Bsun Cliff vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the feel and sound of each switch can greatly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, offering a satisfying feedback that is ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced response from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is a linear switch recognized for its resonant and clacky notes, providing a smooth and fluid stroke thanks to an impeccable factory lube job. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and those who prefer a quieter yet responsive typing experience. While the Cliff appeals to those who appreciate tactile feedback and an audible click, the Strawberry Wine (V2) caters to users seeking a silky-smooth sensation with a unique sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize distinct materials for their top housings, leading to differing auditory experiences. The Cliff employs a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its stiffness, which generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This property of polycarbonate not only contributes to clarity and resonance but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly in setups featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a Ly top housing, a newer material noted for its bright sound signature and the resonant clacks it produces during typing. While both switches aim to deliver a clear sound, the Cliff’s polycarbonate top leans towards a crisper audio timbre, whereas the Ly top aims for a more pronounced acoustic presence.
Interestingly, both switches share a common bottom housing material: nylon. The nylon used in both the Cliff and the Strawberry Wine (V2) is known for its characteristic ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. This similarity means that when pressed, both switches will provide a duller, rounder sound, reinforcing a satisfying feedback through sound profile despite the differing top housings. The nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the overall feel and sound when the switch bottoms out, ensuring both switches create a rich foundation for typing experiences that are rooted in a classic material known for its warmth and depth.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Cliff and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) influence their respective sound profiles and tactile feedback in unique ways. While the polycarbonate top of the Cliff emphasizes brightness and clarity, the Ly top of the Strawberry Wine (V2) enhances resonance during typing. However, the use of nylon in both bottom housings synchronizes the overall auditory experience, ensuring that despite the variances in the top, both switches deliver a consistent and satisfying depth of sound. Each switch capitalizes on the qualities of its materials to offer distinctive yet complementary typing experiences, showcasing the intricate relationship between top and bottom housings in crafting sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, there are notable differences in their 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 more suitable for extended typing sessions, particularly for those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a more substantial feel that may appeal to users who enjoy a stronger push while typing or gaming. Consequently, while both switches provide different typing experiences—light and easy action from the Cliff versus a medium-light resistance from the Strawberry Wine (V2)—the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable key press experience in terms of the distance their fingers must travel when pressing the keys. Because both switches have the same travel distance, the tactile feedback and overall responsiveness should also feel quite similar, providing a consistent typing or gaming experience across both options.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 delivers a crisp sound signature that is characteristic of mid-level tactile switches. The auditory feedback is sharp and distinct, making each keystroke easily noticeable. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch boasts a more resonant and clacky sound profile, producing a higher-pitched and immersive auditory experience. The blend of clacky and resonant notes contributes to a sound that feels lively and engaging. So, while both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback, the Cliff offers a cleaner, crisper sound, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) leans towards a vibrant, rich soundscape.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is noted for its medium tactility, which implies a noticeable bump that enhances typing feedback, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is celebrated for its silky smoothness thanks to an impeccable factory lube job. This smoothness allows for a frictionless keystroke experience, minimizing the resistance felt when pressing and releasing keys. Therefore, if you're after a switch that provides clear feedback upon actuation, the Cliff will deliver that tactile sensation, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more effortless typing experience that some may find preferable for extended use.
In summation, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a crisp auditory experience and a moderate tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who savor a pronounced typing tactility. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a clacky and resonant sound signature, complemented by a wonderfully smooth feel. Each switch caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their sound and tactile feedback priorities. Whether you favor crispness or smoothness, both switches offer unique sensations that enhance the overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, your specific preferences and intended use cases will guide your choice. If you enjoy a tactile response with a lighter actuation force, the Cliff switch is an excellent choice, providing a noticeable bump with a crisp sound signature, perfect for both typing and gaming scenarios where feedback is crucial. However, if you prefer a smoother experience with a richer auditory profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is the way to go. Its medium-light force combined with silky smooth keystrokes and a clacky, resonant sound makes it ideal for long typing sessions or for those who appreciate a bit of character in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired auditory and tactile sensations while using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
