Bsun Cliff vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often revolves around personal typing preferences and the desired tactile feedback. The Bsun Cliff switch stands out for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a bit of resistance and a satisfying audible click with each keystroke. Conversely, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a completely different experience, characterized by its super smooth operation and balanced sound profile, providing a whisper of feedback without the interruption of sharp clicks. These contrasting qualities cater to different user preferences: the Cliff is ideal for typists seeking a tactile experience that invigorates their typing rhythm, while the Strawberry Latte is perfect for gamers or writers who prioritize swift, uninterrupted keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Huano Strawberry Latte exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and performance characteristics. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is valued for its stiffness and translucence, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material enhances the sound clarity, particularly when integrated with RGB lighting, making it an aesthetically appealing and acoustically effective choice. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK top housing, known for its smoothness and durability, with attributes that lend to a clacky and vibrant sound. Despite the differences in material composition, both designs capitalize on the unique acoustic properties of their top housings to create an engaging typing experience, albeit with distinct sound characteristics.
As for the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, which is a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared use of nylon highlights the commonality in design philosophy between the two models, focusing on enhancing sound absorption to produce a more rounded auditory experience. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a more subdued bottom-out sound, which is sustained across both the Cliff and the Strawberry Latte. Given this similarity, users can expect a comparable depth in sound quality when typing, despite the varied top housing materials. This signifies that while the top housings contribute different tonal characteristics, the foundational acoustic traits of the switches are unified through the shared nylon material in the bottom housing.
Furthermore, the impact of the housing materials can be observed in the overall typing experience when a key is pressed. The qualities brought by the bottom housing will influence the sound and feel at the point of actuation, while the top housing will be more pronounced in the sound released upon key release. This division means that the Bsun Cliff's polycarbonate top will deliver a clearer sound when releasing keys, while the POK top of the Strawberry Latte will produce a unique texture to the sound harmonized with the deeper tones of the nylon bottom. Ultimately, while the switches may differ in their top materials, the shared nylon in the bottom construction ensures that users experience a familiar foundational sound profile, coupled with the unique tones of each switch design.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Strawberry Latte has a slightly lighter actuation force of 35 grams, although both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams. This means the Cliff requires a little more effort to activate, making it feel somewhat heavier during use, while the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter touch for actuation, potentially leading to less fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches provide the same bottom out push feel, ensuring users will experience a similar resistance when fully depressing the keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on individual preference for actuation force: those who prefer a lighter push will likely gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, while users who enjoy a more substantial feel may favor the Bsun Cliff.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience an identical depth of key travel, resulting in a similar tactile feel and responsiveness during use. Since both switches have equal travel distances, users can expect comparable performance and feedback, regardless of which switch they choose.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 sound signature, which gives it a pronounced auditory feedback during typing. This can create a satisfying auditory experience, especially for users who appreciate the feedback of a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a balanced sound profile that is not overly resonant or too quiet. This means that while it doesn’t produce the same type of distinct click as the Cliff, it provides a more muted auditory experience that can still be pleasant. Users seeking different sound dynamics can find satisfaction in both switches, with the Cliff appealing to those who enjoy sharper feedback while the Strawberry Latte caters to fans of a more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is characterized by medium tactility, providing a noticeable bump that signals when the key has been actuated. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and efficiency, making it ideal for users who favor a more intentional key press. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte linear switch is designed for smoothness throughout the keypress, eliminating the tactile bump altogether. This smooth transition can enhance a gliding typing experience and is generally preferred by users who favor rapid key presses without any interruption from tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prefers the tactile feedback of the Cliff or the fluidity of the Strawberry Latte.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisper sound and medium tactility, appealing to users seeking pronounced auditory and tactile feedback, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch delivers a smoother keypress with a balanced sound profile suitable for those who enjoy a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ensuring that newcomers can find a switch that aligns with their individual typing style and experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback during typing, where each keystroke provides a clear bump that enhances your typing experience, then the Cliff’s medium tactility and crisp sound signature might be what you’re looking for. This is particularly beneficial for those who type frequently and appreciate clear auditory and tactile cues, enhancing both accuracy and satisfaction. On the other hand, if you're seeking a super smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Strawberry Latte would be the better choice. Its seamless actuation makes it ideal for gaming and prolonged typing sessions where you desire minimal resistance and a consistent feel. Both switches have a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, so comfort is not an issue, making it crucial to consider whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Cliff or the smoothness of the Strawberry Latte in your day-to-day use. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth linear feel in your keyboard experience.
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