Bsun Cliff vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Gazzew U4Tx offer distinct, yet appealing, tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing a balanced feel that appeals to both casual and avid typists seeking a reliable and responsive key press. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches marry exceptional acoustics with tactile feedback, producing a deep and resonant "thock" upon bottoming out, while maintaining a whisper-quiet action when topping out. This duality ensures a luxurious typing experience, making the U4Tx a compelling option for those who desire a refined sound profile alongside satisfying tactile responsiveness. While both switches present engaging choices, one leans towards a classic typing feel, and the other offers a modern acoustic twist. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Gazzew U4Tx switches, a noticeable difference in design philosophy and material choice emerges. The Cliff's top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is beneficial for users seeking clarity in their keystrokes, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary blend often referred to as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This material is softer than polycarbonate, contributing to a deeper and richer sound profile. Therefore, while the Cliff prioritizes a crispness in sound, the U4Tx aims for a more rounded auditory experience.

Both switches feature unique materials for their bottom housings, but they both lean into the theme of softness. The Bsun Cliff opts for nylon, a classic choice that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Conversely, the U4Tx's bottom housing, also made from a version of the proprietary "boba plastic," seeks to achieve a similar deep and rich sound profile through its softness. This suggests that although the material compositions differ, both switches ultimately share a trait that enhances the auditory experience by providing a rounded sound, thanks to their focus on softer plastics in the bottom housing.

In practical terms, if the top and bottom housings are crafted from different materials, the overall characteristics of the switch will be a blend of both. The polycarbonate top of the Cliff generates a bright sound upon release, while the nylon bottom creates a solid bottom-out experience that resonates with depth. Conversely, the U4Tx's combination of "boba plastic" in both housing pieces means that the switch will consistently lean towards producing a uniform, deep auditory feedback throughout the keystroke process. Therefore, even if the individual materials differ, the play between the top and bottom components in each switch provides a unique experience that reflects their design intentions. Ultimately, users may find that both switches achieve satisfying results, albeit through different material compositions and sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying preferences among users. The Cliff switch has a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a more effortless typing experience ideal for long hours of typing or gaming. In contrast, the U4Tx lacks a specified actuation force, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. This suggests a firmer feel, which might attract users who prefer a more robust and substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Bsun Cliff is the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, while the Gazzew U4Tx would be considered the heavier switch, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced force while typing.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that both switches offer a similar keypress experience in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom when pressed. This equal travel distance allows users to achieve a comparable tactile feedback and key feel whether using one switch or the other. Consequently, you can expect similar results in terms of actuation and overall typing experience with either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp auditory signature, providing a balanced acoustic experience that many users appreciate. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches enhance the auditory experience with a deeper, bassy tone that adds richness to each keystroke. The U4Tx also offers a unique blend of sounds; the deep "thock" when bottoming out is satisfying, while the whisper-quiet ascent keeps it muted during the topping out phase. This combination allows for a versatile auditory experience that caters to both those who enjoy a pronounced sound as well as those seeking a quieter typing environment.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff switch has a medium tactility, delivering a satisfactory and noticeable tactile response that many users find comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the U4Tx delivers a sharp tactile feedback that is intense and distinct with every keystroke, which can be particularly satisfying for users who value a strong tactile sensation. This notable difference in feedback intensity means that while both switches provide tactile responses, the U4Tx may appeal more to those who prefer pronounced tactile bumps.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Gazzew U4Tx tactile switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Cliff leans towards a crisp audio experience with medium tactility, the U4Tx presents a deeper, more luxurious sound coupled with an intense tactile bump. Depending on your typing style and auditory preferences, either switch could be suitable; if you enjoy a pronounced auditory and tactile feedback, the U4Tx may be your best bet, while the Cliff offers a more balanced and moderate experience. Ultimately, the choice will come down to individual preference and typing habits.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a medium level of tactility paired with a crisp sound, the Cliff switch is an excellent choice for rapid typing and a more casual feel. Its 45-gram activation force is particularly suited for those who appreciate a more comfortable typing experience without much resistance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides a robust tactile sensation with a deeper audio character, the Gazzew U4Tx is the way to go. With a heavier 62.5-gram force, it delivers a satisfying thock sound and a sharp tactile bump that enhances both acoustic pleasure and typing feedback. This switch is ideal if you're after a more refined and luxurious typing experience, especially if noise levels are a consideration, as its muted design makes it suitable for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between typing feel, acoustics, and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more