Bsun Cliff vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the Bsun Cliff and Durock Sea Glass offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cliff switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an excellent choice for users who enjoy a tactile feedback that enhances typing precision and rhythm. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches provide a smooth and airy typing experience characterized by a unique dryness and a uniquely hollow sound signature, appealing to those who favor a seamless, frictionless feel with every keystroke. With a 62g bottom-out force that feels surprisingly light, the Sea Glass switches present a feathery touch that makes long typing sessions comfortable. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you appreciate the tactile responsiveness of the Cliff or the smooth elegance of the Sea Glass. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and Durock Sea Glass exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a choice that is praised for its sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate's stiffer composition enhances the high frequencies, resulting in a crisp sound when keys are actuated. This characteristic is particularly desirable for users who favor a distinctly articulated auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Sea Glass combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, offering a sound profile that is described as pleasant with a brighter tone, albeit less piercing than the Clifford's. While both materials have their unique strengths, the polycarbonate top of the Cliff provides a more crisp attack, while the Sea Glass’ blend leans toward a gentler sound—a distinction that will affect the overall typing experience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the Bsun Cliff again utilizes nylon, which is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon's relatively softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, the Cliff's sound is characterized as more rounded, enhancing the overall typing experience with a satisfying auditory response. On the other hand, the Sea Glass’s bottom housing also features the same polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend used in its top housing, which produces a brighter but still pleasant typing sound. This means users will enjoy a distinct acoustic experience from each switch; the Cliff offers a richer depth while the Sea Glass retains a nicer balance between clarity and vibrancy across both the top and bottom.
Overall, while the Bsun Cliff and Durock Sea Glass switches utilize different materials in their top housings, they both bring unique attributes to the typing experience. The Cliff’s polycarbonate top sets a firm foundation for crisp sound, contrasting the Sea Glass's unique nylon blend that offers a more balanced auditory profile. However, both switches can be expected to deliver quality sound experiences through their thoughtfully chosen materials. In situations where you might prefer aspects from both, the incorporation of nylon in the bottom housing of the Sea Glass makes it somewhat comparable to the Cliff in terms of deep sound quality. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference for crispness versus a more rounded sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge, impacting their overall typing experience. The Bsun Cliff features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prioritize ease of typing over extended periods, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel and a firmer typing experience. This means the Cliff is the lighter option overall, offering a softer touch, while the Sea Glass caters to users seeking more resistance and feedback. As such, users looking for a switch that balances lightness with a satisfying tactility might gravitate towards the Cliff, while those who favor a medium-heavy feel could opt for the Sea Glass.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Cliff switch provides a shorter travel distance, which might appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced travel needed for actuation. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch, with its longer travel distance, may be more satisfying for users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper key presses, which can feel less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for speed versus depth in your key presses, as these switches present clear distinctions in their travel distances.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is characterized by a crisp sound signature that provides auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience with satisfying clicks that are noticeable without being overwhelming. This makes it an appealing choice for those who appreciate the auditory aspects of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch produces a uniquely hollow sound signature, which, while quieter, has a dry and airy quality that sets it apart. This distinction in sound characteristics highlights the different typing experiences these switches offer, catering to diverse user preferences. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the choice of board and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Cliff tactile switch is known for its medium tactility, offering a balanced experience that strikes a harmonious blend between feedback and smoothness. This makes it approachable for a wide range of typists and gamers who appreciate some tactile feedback without it being too pronounced. On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switch stands out with its frictionless nature, creating a smooth, effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance. The switch's mild characteristics make it easy to press, providing a feathery sensation under the fingers and allowing for comfortable extended use. The light actuation force further reduces fatigue, making these switches ideal for long typing sessions, whether for work or play.
In conclusion, if you're considering the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you can expect two distinct yet appealing experiences. The Cliff offers a crisp and engaging auditory feedback with medium tactility, while the Sea Glass provides a smoother, lighter typing experience with a unique sound signature. Depending on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, either switch could suit your needs while offering different advantages. Ultimately, your choice will come down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or an effortless and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, your primary use case and personal preferences will dictate your choice. If you favor a lightweight typing experience with noticeable tactile feedback, the Cliff, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, offers a crisp sound signature and a satisfying tactile bump. It's particularly well-suited for users who enjoy a more responsive feel while typing or gaming, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced activities where feedback is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more serene typing experience, the Sea Glass switch, with its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams, is your go-to option. Its frictionless action, light feel, and distinct airiness create an ambiance of effortless typing that can be perfect for longer writing sessions or a more relaxed working environment. In summary, choose the Cliff for tactile responsiveness and a more audible experience, and opt for the Sea Glass if you desire a smooth and quiet typing feel that minimizes finger fatigue.
Mentioned in this article
