Bsun Cliff vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly influence your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility paired with a crisp sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy feedback in their keystrokes. This tactile engagement can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, especially for users who type extensively or enjoy the nostalgic feel of a traditional mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch represents a more innovative approach with its smooth, silky feel. Its semi-silent nature means that while it boasts a quiet topping-out sound, it still retains a clacky bottom-out sound, striking a balance between serenity and tactile pleasure. Categorized as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', this switch caters to those who prefer a seamless typing experience without the audible disruptions common with traditional switches. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches, it is striking to note that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This commonality in materials results in a comparable sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to this clarity, allowing the switches to deliver a resonant sound. Furthermore, both types of switches, with their clear top housing made from polycarbonate, are particularly designed to enhance RGB lighting effects, making them visually appealing for users who prioritize aesthetics along with performance.
In contrast, while both the Cliff and the Semi-Silent Linear switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, the resulting sound profiles demonstrate the distinct qualities each housing material imparts. Nylon, being softer than polycarbonate, absorbs sound vibrations more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This contrast becomes most apparent when the switches are actuated, with nylon housing contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a more subdued auditory feedback. As such, even though both switches share similar top housing materials, the differences in bottom housing contribute to a unique typing experience for each model.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches provides a fascinating illustration of how different housing materials influence the overall sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to the crispness upon actuation, while the nylon in the bottom housing adds depth and warmth to the sound produced at the end of a key press. Users can expect both switches to deliver an appealing combination of aesthetics and auditory satisfaction, though the tactile feedback may differ significantly due to their nylon bottom housings. In practice, users will experience the best of both worlds through these materials—vibrant RGB lighting alongside nuanced sound qualities defined by the unique properties of each housing.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom-out forces. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force but a definitive bottom-out force of 62 grams, indicating a significantly firmer resistance when fully pressed down. This heavier bottom-out force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, the Cliff switch is lighter and more user-friendly for prolonged use, while the Semi-Silent Linear's increased bottom-out pressure caters to individuals seeking a stronger tactile feedback. Thus, if you value a lighter switch for casual use, the Bsun Cliff would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear would serve those who prefer a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find that the Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Cliff is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a snappier, more responsive feel, often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Semi-Silent Linear's 3.7 mm travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes, which some users find less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance responsiveness versus depth.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch exhibits a crisp auditory signature that is both distinct and engaging, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfying sound profile. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch strikes a balance between subtlety and clarity, producing a more subdued sound when pressed, which leans towards a whisper-quiet topping-out sound complemented by a clacky bottom-out. This makes the Semi-Silent Linear suitable for environments where noise reduction is a priority, yet still allows for expressive key presses.
Regarding feel, the Cliff tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility that offers a responsive typing experience without being overly aggressive. This makes it a versatile choice for typists who appreciate a tactile bump for feedback. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized by its smooth and buttery feel, providing a gentle typing experience that remains approachable for users of all levels. The snappy response due to the design of the switch adds a layer of excitement to the actuation, ensuring that each keystroke feels lively and immediate.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Cliff excels with its crisp audio and medium tactility, while the Semi-Silent Linear appeals with its subdued yet expressive sound and smooth typing feel. Depending on your specific needs—whether you prioritize a tactile experience or a quieter operation with fluid keystrokes—either switch can provide a gratifying typing experience, just tailored to distinct user preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback while typing—characterized by the Cliff's medium tactility, light 45-gram actuation force, and crisp sound signature—this switch may be the way to go. It can offer exciting, engaging sensations during your typing sessions, making it particularly suited for users who appreciate a responsive feel while still desiring a bit of acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch may be your best bet. With its heavier 62-gram actuation force, it delivers a silky smooth feel and a subdued sound profile that is ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise should be minimized. The Semi-Silent Linear’s whisper-quiet topping-out sound, combined with its clacky bottom-out noise, caters to those who want a balance of performance and discretion. Ultimately, selecting the right switch depends on what aspects of typing matter most to you, whether it's a tactile response for enhanced engagement or a quieter, more streamlined experience.
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