Bsun Cliff vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) cater to distinct preferences and typing styles. The Bsun Cliff is known for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback with each keystroke without being overly loud; its tactile nature enhances typing accuracy, appealing to typists and gamers alike who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, ideal for users who prefer a linear switch that offers seamless key presses and a resonant sound profile, perfect for rapid typing and gaming without the interruptions of tactile bumps. While the Cliff excels in providing tactile feedback, the Tomcat takes the lead in delivering a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both share a commonly used top housing material: polycarbonate. This choice provides a consistent audio experience across both switches. Polycarbonate's relatively stiffer structure contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who appreciate clarity in their keystrokes. Additionally, both switches' use of clear polycarbonate for the top housing allows for an attractive aesthetic when RGB lighting is in play, as the light can pass through unobstructed to enhance the visual experience.

On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Cliff and the Tomcat (Heavy) is made of nylon, which offers a contrasting sound profile to the polycarbonate top. Nylon is recognized for its softer characteristics, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, typing on these switches produces a deeper and fuller sound. This dual-material approach enables users to experience the best of both worlds—the clarity from the polycarbonate top and the warmth from the nylon bottom—together creating a unique acoustic experience that enhances typing satisfaction.

If the switch design combines these materials, the sound and tactile feedback during use will reflect the characteristics of both the top and bottom housings. While the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out feel and noise, the polycarbonate top housing will modify the sound upon releasing a key. Therefore, even though both the Bsun Cliff and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) are constructed using the same high-quality materials for their respective housings, it is this combination that results in a nuanced auditory profile, yielding a dynamic typing experience that caters to differing preferences in sound and style.

Weight

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit contrasting characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer lighter switches that facilitate prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel associated with heavier switches. This difference in force not only influences the overall typing experience but also highlights the heavier nature of the Tomcat switch compared to the lighter Cliff switch. Users seeking a tactile experience with less resistance would likely gravitate towards the Cliff, while those who prefer a firmer feedback might opt for the Tomcat (Heavy).

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that pressing down on either switch will provide the same depth of movement. This parity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent feel when engaging with either switch, making them suitable for those who prefer a uniform tactile experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and feedback when using either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a crisp sound signature that provides a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This makes it a great choice for users who appreciate an audible confirmation of each keypress. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch delivers a resonant sound profile that is generally quieter than tactile switches, creating a more subdued typing experience. While both switches may differ in their sound characteristics, it’s important to remember that the overall sound produced can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

When it comes to feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, allowing users to feel a distinct bump at the actuation point that enhances typing precision and feedback. This tactile response can be particularly beneficial for those who favor a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch is designed with Ly stems, providing a super smooth typing experience devoid of any tactile bumps. This smoothness makes it ideal for users who prefer a fluid keystroke without interruptions, catering to a different typing style that emphasizes speed and efficiency.

Overall, the Bsun Cliff and Tomcat switches cater to different user preferences through their sound and feel qualities. The Cliff excels in providing a tactile profile with crisp feedback, appealing to those who enjoy auditory cues and tactile sensations during typing. Meanwhile, the Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch focuses on delivering a smooth experience with a resonant sound, suitable for users who prioritize quietness and seamless keystrokes. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer a tactile bump and distinct sound or a smooth, linear action with a more muted auditory experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're aiming for. If you appreciate a light typing feel with a quick actuation and enjoy a medium tactile bump along with a crisp sound profile, the Cliff is an excellent choice. It's especially suited for those who engage in a lot of typing or gaming where quick responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keypress and a smooth typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Tomcat (Heavy) could be ideal due to its heavier bottom-out force and its renowned smoothness, which makes it perfect for long typing sessions or for users who type with varying pressure. Additionally, if you appreciate a resonant sound when typing, the Tomcat enhances that experience. Consider what you value more: the satisfying tactile response of the Cliff or the silky-smooth linear action of the Tomcat, and choose accordingly for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more