Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a satisfying tactile response and an audible click with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, offers a different experience, known for its smooth actuation, thocky sound profile, and lightweight touch, providing a quieter and more fluid typing experience that many gamers and typists seek. While the Cliff caters to individuals who enjoy a pronounced tactile bump and auditory feedback, the Smoothie appeals to those looking for a smoother, more subdued keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Smoothie switches, we see notable differences that influence their respective sound profiles. The Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, particularly when used in conjunction with RGB lighting, enhancing both visual and auditory aesthetics. In contrast, the Smoothie is equipped with a POM top housing, which is celebrated for creating a deeper, richer, and more muted sound. The POM material serves to absorb more of the frequencies that would typically produce a sharper sound, leading to an overall more subdued auditory experience.
The bottom housings of both switches introduce another layer of comparison. The Cliff utilizes a nylon bottom housing, bringing a classic touch with its ability to produce a fuller sound profile. The relatively soft nature of nylon ensures effective sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder quality. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie has a POM bottom housing that also yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both bottom housings lead to a similar outcome where the overall sound is less sharp, the nylon bottom of the Cliff may create a slightly softer feel compared to the POM material used in the Smoothie. Depending on one’s preference for sound profile and feel, these differences could significantly impact the typing experience.
Ultimately, the impact of these housing materials can be understood in the context of their unique characteristics. If the top and bottom housings produce different sound profiles, such as a sharp top contrasted with a muted bottom, the overall sound experience will be a blend of these qualities. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing material's influence is more prominent, while the top housing will shape the release sound. Therefore, although the Smoothie and Cliff use different materials for both the top and bottom housings, they may produce desirable sound experiences that cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel and auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see some differences in their actuation forces. The Cliff features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. This indicates that the Cliff switch is more suited for users who prefer lighter touches for extended typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for work or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie's actuation force suggests a bit more resistance, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Since the bottom out force for the Smoothie is unknown, this leaves some uncertainty in how it might compare in terms of overall feel, particularly when fully pressed down. In summary, while the Bsun Cliff is the lighter of the two switches, the Gateron Smoothie offers a slightly heavier actuation force, catering to different preferences in typing experiences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This consistency in travel distance ensures that the tactile feedback from the Cliff and the smooth actuation of the Smoothie will produce similar results in performance and user experience. As both switches have the same travel distance, they are effectively on equal footing in this aspect of their design.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we observe distinct characteristics that cater to different auditory preferences. The Cliff is known for its crisp sound signature, which provides a pronounced auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile experience during typing. In contrast, the Smoothie excels with its thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep, satisfying "thud" upon actuation, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more bass-heavy sound. Additionally, the Smoothie's low-pitched and subdued nature ensures that while it produces a robust auditory response, it doesn't become overpowering, allowing for a more nuanced typing experience. It’s worth noting, however, that the overall sound will still be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and chosen keycaps.
In terms of feel, the differences between the two switches are equally pronounced. The Cliff provides medium tactility, offering a nice balance between responsiveness and feedback, making it suitable for typists who appreciate a clear point of actuation without being overly harsh. On the other hand, the Smoothie focuses on exceptional smoothness, described as buttery and creamy. With the use of POM materials, the Smoothie creates a silky-smooth keystroke that enhances the typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. For users who prefer a seamless and uniform typing sensation, the Smoothie's tactile experience may be particularly appealing.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch caters to those who value a crisp sound and medium tactility, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is designed for enthusiasts seeking a deep, thocky sound combined with an incredibly smooth feel. Each switch provides unique auditory and tactile qualities, allowing users to select based on their specific preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, whether you resonate more with the Cliff's tactile feedback or the Smoothie's buttery experience will significantly influence your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the tasks you primarily use your keyboard for. If you enjoy tactile feedback while typing and prefer a switch that offers a medium level of resistance combined with a crisp sound, the Cliff would be an excellent fit for you. Its 45-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile response that can enhance your typing experience, particularly for typing-intensive tasks or when you appreciate the distinct feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, quieter typing experience with a rich thocky sound profile, the Gateron Smoothie is the way to go. Its buttery, silky feel makes it ideal for gaming or extended typing sessions where you desire a more seamless and uninterrupted keystroke. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a pronounced sound or seek smoothness and subtle acoustics; this decision will help you choose the switch that better suits your keyboard experience.
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