Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Cliff switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, catering to those who enjoy a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. This makes it a great option for typists who appreciate the distinct feel of each keystroke, often enhancing the overall typing pleasure. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g switch focuses on delivering a whisper-quiet typing experience, ideal for users in shared or quiet environments. With an ultra-light bottom-out force of just 43g, it appeals to lighter typists seeking a smooth, serene experience without any audible distractions. Both switches have their unique appeal based on your typing preferences; while the Cliff offers tactile feedback for a more engaging typing experience, the Silent Sakura prioritizes a noiseless operation for a calm atmosphere. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, distinct differences emerge that significantly impact their overall sound profiles. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, which facilitates a clear and resonant acoustic response. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g features a nylon top housing. As a classic switch housing material, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, producing a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by a duller and rounder quality. These contrasting materials affect not only the auditory experience but also how these switches interact with RGB lighting—while the Bsun Cliff's translucent polycarbonate enhances the visual aspect, the opaque nature of nylon limits it.
Examining the bottom housing brings another dimension to the comparison. The Bsun Cliff employs a nylon bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, absorbs sound and aids in delivering that deeper and fuller acoustic quality. This soft plastic's properties contribute to a more muted bottom-out sound—a critical aspect for typists seeking a quieter experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the benefits of its top section, specifically the clarity and resonance it brings to the sound profile. Here, the rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the bottom-out experience for those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback, setting it apart from the softer nylon found in the Cliff.
In synthesizing the characteristics of both switches, it's clear that the combination of different housing materials leads to a unique interplay in sound dynamics. The soft nylon bottom in the Bsun Cliff complements its sharp polycarbonate top, achieving a balance between crispness and depth. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g's arrangement features the depth of nylon in the top and the brilliance of polycarbonate in the bottom, providing a contrasting auditory experience but still retaining a balance. While the housing materials differ, if one were to mix and match components, achieving a similar sound profile would be feasible by carefully selecting the top and bottom housing materials, allowing for a tailored auditory experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, both switches feature an identical actuation force of 37 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for users who prefer lighter keys for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Cliff tactile switch has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Sakura bottom outs at a lighter 43 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to register a keystroke, the Cliff switch offers a slightly firmer feel when fully pressed down compared to the Silent Sakura. Therefore, those seeking a lighter overall experience might prefer the Silent Sakura for both actuation and bottoming out, while users who enjoy a bit more resistance can opt for the Cliff switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Bsun Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura measures a longer 4.0 mm. This difference suggests that users of the Cliff switch may experience a more responsive feel, which can be beneficial for gaming and quick typing, aligning with the current trend favoring shorter travel distances. Conversely, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more deliberate and substantial keypress, providing a deeper tactile experience. In summary, while the Cliff offers a shorter travel distance suited for rapid input, the Silent Sakura caters to users who enjoy a more traditional and pronounced keystroke.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its crisp signature, which tends to be more pronounced compared to many other tactile switches. This clarity provides an engaging auditory experience when typing, making keystrokes feel satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is engineered for a much quieter output, akin to the gentle patter of raindrops. This makes it ideal for environments where noise control is a priority, ensuring that your typing remains discreet. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the overall sound of both switches can be heavily influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff switch offers a medium tactility, which means you can expect a noticeable bump at the actuation point without being overly harsh. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying experience for those who prefer tactile switches. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is designed to deliver an ultra-light touch with a smooth linear feel, devoid of any tactile bump. This allows for fluid keystrokes that many find comfortable for extended typing sessions, appealing particularly to light typists who favor a softer and more serene typing experience.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an engaging sound profile and tactile feedback, the Bsun Cliff switches deliver a crisp, medium tactile experience, ideal for those who enjoy the audible elements of typing. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers a silent, smooth operation suited for quieter settings and light typists. Both switches excel in their own contexts, so your choice should depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a whisper-quiet and gentle typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the selection between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a tactile feedback and the crisp sound that comes with it, the Bsun Cliff would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a more engaging and dynamic typing experience. With its medium tactility and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, this switch is well-suited for typists who like to feel a defined actuation point and desire a little extra auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is tailor-made for you. With its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light 43-gram bottom-out force, it’s ideal for environments where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared spaces. In essence, if you are a light typist or aspire to create a serene workspace while typing, the Silent Sakura will serve you beautifully. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you desire that tactile responsiveness and sound or prefer a subtle and calming typing experience.
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