Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Sunset Gleam offer distinct options tailored to different preferences. The Cliff switches stand out with their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing an invigorating typing experience that many users find engaging, especially for those who prefer tactile feedback as a way to enhance their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam, also known as the Duck Duck switch, introduces a luxurious linear feel with a polished and silky response. This switch delivers a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, a combination that appeals to users who seek a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke while typing or gaming, thanks to the expertly applied factory lube. While both switches boast unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles—one emphasizing tactile engagement and auditory feedback, the other prioritizing smoothness and resonance—each presents compelling reasons for selection. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and HMX Sunset Gleam both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, offering distinctly similar sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The polycarbonate material is noted for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting from its relative stiffness compared to other plastics. Given its translucency, polycarbonate not only enhances the clarity of sound produced by the switches but also makes them particularly attractive when RGB lighting is employed. With both switches sharing this material, consumers can expect an equivalent auditory experience and enhanced visual appeal from either option, illustrating how similar housing materials can lead to consistent results.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Cliff and HMX Sunset Gleam are made from nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relative softness allows it to absorb more sound, thereby creating a rounder and less piercing auditory experience. This dual combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom helps balance the overall sound profile of each switch, where the top housing contributes to the lighter, more resonant sounds, while the bottom housing brings in a more subdued depth. Hence, even though both switches employ nylon in this regard, the presence of different materials in each housing segment results in a multifaceted auditory experience when the keys are pressed.
Ultimately, both the Bsun Cliff and HMX Sunset Gleam present a harmonious pairing of materials that influence their overall performance. While their top housings are identical in composition and effect, it is the nylon at the bottom that brings nuance to the acoustic signature. The varying characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon are crucial to understanding how they complement each other: the crispness of the polycarbonate top gives way to the richness of the nylon bottom upon keystroke. Users selecting between the two will find comfort in the familiar sound and feel that the materials provide, even if some aspects, particularly regarding tone and resonance, may vary depending on which switch is engaged.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, both exhibit light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Cliff switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Sunset Gleam requires slightly more effort, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Thus, the Cliff switch is the lighter option, providing a gentler touch, perfect for users who prefer decreased fatigue over long periods. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam, being somewhat heavier, may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel as they type. Ultimately, while both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, the choice between them will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, the Cliff requires a bit more travel compared to the Sunset Gleam. If you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced feel and a deeper press, the Bsun Cliff may be the better choice for you due to its longer travel distance. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal to those seeking quicker key response times, which can be particularly advantageous for gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for either a deeper or a more responsive typing experience.
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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 presents a crisp signature that typists often find satisfying, providing a medium-level auditory feedback that enhances the tactile experience without overwhelming the senses. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch offers a resonant sound profile that is higher-pitched and creates a clean, sharp auditory experience. This switch delivers a subtle top-out sound, further accentuated by the high-quality factory lubrication HMX is known for. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cliff leaning towards a more muted and defined sound and the Sunset Gleam aiming for a more pronounced resonant effect.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switch is invigorating, providing pronounced feedback with moderate to firm actuation force. This snappy and reactive sensation creates an engaging typing experience, making each keystroke feel rewarding. On the other hand, the Sunset Gleam switches are praised for their polished, bouncy, and silky feel. The smooth and refined finish means reduced friction, while the bouncy quality gives a lively, spring-like feedback, ensuring an energetic typing sensation. The combination of these elements results in a seamless and enjoyable experience that some may find more fluid compared to the more pronounced tactile feedback from the Cliff switches.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch deliver unique experiences in sound and feel, making them appealing to different types of typists. The Cliff provides a more pronounced tactile response with a crisp auditory feedback, while the Sunset Gleam offers a smooth and resonant experience through its polished feel and higher-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a tactile, invigorating experience or a smooth, polished, and lively one.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch will ultimately come down to your personal preferences in tactile feedback, sound, and typing experience. If you prefer a switch that offers pronounced feedback and a snappy, invigorating feel, along with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent option for you. It's particularly well-suited for users who enjoy typing with a tactile response, as its moderate actuation force of 45 grams makes it easy to activate while still providing a satisfying sensation. On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards a smoother, slicker typing experience with a polished feel, the Sunset Gleam is the way to go. This linear switch provides a bouncy and silky sensation with its slightly firmer actuation force of 48 grams, making it perfect for those who favor a clean, quiet typing experience with a resonant sound profile. Overall, whether you lean towards the tactile engagement of the Cliff or the smoothness of the Sunset Gleam will depend on how you want your mechanical keyboard to feel and sound during use.
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