Bsun Cliff vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When choosing between the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream mechanical keyboard switches, each offers distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream is a linear switch that excels with its buttery smoothness, characterized by its innovative use of POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch not only provides a creamy feel but also boasts a high-pitched, clacky sound, appealing to users who favor a quieter yet responsive typing experience. While the Cliff may attract typists who revel in tactile sensations, the Vanilla Ice Cream caters to those who prioritize smooth keystrokes and delightful acoustics. 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

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, both models showcase unique characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles. The Bsun Cliff features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This property allows for a more resonant sound, particularly advantageous when RGB lighting is utilized, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary blend for its top housing, which, while unspecified, is described as producing a similarly high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both housings thus prioritize a sound profile that accentuates clarity and brightness, which makes them comparable in delivering an engaging auditory experience.

The bottom housings present a broader contrast between the two models, which significantly influences their acoustic signature and tactile response. The Bsun Cliff incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic material that is recognized for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound better, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory output. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes POK, or polyketone, for its bottom housing, which is notable for its exceptional strength, wear resistance, and shock absorption. The POK material not only provides durability but also contributes to smoothness in key presses, which adds a layer of responsiveness that nylon might not deliver. While the Cliff emphasizes a softer, deeper sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream leans toward a smoother and slightly sharper auditory experience due to the high-performance characteristics of POK.

Considering how the materials interact within each switch, the complete auditory profile emerges from the synergy between the top and bottom housings. For both the Bsun Cliff and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, the interaction of the polycarbonate or proprietary blend top with the nylon or POK bottom greatly shapes the overall sound and feel when typing. The polycarbonate of the Cliff enables a bright and resonant release during key rebounds, while the nylon softens the impact at the bottom. Meanwhile, the KTT offers intensity in the high notes with POK's durability and smooth tactile feedback, producing a prominent clack. Therefore, even though the switches utilize different materials, both manufacturers achieve distinct but comparable auditory results, with each housing playing a crucial role in the unique characteristics of their respective sound signatures.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that both switches offer a lightweight typing experience. The Cliff switch features an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Cliff switch is the lighter option, requiring less force to engage and bottom out compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream. Consequently, typists who prefer a more effortless key press for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Bsun Cliff for its lower actuation force. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, while still considered light, provides a slightly firmer typing feel that might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced push-back during use. Overall, while both switches facilitate comfortable typing, the Cliff's lower actuation force makes it the better choice for users seeking a lighter touch.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, the Cliff offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Cliff the longer option by a marginal amount. For gamers or users seeking quick responsiveness, the Vanilla Ice Cream's shorter travel distance may feel more favorable. However, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke experience might lean towards the Cliff, as it provides that extra millimeter of travel. Overall, while the differences are subtle, they can significantly influence the typing feel and responsiveness based on individual preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp signature that produces a medium volume, set apart by its defined auditory feedback. This makes it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a sharp sound without overwhelming richness. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched, clacky sound that is marbly and resonant, creating an engaging auditory experience. Users who favor a cleaner and brighter sound profile will likely prefer the Vanilla Ice Cream, especially if they are looking to steer clear of more bass-heavy options.

Regarding feel, the Cliff switches provide a notable tactile sensation that is neither too harsh nor overly soft, allowing for a pleasurable typing experience that engages typists without causing fatigue. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, however, elevates the experience with its buttery and creamy qualities, offering a remarkably smooth and effortless keystroke. Typists will find that the Vanilla Ice Cream’s design fosters a luxurious glide, quite unlike the more traditional tactile feedback of the Cliff switches.

In summary, while the Bsun Cliff tactile switch delivers a crisp sound and tactile feedback, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch excels in producing a smoother, creamy feeling with a bright auditory signature. Both switches cater to different preferences; the Cliff appeals to those who enjoy tactile sensations and a sharp sound, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream is geared towards users who prioritize a fluid typing experience with a vibrant acoustic profile. Depending on personal taste, both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, but they approach this goal through distinctly different means.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're looking for. If you enjoy a medium tactile feedback combined with a crisp and resonant sound, the Cliff switch would be an excellent fit for you, especially if you're into an audible typing experience that keeps you engaged. This switch might be particularly appealing for typists who appreciate the tactile bump and want to hear their keystrokes, offering both comfort and a satisfying auditory response. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a smoother typing experience with an emphasis on fluidity and a delightful sound, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its buttery and creamy feel. This switch is also an ideal choice if you prefer a high-pitched auditory signature and an immersive typing experience that feels seamless. Thus, if you're looking for a quiet and effortless experience with a focus on smoothness, the Vanilla Ice Cream is your go-to, while the Cliff will serve you well if you prioritize tactility and sound.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more