Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cliff’s tactile switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it ideal for users who enjoy the satisfaction of feeling and hearing each keystroke—perfect for typists who appreciate feedback and an engaging typing rhythm. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for those seeking a serene experience; these linear switches provide a whisper-quiet operation akin to the soft patter of rain, combined with a balanced 53g actuation force that offers a light yet satisfying keystroke ideal for long hours of typing without the distraction of loud clicks. While one switch prioritizes tactile feedback and auditory response, the other focuses on a smooth, quiet experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The Bsun Cliff and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches each utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in distinct auditory profiles. The Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g has a nylon top housing, allowing for a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound. If these switches are used in the same typing environment or for similar applications, both could deliver an engaging auditory experience, though with differing tonal qualities.
Examining the bottom housings, we see a reversal of materials: the Cliff adopts a nylon bottom housing while the Silent Sakura - 53g uses polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Cliff contributes to a duller and rounder sound, offering a deeper resonance that complements its sharp top. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura - 53g enhances clarity and sharpness in the sound produced, creating a more resonant bottom-out experience. Although the materials contrast, both switches will deliver a well-rounded performance, with the Cliff leaning toward a richer sound profile while the Silent Sakura - 53g favors a more vibrant auditory output when pressed.
Ultimately, the distinct performances of the Bsun Cliff and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches highlight the interplay between their material compositions. The top and bottom housings contribute differently to the typing experience, where the nylon components enhance depth in the Cliff while the polycarbonate offers crispness in the Silent Sakura - 53g. Regardless of their contrasting materials, the overall effectiveness of each switch will resonate well with users looking for varied sound profiles, making both suitable choices for different preferences in typing feedback and auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions due to its lesser resistance. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which provides a more substantial feel when typing but may not be as forgiving for long periods. This means users who favor a lighter touch for comfort may prefer the Cliff, while those who appreciate a firmer push for tactile feedback might lean towards the Silent Sakura. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the Cliff is the lighter option, making it more advantageous for prolonged use, whereas the Silent Sakura offers a medium-light experience for those seeking more resistance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cliff switch offers a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch provides a greater depth, which may be preferred by users looking for a more substantial tactile feedback when typing. As such, if you prioritize rapid response times, the Cliff switch would be the better choice, whereas for those who appreciate an added depth in their keystrokes, the Silent Sakura is advisable.
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 - 53g 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 a crisp signature that provides clear auditory feedback when typing. This engaging sound can enhance typing satisfaction, especially for users who enjoy the auditory aspect of mechanical switches. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch offers a markedly different experience, designed to be whisper-quiet. It evokes the sound of gentle raindrops tapping against a window, creating a serene environment conducive to focused work. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by various factors, such as the choice of keyboard frame and keycaps, making it possible for both switches to sound distinct based on their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch provides a medium level of tactility, giving typists a noticeable bump during actuation that serves as a satisfying cue for keypress confirmation. This tactile feedback appeals to users who appreciate an active engagement with their typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch features a perfectly balanced 53g actuation force that results in a smooth, consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback. This makes it preferable for those who favor fluid, uninterrupted typing and a lighter touch, creating a more effortless experience as fingers glide from key to key.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch cater to different typing preferences through their distinctive sound and feel profiles. The Cliff’s crisp, tactile feedback will resonate with users who enjoy an interactive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura emphasizes a tranquil, seamless keystroke that suits typists seeking quieter, more fluid engagement. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or prefer a smooth and silent typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you are looking for a switch that offers a light actuation force with a noticeable tactile bump and a crisp sound, the Bsun Cliff is a solid choice, making it ideal for enthusiastic typists who enjoy that satisfying feedback and auditory feedback while typing. This switch is particularly well-suited for environments where you want to feel and hear your keystrokes, which can offer a more engaging experience during extensive typing sessions. On the other hand, if your priority lies in achieving a quieter typing atmosphere without compromising on a pleasant keystroke feel, then the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. With its medium-light actuation force and almost silent operation, it caters to those who seek a serene typing experience, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night sessions where you want to minimize disruption. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you value tactile feedback with pronounced sound or a smooth, silent experience.
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