Bsun Cliff vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Violet switches brings unique traits to the forefront. The Bsun Cliff is renowned for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a pronounced tactile feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches provide a gentler tactile experience characterized by smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, paired with a neutral sound profile that creates a more subdued typing environment. While the Cliff switches may appeal to those who thrive on auditory feedback and clear physical cues, the Violet switches cater to users who prefer a smoother, more balanced approach to tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Violet switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones. The choice of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced when typing, making both switches well-suited for users looking for an acoustically bright experience. This material's translucency also serves a functional aesthetic purpose, allowing for optimal performance of RGB lighting, which is particularly appealing for users interested in customizable keyboard aesthetics. Consequently, the top housing of both switches will produce a comparable auditory response, emphasizing the striking and vivid qualities of RGB illumination.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Bsun Cliff and the Jerrzi Violet switches are made from nylon, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to each switch's performance. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics compared to polycarbonate, tends to absorb sound rather than reflect it. This results in a rounder and duller sound, particularly noticeable during the bottoming-out phase when a key is fully pressed down. Therefore, while both switches possess a bright, crisp top end due to their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms ensure that the two experiences diverge in tone, introducing a richer depth when keys are fully engaged.
Combining the effects of these two materials yields a multifaceted typing experience that brings out the best of both worlds in the Bsun Cliff and Jerrzi Violet. Users will appreciate the sharpness and clarity from the polycarbonate tops when releasing keys, while benefiting from the warm, rounded tones of the nylon bottoms during key presses. This synergy highlights how the distinctive properties of each material influence overall sound characteristics, making both switches appealing yet unique choices for keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings are made from different materials, they together create a cohesive sound profile that ranges from crisp highs to rich lows.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Violet is unknown. The Cliff has a notably lighter actuation force of 37 grams, allowing for easy keystrokes that can benefit users looking for comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Violet requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The Cliff also has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating that the key requires more pressure to fully depress compared to its actuation, which may offer a satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Without a specified bottom out force for the Violet, the comparison remains incomplete, but overall, the Cliff is the lighter option, while the Violet offers a more substantial, heavier feel. Those who prioritize comfort over resistance may lean towards the Cliff, while users who enjoy a firmer push should consider the Violet.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm may seem minor, but it can affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers might lean towards the Cliff switch for its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker response times, while users who prefer a more pronounced key press might find the Violet's longer travel distance of 3.7 mm more satisfying, as it provides a little extra depth. If you're seeking faster actuation, the Cliff would be the better choice, whereas for a more substantial typing experience, the Violet may be the way to go.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
When considering the sound characteristics of the Bsun Cliff and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches, the Cliff is known for producing a crisp sound signature that enhances the auditory feedback during typing. This sound quality adds a certain liveliness to the experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. Conversely, the Violet switches are characterized by a neutral sound profile, which provides a soft and balanced auditory experience. This neutrality makes the Violets versatile, suitable for various environments, whether in a quiet office setting or a cozy home setup. Since the sound of any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material, users might achieve a similar level of enjoyment from both switches based on their specific setups.
In terms of tactile feel, the Cliff switches offer a medium level of tactility, providing a pronounced feedback that enhances typing precision. This medium tactility makes them appealing for users who appreciate a noticeable bump without it being overly aggressive. On the other hand, the Violet switches deliver a more gentle tactile experience, distinguished by a pleasingly poppy tactility. They are classified as stepped switches, which means they have a distinct feel with two noticeable stages in their actuation. This design allows for a smoother transition during key presses, catering to those who prefer a subtler feedback compared to the Cliff’s more robust tactile feedback.
Overall, the Bsun Cliff and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches cater to different preferences within the tactile switch spectrum. The Cliff’s crisp sound and medium tactility make it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory and tactile response. In contrast, the Violet’s neutral sound profile and gentle, stepped tactile feel are suited for users who favor a more balanced and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, you may find satisfaction in either switch, with the potential for similar outcomes largely hinging on the typing setup you choose to accompany them.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Bsun Cliff and Jerrzi Violet tactile switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch with a medium tactile response, the Bsun Cliff might be the better option for you, especially if you appreciate a more pronounced sound profile that can add some character to your typing experience. The Cliff's crisp sound and tactile feedback cater well to both casual and focused users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, if you seek a gentler, smoother typing experience with minimal noise distraction, the Jerrzi Violet would be an excellent fit. The Violet’s neutral sound and stepped tactility create a balanced feel, making it suitable for varied environments, whether at home or in an office setting. In essence, your choice should reflect how you value sound, tactile feedback, and the overall typing experience you desire, ensuring that you select the switch that resonates with your unique typing style.
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