Bsun Cliff vs. Jerrzi Seashell

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Seashell stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Cliff, a tactile switch, is characterized by its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes while enjoying a more traditional typing experience. In contrast, the Seashell, a linear switch, boasts a captivating purple hue and is known for its light, clacky feel, providing an easy-to-press action that is both polished and high-pitched. This makes the Seashell ideal for users seeking a smooth, uninterrupted flow during long typing sessions, marrying aesthetic appeal with functionality. While both switches offer unique benefits—tactility and sound for the Cliff versus smoothness and ease for the Seashell—they cater to distinct user preferences. 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

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Cliff and Jerrzi Seashell switches exhibit striking similarities in their housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This uniformity leads to a consistent auditory experience, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile derived from the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of the polycarbonate material not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved, but also contributes significantly to the clarity of sound produced. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a clear and resonant sound when keys are released, showcasing the advantages of polycarbonate in this application.

Contrastingly, while the top housings of both switches share the same polycarbonate material, the bottom housings made from nylon contribute to a distinct yet complementary sound characteristic. The nylon material's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile upon pressing the keys. This acoustic difference manifests itself when the switches are in use; while the polycarbonate top housing dictates the sound during key release, the nylon bottom housing governs the sound and feel when bottoming out. Consequently, although both switches share the same message in terms of the materials used, their overall sound experience will reflect a blend of both the sharper tones from the top and the rounder tones from the bottom.

Ultimately, the interplay between the polycarbonate and nylon materials in both the Bsun Cliff and Jerrzi Seashell switches leads to a well-balanced auditory experience. Users will appreciate the distinctive sound qualities that arise from this combination, where the crisper attack of the polycarbonate is enriched by the fuller response of nylon. This harmonious relationship showcases how even switches with identical materials can offer a nuanced experience based on the placement of each material, accentuating the unique characteristics brought forth by their respective configurations. The similarity in housing materials results in comparable tonal outcomes, while their differing impact points ensure that users can enjoy a rich and satisfying sound experience regardless of their choice.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Cliff switch requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for prolonged typing sessions, which many users appreciate for work or gaming. In contrast, the Seashell switch demands a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. However, the Seashell's bottom out force is unknown, leaving a gap in our comparison. Meanwhile, the Cliff switch bottoms out at 45 grams, matching the Seashell's actuation force. This means that while the actuation forces of the Cliff and Seashell switches are aligned at 45 grams, the actuating force of the Cliff is lighter, offering a gentler typing experience overall. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort may gravitate towards the Cliff, whereas those wanting a firmer feel might favor the Seashell despite its unknown bottom out characteristics.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, the Cliff measures at 3.6 mm, while the Seashell is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This means that the Cliff offers a deeper keypress, which can provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer, especially those who like a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell's shorter 3.4 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers and individuals who favor quicker response times in their switches, as shorter distances can enhance the speed of action. While both switches feature relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm option, they cater to different preferences, with the Cliff being the longer and the Seashell the shorter of the two.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is known for its crisp sound signature, which appeals to users who enjoy a sharp auditory feedback during typing. This aligns well with the Seashell linear switch, which is characterized by its clacky and high-pitched sound profile. The Seashell produces a bright, percussive noise that resonates well in a clean auditory space. While the Cliff's sound may be slightly more subdued yet clear compared to the Seashell's more pronounced clackiness, both switches provide an enjoyable acoustic experience that can enhance your typing pleasure. Ultimately, a user's choice of keyboard body and keycap material will further affect the sound these switches produce.

In terms of feel, the Cliff switch offers a medium tactility, which provides a distinct bump that users can recognize when the switch is actuated, allowing for a more engaged typing experience. Conversely, the Seashell switches are noted for their light and feathery feel, requiring minimal force to activate, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The Seashell's easy-to-press nature makes it exceptionally comfortable for extended use, whether for gaming or professional purposes, while the Cliff switch's tactility invites a more tactile feedback that might be more satisfying for those who prefer a pronounced actuation. However, the tactile nature of the Cliff switch may appeal more to those desiring a physical indication of actuation, while the Seashell’s smooth and polished action caters to users seeking a lightweight and effortless typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Cliff offers a crisp auditory feedback and a medium tactile feel, which some users may prefer for its engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Seashell excels in its light, clacky sound and feather-light actuation, providing a comfortable experience for extended use. Choosing between these two will largely depend on what qualities you value more in your mechanical keyboard experience, whether it be tactile feedback or a smoother, lighter actuation. Regardless, both switches are designed to deliver an enjoyable typing experience for any keyboard enthusiast.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a tactile experience combined with a crisp, medium feedback and a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Cliff switch is an excellent option. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy typing or gaming with clear and defined tactile bumps while still maintaining a smooth experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that is extraordinarily light and effortless to press, the Seashell with its feathery feel and clacky sound profile is the way to go. Its aesthetic appeal, characterized by a stunning purple hue, makes it stand out visually, while its easy-to-press nature makes it perfect for prolonged typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In essence, choose the Cliff for a tactile and audible feedback experience, and opt for the Seashell for a beautifully smooth and lightweight typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Jerrzi Seashell Linear

$2.79

$2.30 per 10

Learn more