Bsun Cliff vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it a great option for typists who enjoy tactile feedback with each keystroke. This makes it particularly suitable for users looking for a balanced typing experience that provides clear keystroke recognition without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver is designed for users who prioritize speed and precision, featuring a light to medium level of resistance and a reduced travel distance that allows for rapid, effortless actuation. Its pristine sound profile adds to the appeal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Cliff excels in tactile feedback for a more deliberate typing style, the Speed Silver is perfect for gamers or typists who thrive on speed and dexterity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that truly suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and TTC Speed Silver switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, which is made from polycarbonate. Both switches capitalize on polycarbonate’s desirable acoustic properties, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound output. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an excellent choice for users who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively. In both cases, the aesthetic appeal and the acoustic characteristics are similar, resulting in a consistent auditory experience when users type on these switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Bsun Cliff and the TTC Speed Silver are both constructed from nylon, another well-regarded material in the keyboard switch industry. The use of nylon in these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound that typists may find appealing. This material's softer nature allows it to absorb sound more effectively, leading to a duller yet rounder auditory feedback compared to stiffer plastics. As both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similar tonal depth when bottoming out across both models, reinforcing the consistent sound experience throughout their typing sessions.
When considering the overall feel and sound properties of both switches, it is evident that the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing yields a harmonious balance of auditory characteristics. While both switches exhibit similar sound profiles due to their respective materials, the distinct roles of each housing still play a crucial part in shaping the user experience. The polycarbonate top is primarily responsible for the key release sound, while the nylon bottom influences the bottoming-out sound. Thus, even though the material choices are the same in each respective part, they ultimately enhance the overall typing experience by bringing together clear high-end tones and rich, resonant bass sounds in a delightful manner.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch with the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who favor a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel which might appeal to those who prefer a firmer push. Thus, while both switches offer a different tactile experience, the Cliff switch is lighter overall, which can help minimize fatigue during extended use, whereas the Speed Silver offers a medium-light feel for those who appreciate a stronger response. Given these specifications, users can choose between a lighter or heavier switch depending on their typing style and comfort preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it becomes evident that the Cliff switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Speed Silver measures at 3.4 mm. This 0.2 mm difference indicates that the Cliff switch provides a fuller, more pronounced key press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more robust typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver’s shorter travel distance lends itself to quicker responses, making it more suitable for gamers who value speed and rapid actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches might hinge on whether you prioritize a deeper keystroke for a satisfying feel or a shallower, quicker action for enhanced responsiveness.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 is characterized by a crisp sound signature that offers a distinct auditory feedback during typing. This means that users can expect a satisfying "snap" when the switch actuates, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate pronounced acoustic cues while they type. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch presents a neutral sound profile, striking a balance that is moderate and unobtrusive. This quality makes the Speed Silver suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist, and allows for unobtrusive typing whether at home or in an office setting. The choice of materials, keyboard design, and keycaps can also influence the resulting sound of each switch, which is important to consider.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a balance that caters to those who enjoy a noticeable feedback without being overly harsh. This medium tactility enhances the typing experience by allowing for an engaging and responsive interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild feel that is gentle in comparison, appealing to users who prefer a softer typing experience. This is complemented by a polished quality that ensures a smooth and refined keypress, leading to reduced friction throughout the key travel. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether one enjoys the pronounced feedback of the Cliff or the smoothness and subtlety of the Speed Silver.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch provides a crisp sound and medium tactility with a satisfying feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate pronounced auditory cues and a more engaging typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch features a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel, appealing to those who seek a smooth and softer typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, as some may favor the tactile feedback and sound of the Cliff, while others might prefer the sleek, quick actuation and understated sound of the Speed Silver. Both switches offer distinct advantages that can cater to varying typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch hinges on your typing preferences and the context in which you'll use them. If you prefer a light actuation force combined with a noticeable tactile bump and crisp sound, the Cliff is an excellent option. Its medium tactility offers a satisfying feedback that's perfect for general typing tasks, providing an engaging experience for those who enjoy a tactile sensation while still maintaining a relatively quiet environment. On the other hand, if your priority is speed and efficiency, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing, the TTC Speed Silver is the way to go. With its medium-light resistance and reduced travel distance, this switch allows for quick and effortless actuation without sacrificing smoothness, making it ideal for rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, whether you prioritize tactile feedback for writing or prefer a polished, swift feel for gaming, both switches have unique strengths that cater to different types of users.
Mentioned in this article
