Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and HMX Swift offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Cliff tactile switch is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, creating an invigorating typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for both gaming and typing duties. In contrast, the HMX Swift, a linear switch, is celebrated for its silky smoothness and deeper sound profile, thanks to its full nylon housings and a delicately tuned 42g actuation force. While the Cliff provides auditory feedback and a tactile bump that can enhance the feel of each keystroke, the Swift offers a whisper-quiet experience, perfect for those who prefer soft, seamless key presses without interruptions. Each switch has its own merits—whether you’re looking for the satisfying feedback of the Cliff or the effortless ease of the Swift. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Swift, a notable distinction can be observed between their top housings. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This makes the Cliff particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups, as the clear polycarbonate enhances effectiveness in showcasing backlighting. In contrast, the HMX Swift employs a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's sound-absorbing properties contribute to a duller and rounder auditory experience, making the Swift more oriented toward a subdued typing feel.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Swift utilize nylon, creating a commonality that affects their sound profiles similarly. The nylon bottom housing complements the characteristics of the top housing for both models, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound signature while typing. The use of nylon in both switches indicates that the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes will possess similar qualities across the two models, leading to a more rounded acoustic profile. Without the contrast seen in their top housings, the base of each switch provides a consistent experience in terms of sound while typing.
Ultimately, the different materials used in the top housings of the Bsun Cliff and HMX Swift exemplify how specific housing choices articulate various auditory experiences in keyboard switches. The Cliff’s polycarbonate top accelerates the sharpness and resonance of the sound, while the Swift's nylon softens the auditory feedback, creating a contrasting typing experience. However, since both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, there is a convergence in sound characteristics in that component, illustrating how the sound quality and typing sensation can be influenced by the specific materials in both the top and bottom housings. Thus, the overall auditory experience when using these switches will largely depend on the interplay of these materials, highlighting their individual contributions while also creating some shared acoustic properties.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch both fall into the category of light switches, yet they exhibit differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Swift requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Cliff the lighter option overall, ideal for users looking for less resistance during long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Swift, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial push feel, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. While both switches provide a light tactile feedback, the difference in actuation and bottom out force suggests that users might find the Cliff more comfortable for extended use, whereas the Swift may appeal to users seeking a firmer keystroke response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, the Cliff features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift has a longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm can affect the overall user experience, particularly for gamers who often seek quicker response times and may favor the more responsive feel of the Cliff switch. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial actuation feel might prefer the Swift with its greater depth. In essence, if you value responsiveness and quicker key presses, the Bsun Cliff may be the better choice; however, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, the HMX Swift could be more suitable for your preferences.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 considering the sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, it is characterized by a crisp sound signature that accompanies its medium-level tactility. This makes the Cliff feel precise during keystrokes, while still providing enough auditory feedback to engage the typist without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch is noted for its brighter sound signature, deviating from this trend with a deeper sound profile produced by its full nylon housings. This contributes to a more resonant experience, reminiscent of deeper bass notes that contrast with the Cliff's sharp sounds. Overall, while both switches can produce distinct acoustic profiles, the Cliff leans towards a sharper and crisper delivery, while the Swift offers a richer and deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the Cliff switch presents an invigorating typing experience, offering pronounced feedback that delivers a moderate to firm actuation force. This snappy feel allows for an engaging, reactive typing sensation that many users find satisfying and immersive. On the other hand, the Swift excels at comfort with its featherlight actuation force of 42g, making it incredibly easy to press. This switch showcases gentle resistance, promoting a more effortless typing experience. Users can expect a bouncy sensation and a creamy smoothness, which provides a nice tactile slack suited for long periods of use. While the Cliff emphasizes an engaging tactile response, the Swift prioritizes softness and ease, catering to those who favor a less strenuous feel.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff tactile and HMX Swift linear switches cater to different preferences. The Cliff is ideal for those who appreciate an invigorating typing experience with crisp sound and moderate feedback. Conversely, the Swift is designed for those who prioritize smoothness and ease, offering a unique bouncy feel and a deeper sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value tactile engagement or effortless typing, as both switches deliver excellent results in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate enhanced feedback while typing and enjoy a moderate actuation force with a snappy, invigorating feel, the Cliff is the better option for you. It features a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, which is suitable for quick typing or gaming sessions where tactile feedback can enhance your performance. The Cliff's crisp sound profile will appeal to those who enjoy auditory responses without being overly loud or distracting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a seamless and effortless typing experience, especially for extended periods, you should consider the HMX Swift. Its gentle 42g actuation force allows for minimal finger strain, making it ideal for long hours of work or study. The Swift's deeper sound profile paired with a silky smooth feel provides a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a low-impact keystroke. Ultimately, aligning your switch choice with your typing style and sound preference will help you create the ideal mechanical keyboard setup tailored to your needs.
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