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Bsun Cliff vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue

An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear switches can significantly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff stands out with its invigorating medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes; this tactile response can enhance typing accuracy and provide a satisfying auditory cue. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a different kind of enjoyment with its deep, thocky sound profile and a bouncy feel from its lengthened single-stage spring, appealing to users who prefer a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience. With a standard spring weight that caters to a wide range of preferences, the Tourmaline Blues are often perceived as easy to press, making them accessible for various typing styles. Both switches cater to distinct user preferences, ensuring you will find something that aligns with your typing habits. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

37g

Actuation force

59g

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

4.00 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

Ly

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Polycarbonate

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Gold-plated

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share some similarities, particularly in their top housing. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking clarity in their typing experience. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Consequently, users can expect similar results in terms of acoustic performance and aesthetic presentation from the top housing of both switches.

However, the differences in the bottom housing materials between the two switches result in contrasting sound profiles and tactile sensations. The Bsun Cliff utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer composition that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's ability to absorb sound leads to a rounder auditory experience, offering a different tactile feedback when typing compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing found in the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Tourmaline Blue's use of polycarbonate here means that the audible feedback will be sharper, reflective of the stiffer material. Thus, while the top housings create a consistent sound profile in both switches, the bottom housings diverge, creating distinct auditory experiences.

In conclusion, the combination of housing materials in both the Bsun Cliff and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue creates unique sound characteristics that appeal to different user preferences. While both switches benefit from the advantages of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing clarity and translucence for lighting effects, the bottom housings introduce variability. This design means that users pressing down on the Cliff will experience a richer sound due to the nylon, while those using the Tourmaline Blue will enjoy a higher-pitched feedback from the polycarbonate. Consequently, each switch delivers a unique typing sensation, allowing users to choose based on their auditory and tactile preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue, which is advantageous for users who engage in long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for tactile feedback. This means that if you're looking for a lighter switch, the Cliff is the better option, while the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who favor a stronger push feel. Overall, while the Bsun Cliff is lighter and more conducive to prolonged use, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a more robust engagement for those who enjoy a heavier switch feel.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm suggests that the Cliff switch offers a more responsive feel, which might appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, may provide users with a more traditional typing experience, allowing for a fuller keypress that some might find more satisfying. While both switches cater to different preferences in terms of depth and responsiveness, the Cliff is the shorter of the two at 3.6 mm, providing a more immediate feedback, whereas the Tourmaline Blue is the longer option at 4 mm, appealing to those who enjoy a more thorough interaction with their keys.

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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.

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

In terms of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that contributes to an engaging auditory experience during typing. While not explicitly stated, the medium tactility suggests that it has a defined yet controlled sound that enhances the typing sensation without being overly loud or distracting. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch produces a deep and thocky sound profile, creating a resonant and immersive acoustic environment. This switch is noted for its neutral sound, which makes it suitable for a variety of settings—whether at home or in an office—allowing users to type comfortably without disturbing others nearby. Overall, while the Cliff may offer a crisper sound, the Tourmaline Blue excels in producing a fuller auditory experience that can be appealing in different scenarios.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff switch provides an invigorating typing experience with its pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in a snappy and reactive sensation with every keystroke. This tactility contributes to an immersive typing sensation that many users may find satisfying. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch is designed to be easy to press, requiring minimal force for activation. Its mild characteristics enhance comfort during extended typing sessions by reducing finger fatigue, making it accessible for a broader range of users, including those who prefer a gentler touch. While the Cliff may cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback, the Tourmaline Blue’s gentle resistance offers effortlessly smooth typing that can be enticing for prolonged use.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cliff offers a crisp sound and invigorating feel that appeals to users who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep sound and easy, comfortable typing experience. Personal preference will ultimately determine which switch is more appealing; whether you’re drawn to the snappiness of the Cliff or the gentle ease of the Tourmaline Blue, both options provide a fulfilling typing experience. If one desires a balance between sound and feel, exploring both switches could reveal which aspects resonate most with individual typing styles.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you favor a lighter switch with a pronounced tactile feedback and an invigorating typing experience, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its snappy feel and medium tactility make it ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic interaction while typing, particularly if you're looking for something that enhances your engagement with the keyboard. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a deeper sound profile that provides a satisfying thock-like experience, the Tourmaline Blue is the way to go. Its medium-heavy actuation force and easy-to-press design make it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. This switch balances comfort and responsiveness, making it a good fit for both beginners and seasoned users who want a dependable and immersive typing feel. In essence, choose the Cliff for a light, tactile sensation, and opt for the Tourmaline Blue for a deeper, more sumptuous typing experience.

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