Bsun Cliff vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, making it a solid choice for users who appreciate clear feedback with each keystroke without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor delivers a thuddy and punchy sound profile, which adds a distinct character to your typing experience. With its pronounced tactility, the Viola Tricolor strikes an impressive balance between responsiveness and comfort, ensuring that users get a satisfying feedback without becoming overwhelmed. While both switches provide tactile sensations, their tonal qualities and sound signatures set them apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Cliff Tactile

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the Haimu Viola Tricolor exhibit notable similarities that impact both the acoustic profile and aesthetic qualities of the switches. Both models utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which is crucial in shaping the sound experience while typing. As stated, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic known for producing a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. Additionally, its translucence allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, an important consideration for users who prioritize visual customization along with performance. Therefore, both switches are designed to deliver a sharp sound, while also ensuring that the lighting elements shine through beautifully.

In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and Haimu Viola Tricolor are both crafted from nylon, which fundamentally alters the acoustic response of the switches. Nylon's softer nature means it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile during typing. This characteristic makes it particularly valuable for the bottom housing, as it directly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed. The softer impact of the nylon thus contrasts with the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top, producing a balanced auditory experience when typing. This dual-material approach enables each switch to benefit from the unique properties of both materials, enhancing overall functionality.

Overall, while the top housing materials for both switches are identical, leading to similar sound profiles when a key is released, their bottom housings diverge in material choice. This combination results in a distinctive sound and feel for each switch, as the insulating qualities of nylon profoundly impact the tactile experience. Users can expect an engaging acoustic feedback that blends the crispness from the polycarbonate on top and the warmth from the nylon on the bottom. Thus, even with shared top housing material, the character of each switch derives from how these materials interact, highlighting the importance of their respective attributes in crafting a holistic typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cliff switch features a light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for long typing sessions due to its lighter touch. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor has no specified actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a more substantial, medium-heavy feel when pressed all the way down. This difference suggests that users who prefer a lighter switch for comfort and ease would lean towards the Bsun Cliff, while those seeking a more pronounced tactile experience might favor the robustness of the Haimu Viola Tricolor. Given the absence of the actuation force for the Viola, it's challenging to provide a complete comparison, yet it’s clear that the Cliff is lighter overall, whereas the Viola Tricolor appears to be a heavier option, particularly at the bottom out stage.

Travel distance

The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Cliff the shorter option between the two, offering a more rapid key response that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Cliff catering to those who appreciate the responsiveness of a shorter distance, and the Viola Tricolor appealing to users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial press.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp signature, providing a clear auditory feedback with each key press. This allows for a satisfying acoustic experience without overwhelming the user. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor offers a thuddy and punchy sound, enriched with a bassy quality that lends depth and richness to the typing experience. The Viola Tricolor switches produce a low-pitched tone, further enhancing the auditory presence of the switch. Together, while both switches provide engaging sound experiences, the Cliff leans towards clarity and crispness, while the Viola Tricolor offers a more resonant, bass-heavy sound.

When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch boasts a medium level of tactility, striking a balance that delivers satisfying feedback without being excessively pronounced. The Cliff’s tactile response is designed to offer a rewarding sensation with each actuation, making it accessible to those who prefer a more moderate experience. In comparison, the Viola Tricolor is known for its pronounced tactility, offering a sharp and invigorating sensation that keeps the typing experience engaging. While both switches provide a fulfilling tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor's pronounced nature sets it apart, allowing for a more immersive interaction during use.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches offer enjoyable sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Cliff is ideal for users seeking clarity and moderation in both auditory and tactile feedback, while the Viola Tricolor appeals to those who appreciate a bass-rich sound and pronounced tactile response. Ultimately, your choice between these two options will depend on whether you lean towards a crisper experience or a more thuddy, engaging feel. Whichever you choose, both will provide a satisfying and characterful typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feedback. If you prefer a lighter key feel that makes typing effortless and enjoy a crisp sound signature with medium tactility, the Cliff may be your go-to switch. This can be especially advantageous for long typing sessions, where comfort and quick response times are paramount. In contrast, if you appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience and a deeper, bassy sound profile, the Viola Tricolor should be your switch of choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force strikes a balance that remains invigorating without being overly taxing on your fingers, providing a satisfying thud as you type. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the auditory sensations you wish to complement your keyboard. By carefully considering these elements, you can choose the switch that enhances your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Cliff Tactile

$2.75

$2.19 per 10

Learn more

Haimu Viola Tricolor Tactile

$6.60

$3.09 per 10

Learn more