Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. Take, for instance, the Bsun Cliff and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches, which cater to different preferences and styles. The Cliff, known for its medium tactile feedback and crisp sound signature, offers a satisfying tactile response that many typists and gamers appreciate, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy feeling a distinct bump with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon represents the smoothness of linear switches, featuring a progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design that delivers a buttery smooth typing experience without any tactile bump, making it ideal for users who seek a quieter, uninterrupted flow during typing or gaming. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Cliff for its tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction and the Sea Salt Lemon for its smoothness and low-pitched operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in notable similarities in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is renowned for its rigidity, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound quality. As both switches feature clear polycarbonate housings, they not only optimize resonance but also enhance the aesthetic appeal, particularly under RGB lighting. Users can expect a vibrant illumination effect given the translucency of this material, resulting in an appealing visual experience that complements the auditory enjoyment during typing.
Conversely, the housing for the bottom portion of both switches is constructed from nylon, which stands in contrast to the polycarbonate top. Nylon is noted for its softer composition, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. This inherent difference in material properties means that the typing experience will elicit a more rounded and mellow sound due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound waves effectively. Thus, while the Bsun Cliff and KTT Sea Salt Lemon share similar sonic characteristics in their upper housings, they diverge in the lower housing, which lends each switch its unique auditory identity.
When considering the overall performance of these switches, the combination of materials results in a nuanced typing experience. The polycarbonate top provides a brighter sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom influences the tonal qualities during the actuation. Since both switches feature a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, users can expect a blended sound profile that retains clarity while offering depth. This synergy between materials ensures that even with the distinction in properties between the top and bottom housings, the Bsun Cliff and KTT Sea Salt Lemon ultimately deliver a harmonized auditory experience tailored to different aspects of keypress actions.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Bsun Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon’s actuation force of 45 grams, which is regarded as medium-light. This makes the Cliff more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing or gaming sessions without as much fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Cliff again remains lighter at 45 grams versus the Sea Salt Lemon’s heavier 53 grams. Consequently, the Cliff switch offers a gentler overall typing experience, appealing to those who favor less resistance, while the Sea Salt Lemon may provide a more substantial feel for users who appreciate a firmer keypress. Ultimately, the Cliff's lighter forces can yield a more effortless typing experience, whereas the Sea Salt Lemon caters to those who enjoy a more resistant, tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find that they differ in distance. The Cliff features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. As a result, the Cliff switch is the shorter of the two, making it a more responsive choice for those who prefer quicker actuation, such as gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon, with its longer 4 mm travel, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth in their key presses. Ultimately, the preference for either switch hinges on whether one values responsiveness or a more pronounced tactile experience.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
When comparing the sound of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, the differences become apparent. The Cliff is renowned for its crisp sound signature, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the tactile experience. This sharpness makes each keystroke feel more pronounced, which can be appealing for typists seeking affirmation in their inputs. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon produces a low-pitched sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow, contributing to a quieter typing environment. The neutral sound profile of the Sea Salt Lemon allows it to blend seamlessly into various settings, making it suitable for both home and office use, while its stable acoustic character ensures that users won’t feel overwhelmed by disruptive noise.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a medium level of tactility, which creates an engaging experience that provides clear feedback upon actuation. This can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy the distinct sensation of tactile bumps with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon provides a mild feel, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience without the pronounced resistance found in more aggressive switches. This smoothness is enhanced by the switch’s progressive spring and dry-lube design, making it approachable for both novice and experienced users. The differences in feel reflect the varying typing preferences, with the Cliff appealing to those seeking tactile feedback, while the Sea Salt Lemon caters to those who prioritize a silky-smooth action.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch deliver distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff offers a crisp auditory feedback and pronounced tactility, ideal for users who appreciate the sharper response. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon combines a low-pitched, mellow sound with a smooth, mild feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value sound and tactility or a smooth, quieter interaction while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a switch that provides a lighter actuation force and enjoy the feedback of a tactile bump, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its 45 grams of bottom-out force makes it easy to type on for extended periods, and the medium tactility coupled with a crisp sound signature can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a bit of auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter experience, the Sea Salt Lemon is likely to be more suited to your needs. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 53 grams and its buttery smooth action, this switch is perfect for anyone looking to minimize finger fatigue while enjoying a low-pitched and neutral sound profile that fits well in both professional and casual settings. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two switches.
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