feedback during keystrokes. In contrast, the RedBlue's reliance on polycarbonate throughout both housings accentuates the bright and lively response expected from modern mechanical keyboards. Users who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback may prefer the Cliff, while those who favor sharper clarity might gravitate towards the RedBlue. Regardless, both switches promise similar results in terms of sound clarity from the polycarbonate top housing, ensuring that each offers an engaging typing experience with their distinct touches.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly impact typing comfort and preference. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option that suits users who favor a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions at work or gaming. In contrast, while the actuation force for the RedBlue switch is unspecified, its bottom out force is measured at 57 grams, indicating that it might provide a more substantial feel when bottoming out. This heavier bottom out force suggests a firmer typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push. Consequently, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is the lighter choice overall, while the SP-Star RedBlue provides a heavier tactile feedback for those who appreciate more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in distance may affect feel and responsiveness. While the Cliff offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker actuation and a more immediate response—ideal for gamers seeking rapid feedback—the RedBlue's 4 mm travel can provide a satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Thus, if you value responsiveness and speed, the Bsun Cliff would be the better choice, whereas the SP-Star RedBlue may appeal to those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate press. Overall, the Bsun Cliff is the shorter option, while the SP-Star RedBlue is the longer one.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 provides a crisp sound signature, which contributes to a clear auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. This characteristic can create an engaging typing experience, as each keystroke is distinctly audible. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is noted for its low-pitched sound profile. This type of switch typically generates a more mellow and bass-heavy tone, which can be conducive to environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The sound produced by the RedBlue is generally more subdued and can be perceived as less distracting compared to the more pronounced auditory feedback of the Cliff switch, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff switch is recognized for its medium tactility, which offers a noticeable bump during actuation that helps typists identify when a key has been activated without requiring excessive force. This characteristic makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy tactile feedback during their typing sessions. Conversely, the RedBlue aims to provide a medium-light typing experience, characterized by a mild feel that is approachable for most users. Its polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined key travel, ensuring that the typing experience is not just gentle, but also enjoyable and unobtrusive. Both switches emphasize comfort but approach it from different angles—tactile feedback versus a muted but smooth activation.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cliff’s crisp, tactile nature appeals to those who prefer pronounced feedback, while the RedBlue's low-pitched, mild experience is ideal for users seeking a quieter, smoother keystroke. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile and auditory engagement or a soft and polished typing experience. Should you find these qualities appealing in their respective ways, you will likely enjoy similar satisfaction stemming from their distinct performances.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and a crisp sound, the Cliff is an excellent option, especially for tasks that benefit from clear actuation cues like typing or coding. Its 45-gram actuation force makes it accessible for extended use without tire, while its medium tactility will enhance your typing accuracy, making it a top pick for tactile enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the RedBlue linear switch should be your go-to. The 57-gram actuation offers a balanced feel that can be particularly appealing for gaming or heavy typing sessions, providing a polished and mild experience that minimizes finger fatigue. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the environment in which you will predominantly be using your keyboard—whether you desire a tactile sensation or a polished linear feel for a seamless typing experience.
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