Bsun Cliff vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Bsun Cliff is a tactile switch known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it suitable for those who enjoy a noticeable feedback with each keystroke, enhancing both typing precision and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch, provides a smoother typing experience with its shorter activation point and long pole stem, delivering a creamy sound signature that appeals to users seeking swift keystrokes without any tactile bump. While the Cliff excels in providing tactile feedback and auditory response, the Splash Brothers cater to speed and fluidity in typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar acoustic profile for both switches. The choice of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that is recognized for clarity and resonance. This shared material composition in the top housing allows both switches to effectively leverage the translucency of polycarbonate, enhancing their aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting. A clear housing made from this material not only looks visually striking but also maximizes the vibrant effects of any lighting components integrated into the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Cliff and Splash Brothers employs nylon, which distinctly differentiates their sound profiles. Nylon's softer characteristics tend to absorb sound, creating a deeper, fuller auditory experience that contrasts with the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate top. This combination reflects a thoughtful design where the various sound qualities of each housing material are maximized: the bottom housing contributes to the overall sound by dampening higher frequencies, resulting in a more rounded and subdued sound when the key is pressed down. Consequently, the two switches, while using the same materials for their respective housings, engage different acoustic properties to create a compelling typing experience.
Ultimately, despite the commonalities in the top housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Jwick Splash Brothers, the divergence in bottom housing composition ultimately dictates a unique feel and sound for each switch. This interplay of materials means that the tactile sensations and auditory feedback differ significantly between the two options. When a user interacts with the switches, the stiffer polycarbonate top will ensure sharpness during key release, while the softer nylon bottom will provide a deeper impact when bottoming out, demonstrating how the blend of these materials can yield distinct yet harmonious results in the overall auditory experience.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter switch that could suit users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience over extended periods. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Cliff's. Therefore, while the Cliff's overall feel is lighter and more comfortable for long typing or gaming sessions, it lacks the substantial push feel that some users may desire. Users looking for a more tactile experience might lean towards the Cliff, whereas those who prefer a firmer bottom-out might find the Splash Brothers more satisfactory, despite the unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Cliff the longer option by 0.1 mm, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys, as a longer travel distance can provide a more "hearty" depth. Conversely, the Splash Brothers, with its shorter travel distance, could be favored by gamers looking for quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation. The difference in travel distance, while minimal, may still impact user preference, with the Cliff offering a more pronounced keypress experience, and the Splash Brothers catering to those who prioritize speed and 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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out with a crisp sound signature that adds a certain sharpness to each keystroke, enhancing the auditory feedback during typing. This makes it particularly satisfying for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory element in their typing experience. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch features a creamy sound profile that tends to have a softer, smoother sound, which likely appeals to those who prefer a more muted auditory experience. This difference in sound character provides unique auditory environments that can cater to varying preferences; however, both switches can produce pleasing acoustic results depending on the keyboard and keycap choices you make.
Regarding feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump that gives users satisfying feedback, making it easier to discern when a key has been actuated. This tactile response can enhance typing accuracy for some users, especially those who enjoy the physical cue of a bump. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers linear switch offers a variety of tactile experiences, including a mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished feel. This range implies a smooth and responsive typing experience, with a lighter touch that appeals to many typists looking for comfort and fluidity without the distinct tactile sensation found in the Cliff switches.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer two distinct typing experiences marked by their unique sound and feel characteristics. The Cliff provides a crisp auditory response and a medium tactile feel ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Splash Brothers offer a smoother, creamy sound with a gentle, responsive feel that's versatile and approachable for a broader audience. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether you prefer the assertive feedback of tactility or the ease of a more fluid, linear response, as both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences tailored to your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate tactile feedback and the crisp sound signature of a medium tactility switch, the Cliff is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams makes it suitable for long typing sessions without overwhelming your fingers. The Cliff is particularly well-suited for tasks where you benefit from a sensory response to your keystrokes, such as coding or expressive writing, allowing you to maintain focus while enjoying the satisfying 'bump' with each press. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and rapid typing experience, the Splash Brothers linear switch might be your better choice. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, it offers a mild and snappy feel that enhances speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for gaming or high-speed typing scenarios. The creamy sound profile and the switch’s design cater well to shared environments, providing a typing experience that’s both pleasant and discreet. Ultimately, consider your primary activities and how you want your keyboard to feel and sound; either choice can elevate your typing experience based on your specific needs.
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