Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Silent Ink Black are two noteworthy options, each catering to different typing preferences. The Cliff switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback while typing and enjoy an audible click that enhances the experience. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a smooth and muted typing experience, ideal for quieter environments where minimal audio feedback is essential. This linear switch boasts a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel, catering to users who prefer effortless key presses without the distraction of noise. While both switches have unique qualities to suit various typing styles—whether you thrive on tactile feedback or seek a serene typing environment—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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Silent Ink Black exhibit notable differences that influence their respective sound profiles. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiff nature. This stiffness results in a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups because of its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. However, the description suggests that while the sound may be similar in its high notes, the experience may differ, as the INK blend does not reach the same level of harshness and is characterized instead by a more balanced clackiness.
On the lower end, the material choices in the bottom housings further differentiate the two switches. The Bsun Cliff employs nylon, a traditional switch housing material known for its softer composition, which absorbs sound and delivers a deeper, fuller tone. In comparison, the Silent Ink Black retains the proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing as well, which appears to echo the characteristics of its top housing with a pointed sound profile. While both switches can achieve a higher-pitched auditory experience overall, the Bsun Cliff’s nylon bottom housing contrasts with the INK blend design in the Silent Ink Black; this difference allows for a distinctive bottom-out feel that could affect user preference.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both switches leads to a nuanced sound experience that highlights different aspects of typing. The Cliff's distinct polycarbonate top gives it a crisp and resonant sound upon release, while its nylon bottom provides a softer foundation, creating a versatile auditory profile. The Silent Ink Black, with its uniform INK blend in both housings, fosters a more consistent sound signature that maintains a thin yet clacky tone throughout. Although they both aim to achieve high-pitched sound qualities, the blending of materials contributes to a unique overall experience for each switch, thereby influencing the auditory and tactile sensations users encounter during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch with its actuation force of 37 grams and bottom out force of 45 grams to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, a clear distinction in tactile experiences emerges. The Cliff switch is significantly lighter, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming, as it requires less force to actuate. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black, being medium-heavy, offers a more substantial feedback with each keystroke, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel and a pronounced typing experience. Overall, those who favor lighter switches for comfort will gravitate towards the Cliff, while users seeking a heavier typing sensation might opt for the Silent Ink Black. Thus, the two switches cater to differing preferences, with the Cliff being the lighter option and the Silent Ink Black the heavier choice.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference highlights the preferences of different users: the Cliff, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, making it suitable for gamers or those who prefer a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance, might be the better choice for users who prefer a more pronounced bottom-out experience, as it offers a deeper sensation when the key is fully pressed down. Ultimately, while both switches provide a unique typing experience, the Cliff's travel distance is more suited for speed, while the Silent Ink Black emphasizes 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 produces a crisp sound signature, providing a distinct auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. This sharp sound can invigorate the typing experience, making each keystroke feel satisfying and noticeable. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound profile, significantly reducing the auditory footprint of your typing. Ideal for quieter environments, this switch minimizes the typical mechanical sounds and delivers a softer overall experience. While sound may also depend on the type of keyboard and keycaps used, you can expect the Cliff to stand out with its pronounced acoustics, whereas the Silent Ink Black will deliver a more subdued performance.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Cliff is characterized by its medium tactility, providing a noticeable tactile bump that helps typists know when a key has been actuated. This quality caters well to those who enjoy a responsive typing experience that blends feedback with comfort. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is celebrated for its silky and polished feel, offering unparalleled smoothness with minimal resistance. The refined, cushy feel makes every keystroke effortless, creating an experience that feels luxurious and satisfying. While the Cliff offers a tactile experience designed for feedback, the Silent Ink Black focuses on delivering a smooth, effortless typing journey.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch represent two distinct philosophies in mechanical keyboard design. The Cliff is ideal for those who prefer pronounced feedback with a lively sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those seeking a more muted audio experience coupled with an exceptionally smooth and luxurious feel. Choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference: if you want a tactile, engaging experience, the Cliff is your match; if you prioritize quiet and smooth typing, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for feedback during your keystrokes. Its 45-gram bottom-out force allows for rapid typing, making it suitable for fast-paced activities like gaming or programming. On the other hand, if you find yourself in quieter environments or prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black with its 70-gram bottom-out force would be ideal. This switch emphasizes a silky and polished feel, ensuring smooth key presses with minimal noise, making it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where disturbances need to be minimized. Evaluating your typing habits, environment, and sound sensitivity will guide you toward the switch that best complements your needs.
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