Bsun Cliff vs. Bsun Tomcat

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Cliff switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, delivering a refreshing, invigorating feedback with each keystroke that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch boasts a super smooth typing experience, thanks to its Ly stems, which provide a seamless feel without the tactile bump, perfect for rapid key presses and a quieter performance with its resonant sound profile. While the Cliff is ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback and audible cues in their typing, the Tomcat caters to users seeking a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Tomcat are identical, both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. This similarity in materials ensures that both switches deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of the polycarbonate top housing not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly with RGB lighting, but also contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Since both switches share this material, users can expect a consistent auditory experience concerning the sound produced when releasing a key, leading to a crisper sound that enhances typing feedback.

Contrastingly, when it comes to the bottom housings of both models, the use of nylon leads to a different auditory experience, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively, creating a rounder and more muted sound when the bottom of the switch is engaged. This characteristic is especially pronounced during the bottom-out sound, which is a crucial aspect of the overall typing experience. Consequently, while both the Cliff and Tomcat share similar sound profiles for the release, the engaging sound produced by the bottom housing showcases the benefits of the nylon material, resulting in a richer tactile feedback when typing.

In conclusion, although the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Tomcat utilize the same housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—their combined effects create a unique auditory profile. The polycarbonate provides sharpness and clarity during key release, while the nylon adds depth and richness during key engagement. The synergy of these materials ensures a balanced sound experience, making both switches suitable for users who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback while typing. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound character, with distinct differences that arise from the individual contributions of each housing material.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a gentler touch and potentially longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the Cliff offers a lighter overall touch compared to the Tomcat, which may result in a softer typing experience. Users seeking to engage in longer gaming or work sessions may gravitate towards the Cliff for its ease of actuation, while those looking for a firmer feedback might prefer the Tomcat.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches provide a consistent pressing experience, as they require the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect similar tactile feedback and key actuation between the two switches, equating their performance in terms of key travel. Since they share the same travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer; instead, they offer a uniform experience in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat linear switch produces a resonant sound, which may provide a different auditory experience than the Cliff. It’s essential to note that the specific sound of each switch can be influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, so results may vary across setups.

When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff switch is invigorating, offering moderate to firm actuation force combined with a pronounced tactile feedback. This creates a snappy and reactive sensation, making the typing experience immersive and lively. The Tomcat linear switch emphasizes a super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, although specific descriptors relating to its tactile feedback have not been mentioned. The smoothness of the Tomcat could provide a contrasting experience where the tactile sensation is less pronounced compared to the invigorating feedback of the Cliff.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile and Bsun Tomcat linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. While the Cliff is recognized for its medium tactility and crisp sound, the Tomcat stands out with its smoothness and resonant audio. Those who appreciate tactile feedback may lean towards the Cliff, while users who prioritize a seamless typing feel might prefer the Tomcat. Ultimately, exploring both types and considering your individual preferences will guide you in achieving the best typing experience for your setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a pronounced feedback and an invigorating typing sensation, the Cliff switch is a great choice for you. Its lighter actuation force of 45 grams makes it ideal for quick typing bursts and can be more comfortable over long typing sessions, particularly if you appreciate a crisp sound signature that adds to the overall engagement. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quiet typing experience, the Tomcat linear switch with its medium-light actuation force of 54 grams might be more suitable. The Tomcat’s Ly stems provide a super smooth feel, making it an excellent option for gaming or tasks that require swift key presses without tactile interruptions. In short, lean towards the Cliff for an invigorating and tactile engagement, and choose the Tomcat for a seamless and quiet experience. Each switch has unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey depending on your personal preferences and usage scenarios.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more