Bsun Cliff vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between two popular tactile switches for a mechanical keyboard—Bsun Cliff and Jwick Taro—it's essential to consider their distinct characteristics and typing experiences. The Bsun Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, providing a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate for both productivity and gaming. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, known for its subtle yet cozy color scheme, offers a similarly snappy medium tactility combined with acute and crisp clacks, resulting in a typing experience that feels both inviting and lively. Both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts, yet they each present unique auditory and tactile experiences that can suit different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to remarkably similar sound profiles in both switches. The polycarbonate material is known for its rigidity, enabling a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the keys are pressed. This characteristic allows both switches to provide a clear and resonant auditory experience, making them particularly appealing for users who prioritize the sound quality of their mechanical keyboards. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, as it allows light to shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches when illuminated.
Contrasting the top housings, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housing designs. This classic material contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile that complements the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate tops. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it effectively dampens sound and absorbs vibrations, resulting in a rounder and more substantial auditory experience. This combination of materials allows the Cliff and Taro switches to work in harmony, with the nylon bottom enriching the sound quality while the polycarbonate top ensures a crisp attack. By managing the interplay between these two materials, both switches offer a well-rounded acoustic performance.
Understanding the interaction between the top and bottom housings is crucial for appreciating the overall performance of both the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Taro switches. While the polycarbonate top enhances the sound upon key release, the nylon bottom significantly influences the bottom-out feel and sound when pressed. This division of acoustic qualities means that users can enjoy a nuanced typing experience where the sharpness of the top is balanced by the warmth of the bottom. Ultimately, both switches showcase the benefits of their respective materials, delivering a delightful blend of sound and tactility that caters to diverse preferences in keyboard feel and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their specifications and tactile experiences. The Cliff features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which makes it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users can press keys with less effort. In contrast, the Taro does not specify its actuation force but has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when the key is fully pressed down. This can cater to users who prefer a more tactile and robust typing experience. Overall, the Cliff’s lighter touch and less demanding force requirements may appeal to those looking for comfort during longer usage, while the Taro’s heavier bottom out force may attract those who value a more defined keystroke feedback. Since the actuation force of the Taro is unknown, we can only conclude that the Cliff is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that, when pressed, the Cliff switch feels slightly shallower compared to the Taro, making it potentially more favorable for those who prioritize quick, responsive actions, such as gamers. In contrast, the Taro’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback as they press down, offering a deeper engagement with each keypress. Overall, if you're looking for a switch that provides a snappier response, the Bsun Cliff would be the better choice, whereas the Jwick Taro might be preferred for its more pronounced depth 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Taro switches produce a crisp auditory experience that appeals to typists seeking a satisfying keystroke. The Cliff's sound is characterized as sharp and prominent, creating an engaging sound signature during typing. Conversely, the Taro switches also deliver acute and crisp clacks, aligning with the Cliff's auditory qualities while maintaining a more subdued neutrality in their sound profile. This moderated sound makes the Taro switches versatile, suitable for various environments like home or office, similar to the Cliff if considering individual board and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the Cliff tactile switches provide a medium level of tactility, giving typists a noticeable yet non-intrusive feedback during each keystroke. This makes the Cliff comfortable for prolonged typing sessions without being overly aggressive. On the other hand, the Taro switches are known for their buttery smoothness, contributing to a seamless and fluid typing experience. Additionally, the stepped tactile design offers a more staged sensation, with a gentle pre-travel and post-travel feel that can be quite pleasing. Though different in some aspects, the tactile feedback from the Taro can still provide a comparable experience to the Cliff, especially if one appreciates a more refined progression in tactile response.
In conclusion, both Bsun Cliff and Jwick Taro tactile switches provide compelling typing experiences with their unique sounds and tactile feedback. The Cliff offers a more pronounced crispness and medium tactility, while the Taro delivers a smooth, buttery feel with a stepped tactile response. Ultimately, personal preference in feel and sound will guide a newcomer toward their ideal switch, but both options promise a satisfying typing experience that can cater to a variety of environments and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff and the Jwick Taro tactile switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter keystroke and appreciate a medium level of tactility with a crisp sound profile, the Cliff switches might be the ideal fit for you. This makes them particularly suitable for prolonged typing sessions where a less taxing actuation force is appreciated. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feedback with a medium-heavy actuation that offers a buttery smooth feel coupled with a cozy typing experience, then the Taro switches would likely be your best bet. Their neutral sound and stepped tactile feel make them versatile for both work and casual use, providing a satisfying typing experience without being overwhelming. In essence, choose the Cliff if you enjoy lightness and crisp feedback, and opt for the Taro if you want a more robust and fluid typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
