Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between different options can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound, offering a satisfying feedback that enhances typing accuracy and enjoyment. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate the tactile response that helps in distinguishing each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a linear switch, boasts a medium-weight design with a thocky sound profile, delivering a seamless and extremely smooth keystroke. This switch caters to those who prefer a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for gaming or professional settings where noise might be a concern. While both switches have their unique merits—whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of the Cliff or the smoothness of the Sea Salt Smoothie—it's essential to consider how each fits into your specific typing needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the choice of housing materials for each switch plays a crucial role in defining their respective sound profiles and overall performance. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie employs a POM top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, more muted sound. While the Sea Salt Smoothie's sound might not be as sharp as that of the Cliff, it offers a unique auditory experience that is pleasing in its own right.
The bottom housings of the two switches further complicate the sound characteristics. The Bsun Cliff utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound, resulting in a more rounded and muted acoustics when compared to more rigid materials. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, on the other hand, also incorporates POM for its bottom housing, which, similar to the top housing, contributes to a deeper and more subdued sound profile. Consequently, while both bottom housings aim for a muted sound, the Cliff's nylon may produce a fuller effect in tandem with its polycarbonate top, while the Sea Salt Smoothie achieves this through a consistent POM material throughout.
Ultimately, the distinct materials used in each switch grant varying sonic experiences, which heavily influence the tactile feedback felt by users. The unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Bsun Cliff provides a more dynamic range of sound, contrasting with the more uniform sound profile offered by the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM materials. Users who prioritize sharper and more resonant sounds may gravitate towards the Cliff, while those seeking a deeper and more muted auditory sensation might favor the Sea Salt Smoothie. Regardless of the materials' differences, the outcome achieved through the two switches will showcase how housing qualities affect the bottom-out sound and overall feel, allowing keypress experiences to differ significantly based on the chosen switch.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present a contrasting typing experience primarily in terms of their actuation force. The Cliff switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for extended typing sessions without significant fatigue. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and pronounced keystroke. The bottom-out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison for this measure. Consequently, while the Cliff is the lighter option overall, offering ease and comfort, the Sea Salt Smoothie provides a firmer push, catering to those who favor a more tactile typing experience. If users prefer softer switches for prolonged use, the Cliff would be the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie might resonate more with those seeking a robust keyboard feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie slightly exceeds that at 3.7 mm. Consequently, the Cliff is the shorter of the two switches, making it more suitable for those who favor a quicker response time. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer distance, provides a deeper typing experience that some users may prefer for its satisfying feel. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch emits a crisp sound signature that is quite engaging during typing, making it a pleasant auditory experience with each keystroke. It provides a medium-level tactility that emphasizes the tactile feedback, producing an audible cue that some typists find satisfying and helpful for maintaining rhythm. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch delivers a "thocky" sound profile, which is often favored for its deep and muted characteristics. This switch avoids the higher-pitched sounds typically associated with tactile switches, focusing instead on a more subdued auditory presence while typing. Both switches can produce distinct sounds, but the actual auditory experience can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap material used.
Regarding feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium tactility that provides a robust tactile bump without feeling overwhelming, making it ideal for typists who seek feedback without excessive resistance. This balance can enhance accuracy while minimizing fatigue during longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch is recognized for its exceptional smoothness, ensuring a fluid keystroke from top to bottom without the resistance associated with tactile switches. This smooth action appeals particularly to gamers and users who prefer rapid key presses without interruption. Ultimately, while the two switches cater to different preferences — tactile versus linear — they each present a unique feel that suits varying typing styles.
In conclusion, when comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, you’ll find noteworthy differences in both sound and feel. The Cliff provides a crisp and engaging sound with a medium tactility that enhances typing feedback, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deep thocky sound and remarkable smoothness. Depending on your typing preferences, you may choose one over the other, but both switches are engineered to deliver quality experiences in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and usage scenario. If you enjoy tactile feedback while you type and appreciate a satisfying sound with each keystroke, the Cliff switch—with its medium tactility and crisp sound—would serve you well, particularly for typing or tasks where you benefit from that tactile bump to know you've actuated the key. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its thocky sound profile and smooth feel, might be the better option. Its medium weight makes it comfortable for a variety of tasks without the pronounced feedback of a tactile switch. Ultimately, consider what you value most in your typing experience: tactile feedback or a smooth, linear feel, and let that guide your decision.
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