Bsun Cliff vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Cliff and the Gateron Weightlessness mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are tactile, it's essential to understand their unique characteristics. The Bsun Cliff is celebrated for its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, providing a pronounced feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtler yet still moderate tactile feel, paired with a balanced sound profile that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming it. While the Cliff caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile sensation with a distinct auditory cue, the Weightlessness is ideal for users seeking a gentler feedback and a quieter environment. 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Weightlessness switches, one of the most notable differences lies in their respective top housing materials. The Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. This enhanced auditory clarity is particularly beneficial when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal illumination. In contrast, the Weightlessness uses a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer and more sound-absorbent properties. This leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. The contrasting sound output from the two switches, therefore, can be attributed to the inherent qualities of each housing material, where the more resilient polycarbonate provides clarity, while the nylon contributes warmth.
On a closer examination of the bottom housings, both the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Weightlessness are equipped with nylon materials. This similarity means that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile that’s typical of nylon, creating a more muted audio response when typing. The addition of a nylon bottom housing makes both switches feel more consistent, as the shock-absorbent nature of nylon helps to soften the overall sound upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housings diverge significantly, the bottoms unite in producing a sound profile that diminishes sharpness and enhances a rounded, suffused acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different housings in the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Weightlessness switches affects how each switch feels and sounds during usage. The Cliff's polycarbonate top will provide a crisper sound upon key release, while its nylon bottom will lend a deeper resonance on actuation. This juxtaposition allows users to experience distinct auditory profiles depending on their pressing and releasing actions. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness, with its nylon construction throughout, gives a more homogenous sound each time the key is actuated and released, providing a consistent and weighted auditory experience. Those seeking different tactile and auditory results can find merit in the varied compositions of these switches, underscoring how material choice significantly influences keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cliff has a light actuation force of 37 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer effortless typing during extended sessions, such as at work or during long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. While the Cliff also features a bottom out force of 45 grams, the Weightlessness lacks a listed bottom out force, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, the Cliff is the lighter option overall, making it more suitable for users seeking a lighter typing experience, whereas the heavier Weightlessness would be better suited for those desiring a firmer keystroke feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer different travel distances, with the Cliff measuring 3.6 mm and the Weightlessness at 3.4 mm. This makes the Weightlessness the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that some gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Cliff’s travel distance offers a slightly deeper press, which can be more satisfying and less abrupt for users who enjoy a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the preference between these two switches hinges on individual taste—gamers might lean towards the Weightlessness for speed, while those seeking a fuller depth in each keystroke may favor the Cliff.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
The sound signature of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp auditory feedback, which provides an engaging typing experience. This clarity in sound can enhance the overall feel of the switch, making each keystroke feel more definitive. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch presents a balanced sound profile that harmonizes well with its tactile characteristics, offering a more subtle auditory experience. Both switches will likely produce distinctive sounds when used on different keyboard builds and with various keycap materials, yet the Cliff is notably sharper in its sound, while the Weightlessness leans towards a more muted quality.
When assessing the tactile feel, the Bsun Cliff switch reveals a medium level of tactility that gives a noticeable bump during keypresses, creating a satisfying sensation that many users find enjoyable for typing or gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which lends itself to a smoother experience that may appeal to those who prefer a less pronounced tactile feedback. Although they occupy different ends of the tactile spectrum, both switches can cater to users seeking tactile feedback, with the Cliff offering a more pronounced response compared to the more understated Weightlessness.
In summary, while both the Bsun Cliff and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches have unique sound and feel characteristics, they provide distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Cliff delivers a sharper sound with medium tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a more responsive and assertive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness offers a balanced auditory profile and subtle tactile feedback, ideal for users seeking smoother interactions. Regardless of your choice, both switches will yield satisfying results, depending on your typing style and personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you enjoy tactile feedback that is both medium in intensity and crisp in sound, the Cliff switch is a great choice, particularly for typing tasks that benefit from that satisfying "bump" at actuation. Its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams also means less effort in each keystroke, which might be ideal for lengthy typing sessions or gaming where speed matters. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile experience combined with a balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch could be your go-to. While it has no specified bottom-out force, it offers a nuanced tactile feedback that caters to users who appreciate a softer touch without sacrificing the feel of a mechanical switch. In summary, if you seek a pronounced tactile response, opt for the Bsun Cliff, whereas if you favor a more understated tactile sensation, the Gateron Weightlessness may be the better fit for you.
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