Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a pivotal role, especially when comparing options like the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Strawberry. The Cliff tactile switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a noticeable feedback while typing without sacrificing noise levels. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is favored for its silky smooth actuation and comfortable feel, appealing to gamers and casual users who prioritize a frictionless and polished keypress experience. While both switches offer unique benefits—tactile feedback versus smooth actuation—they cater to different typing preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the KTT Strawberry switches share a commonality in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate, which significantly influences the sound profile and aesthetic characteristics of the switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, more resonant sound when typing. This quality allows both switches to deliver a crisper auditory feedback, making them particularly appealing for enthusiasts looking to optimize their typing experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances compatibility with RGB lighting, creating an eye-catching glow that is visually appealing in setups featuring illuminated components.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and KTT Strawberry differ significantly. The Cliff switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which is known for its softer quality, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This dampening effect allows for a rounder auditory experience, which can create a more comfortable typing sensation. Conversely, the KTT Strawberry switches employ a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning them more closely in sound characteristics with the top housing. This results in a sharper and more pronounced sound, providing a different tactile experience when bottoming out compared to the nylon-based Cliff switches.
Due to the differing bottom housing materials, the overall typing experiences between the Bsun Cliff and KTT Strawberry switches will contrast despite some sonic similarities derived from their common polycarbonate top housings. The Cliff's nylon base will absorb more sound, leading to a softer and more muted feel upon key press, while the polycarbonate base of the Strawberry will reinforce the sharper sound profile initiated by its top housing. Users may find the switches select different textural feedbacks based on the materials, but the convergence of polycarbonate in the top housing offers a level of auditory clarity in both cases that enhances both switch sets' overall performance, particularly for RGB lighting setups.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, notable differences emerge in both 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 ideal for prolonged typing sessions due to its reduced effort. In contrast, the Strawberry switch features a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, delivering a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push while typing. As a result, typists seeking a lighter option for extended use may favor the Cliff, while those desiring a firmer tactile experience are likely to prefer the Strawberry. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option, the Cliff is the better choice, whereas the Strawberry provides a more robust typing feel for users who enjoy heavier switches.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer distinct travel distances that cater to different preferences. The Cliff has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Cliff is the shorter option, promoting a more responsive experience that many gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Strawberry's travel distance provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper actuation. Ultimately, if you favor quicker response times, the Cliff would be the better choice, while the Strawberry might suit those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp and clear audio profile, which is characteristic of tactile switches that have a definitive bump during actuation. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch is noted for its low-pitched sound, delivering a bass-heavy and mellow tone that contributes to a quieter and more subdued typing experience. While the Cliff's sound adds an engaging pop with each keystroke, the Strawberry’s sound profile may resonate more gently, ultimately contributing to a less disruptive environment for both the typist and those nearby. It's worth noting, however, that the sound produced can be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap choices used, which can alter the overall auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable and satisfying bump that offers feedback on actuation. This can be particularly appealing for typists who appreciate clear tactile signals while typing. Meanwhile, the KTT Strawberry switch emphasizes a frictionless typing experience, described as silky, buttery, and polished, resulting in an extremely smooth and fluid keystroke with minimal resistance. This makes the Strawberry particularly suited for users who prioritize a seamless and effortless typing sensation without any noticeable bumps or tactile feedback, creating a stark contrast to the more engaging feel of the Cliff switches.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp sound and a medium tactile feel, making it a great choice for those who enjoy the feedback and auditory confirmation while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry linear switch provides a soothing low-pitched sound and an exceptionally smooth, frictionless typing experience, catering to those who prefer a quieter and more effortless interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you value tactile feedback and sound or favor smoothness and quietude in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you wish to create. If you enjoy a light actuation force with some tactile feedback, the Cliff switch would be the ideal choice. Its medium tactility and crisp sound signature complement a more interactive typing experience, making it great for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of response in their keystrokes. However, if you prefer smooth, frictionless typing and a heavier bottom-out force, the KTT Strawberry linear switch would be your go-to option. Known for its silky and buttery feel, the Strawberry provides a soothing and seamless typing experience, perfect for long hours of work or gaming where you want to minimize any perceived resistance or fatigue. Ultimately, consider what aspects of tactile feedback versus smoothness are most important to you, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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