Bsun Cliff vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Cliff and the Akko Rosewood mechanical switches, enthusiasts often weigh the distinct features and experiences each offers. The Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility, providing a satisfying bump during key presses that enhances typing accuracy and feedback, complemented by a crisp sound signature that many users find pleasing. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch delivers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, producing a deep, satisfying "thock" sound right out of the box, thanks to a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This makes the Rosewood ideal for users who enjoy a quieter and more fluid typing experience, as well as for those who prioritize rapid key presses in gaming scenarios. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Akko Rosewood, it is evident that their top housings are made from distinctly different materials: polycarbonate for the Cliff and nylon for the Rosewood. Polycarbonate, utilized in the Cliff's top housing, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the material's stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for effective display of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those who value aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Rosewood utilizes nylon for its top housing, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more muted and rounded audio experience. Thus, while both switches may perform well in terms of sound, they deliver contrasting acoustic characteristics due to their differing top housing materials.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches, we see a unique aspect of their designs: both the Cliff and the Rosewood feature nylon as their material. This shared choice creates a uniform sound profile regarding bottom-out characteristics, emphasizing a deeper and fuller auditory experience for the user. Since nylon is known for sound absorption, both switches will likely have a duller and more rounded sound when the keys are fully pressed down. The synergy between the nylon bottom housing in both cases means that the switches will feel similar beneath your fingers, regardless of their differing top materials. This illustrates how a common element in their design can contribute to an overall cohesive tactile experience.
Combining the distinctive properties of their top housings with the uniformity of their bottom housings results in two switches that offer unique auditory experiences. The Bsun Cliff provides a sharper, more vibrant sound at the top of the keypress due to its polycarbonate material, while the Akko Rosewood delivers a fuller, more absorbent sound with its nylon top housing. However, both switches benefit from their nylon bottom housings, which create a seamless, rich auditory profile during key presses. As a result, users might find that while the Cliff excels in brightness and clarity, the Rosewood shines with warmth and depth, all while maintaining a shared foundation of sound absorption provided by their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see some interesting differences. The Cliff tactile switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood linear switch has slightly heavier values of 40 grams for the actuation force and 50 grams for the bottom out force. This makes the Bsun Cliff a lighter option overall, which can benefit users looking for a switch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood, being heavier, may appeal more to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. Both switches are considered light by general standards, but the Cliff offers a softer touch and easier actuation, whereas the Rosewood provides a firmer response.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option, providing a more responsive key press, which may appeal to gamers who prefer quicker response times. In contrast, the Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance delivers a more traditional feel, offering a deeper key press that some users might favor for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you are looking for a balance between speed and tactile feedback, choosing the Cliff could enhance responsiveness, while the Rosewood may provide a more robust depth for those who appreciate a more pronounced key actuation.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 acoustic signature, which contributes to a distinct and satisfying auditory experience during typing. This clarity in sound can enhance the overall appeal for those who appreciate a more pronounced audible feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch delivers a deeper, thocky sound that is pleasing and rich, thanks in part to its thin layer of factory-applied lubricant. This variation in sound profile caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on whether they favor a sharper or fuller auditory response. It's important to note that the final sound experience can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its medium tactility, offering a noticeable bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overwhelming. This can be especially appealing for typists who enjoy a tactile experience that signals a keypress without being too pronounced. In contrast, the Rosewood linear switch is designed to provide a smooth, uninterrupted action with no tactile bump, making it ideal for users who prefer a fluid typing experience without any distractions. The differences in feel create a unique typing experience for each switch, appealing to different preferences between tactile feedback and linear smoothness.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a crisp sound and medium tactility that offers a pleasing typing feedback, the Akko Rosewood linear switch boasts a deep, thocky sound and smooth keystroke action. These distinct qualities cater to a variety of users, allowing individuals to select a switch that aligns with their desired auditory and tactile experience. Whether one prefers the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch or the seamless flow of a linear option, both switches provide enjoyable results tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and sound preference. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a light touch and appreciate a crisp sound signature, the Cliff switch would be an excellent option for you. It is particularly suited for those who prefer a medium tactility that can enhance the typing experience without being overly forceful, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke paired with a more pronounced auditory response, the Rosewood switch is your go-to choice. The deeper, thocky sound and satisfying feel right out of the box, attributed to its factory lubrication, can provide a gratifying experience, especially for those who enjoy a more linear switch that allows for rapid key presses without interruption. In summary, your decision hinges on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound clarity with the Cliff or the smooth, deep resonance of the Rosewood.
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