Bsun Cliff vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Taichi stand out for their distinctive characteristics and user experiences. The Bsun Cliff is a tactile switch known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate tactile feedback with each keystroke without being overly loud. This switch offers an engaging sensation, making it ideal for both gaming and typing tasks that demand precision. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is a linear switch that delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, highlighted by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. Built with a long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi promises unparalleled smoothness and stability, catering to gamers seeking rapid and fluid key presses during intense gameplay. While both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and Bsun Taichi keyboards both incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a distinctly sharp, high-pitched sound profile. This similarity is pivotal, as the stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when keys are pressed. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing also facilitates vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both models visually appealing to enthusiasts who value aesthetics alongside performance. These shared characteristics ensure that both the Cliff and Taichi deliver an engaging auditory experience during use, and they are well-suited for users looking for clear, responsive keystrokes.
In contrast, the two models diverge in their bottom housing materials. Both the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Taichi utilize nylon for this component, which is well-known for its ability to absorb sound. This choice creates a deeper, fuller sound profile, which differs significantly from the high-pitched tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. The nylon bottom housing helps to dampen the keystroke sounds, resulting in a more subdued and rounder auditory experience that complements the crispness of the top housing. Consequently, while both switches share the same nylon material for the lower part, the overall sound profile will be characterized by a blend of the high clarity from the polycarbonate top and the depth from the nylon bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Taichi creates a unique sound signature that marries the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon. While the top housings are identical, featuring the same polycarbonate composition, it's the bottom housings that offer a fuller auditory contrast, ensuring that typing on both keyboards provides a rich sensory experience. Users can expect a consistent performance in both models when it comes to sound clarity and overall typing feel, establishing a harmonious balance between high-frequency resonance and rounded, muted tones.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force of the Taichi remains unknown. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer extended typing or gaming sessions without unnecessary strain. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. Since the bottom out force for the Taichi is not specified, we cannot determine its overall feel during full key presses. Therefore, while the Cliff offers a lighter option overall due to its specified forces, the Taichi may offer a firmer feel at actuation, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, for users looking for prolonged comfort, the Cliff is the lighter choice, whereas users who favor a stronger push sensation might lean towards the Taichi, depending on its bottom out characteristics.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance allows for comparable actuation experiences, making both switches feel equally responsive under the same pressing conditions. Therefore, individuals who prefer either switch can expect a consistent tactile sensation during use.
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 Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that is quite pleasing, offering clarity with each keystroke. This makes typing a satisfying auditory experience, as the medium tactility accentuates the sound during operation. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch presents an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is enhanced by its long-pole stem and extended springs. This two-switch comparison reveals that while both offer distinct auditory qualities, the Cliff is more focused on the clarity of each keypress, while the Taichi emphasizes the smoothness and resonance of bottoming out.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features medium tactility, which provides a noticeable bump that helps typists confirm their key presses without overly intrusive resistance. This balanced tactility caters well to those who enjoy clear feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is designed for unparalleled smoothness and stability due to its unique construction, offering a wholly unbroken keystroke experience. This makes the Taichi especially appealing for users who prefer a snag-free typing experience without the tactile bump found in the Cliff switch.
In summary, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Cliff offers a crisper sound with medium tactile feedback, while the Taichi focuses on an enchanting sound and smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: whether you favor the clear feedback of a tactile switch or the buttery smoothness of a linear switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing or gaming styles. If you appreciate a tactile feel with a noticeable bump during actuation, along with a light bottom-out force of 45 grams, the Cliff tactile switch is an excellent choice for you. This switch provides a satisfying combination of medium tactility and a crisp sound signature that can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for those of you who enjoy feedback while typing or gaming. Conversely, if your focus leans more toward a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience, the Bsun Taichi linear switch may be more aligned with your needs. Known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and remarkable smoothness due to its long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi offers exceptional stability, making it a great option for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where comfort is key. In essence, your decision should reflect whether you favor tactile feedback or a smoother linear experience.
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