Bsun Cliff vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear options can significantly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch stands out for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, providing users with a tactile feedback that can enhance the sensation of typing and improve precision. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch is distinguished by its 22mm double-stage spring design, which delivers a bouncy and responsive feel with a heavier actuation force, giving each keystroke a satisfying weight and a familiar sound profile. While the Cliff is perfect for those who enjoy a more invigorating tactile response during their typing sessions, the WS Red appeals to users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keypress experience ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and Wuque Studio WS Red switches exhibit a notable contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences the sound profiles they produce. The Cliff's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's relative stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity—a prized feature for users who prefer a pronounced keypress sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making the switch visually appealing. In comparison, the WS Red's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than stiffer materials. Therefore, while the Cliff emphasizes brightness and precision, the WS Red prioritizes warmth and roundness, appealing to users with different auditory preferences.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, aligning them in terms of sound absorption and acoustic characteristics. Nylon’s softer plastic quality contributes to a duller sound profile, which can create a more muted and satisfying bottoming-out feel when a key is pressed. Consequently, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches can deliver a similar tactile experience at the bottom of the stroke. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in determining the feel of the switch during key press, users of both types can expect a comparable depth and fullness in the feedback they receive, stemming from the shared nylon material.
Ultimately, the differing properties of the top housing in the Bsun Cliff and WS Red switches create a distinct contrast in sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housings foster a cohesive tactile experience. Users looking to customize their typing experience will need to consider their preferences for sound and feel: the Cliff for clarity and brightness, and the WS Red for warmth and depth. Regardless of these variations, those familiar with the qualities of nylon in the bottom housing can anticipate a satisfying key press shared between both models, ensuring a uniformity in tactile satisfaction even amidst the differences in auditory output.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch to the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are 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, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the WS Red switch does not specify an actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a stronger push feel that caters to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Cliff switch is the lighter option, while the WS Red is the heavier switch. For users seeking a balance between comfort and responsiveness in longer use, the Cliff switch would be the preferable choice, whereas those who enjoy a heftier feel may opt for the WS Red, despite the unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Cliff switch is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers or users seeking faster response times, as the reduced travel distance can lead to quicker actuation. On the other hand, the WS Red switch provides a bit more depth in its travel, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke experience. Consequently, while both switches can deliver satisfying performance, the Cliff's shorter travel distance caters to users who favor responsiveness, whereas the WS Red suits those who appreciate a more traditional feel.
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 Wuque Studio WS Red comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
In the realm of sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is well-regarded for its crisp audio profile, which means each keystroke delivers a satisfying auditory cue that can enhance the typing experience. This sound signature, characterized by clarity, is appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch has a more subdued sound, typical of linear switches, which tends to be quieter due to its smooth keystroke without tactile bumps. Since sound can also depend on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, users can expect to achieve a range of auditory results with both switches, allowing for personal preference in a tactile environment.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Cliff switch stands out with its invigorating tactile feedback, offering pronounced actuation that is both moderate to firm. This results in a snappy and reactive typing experience that many find immersive and engaging. In contrast, the WS Red switch provides a bouncy, responsive typing sensation facilitated by its unique 22mm double-stage spring. However, it features a heavier actuation force, adding weight to each keystroke and delivering a substantial feel that differs from the Cliff's moderate resistance. Both offers distinctive feels tailored to different user preferences, allowing for a satisfying experience depending on one’s typing style.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch excels in providing a crisp sound and an invigorating tactile feedback that many users find engaging, while the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch leans towards a more subdued auditory profile paired with a bouncy, heavier typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences; the Cliff appeals to those who enjoy a rich tactile sensation and clear sound, while the WS Red is ideal for users who prefer smooth keystrokes with a bit more weight. Ultimately, both options can lead to satisfying typing results through their unique offerings, enabling newcomers to easily find a switch that aligns with their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, consider the specific typing experience you desire. If you prefer a light, invigorating feel with a medium level of tactility and a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent choice. Its 45-gram actuation force allows for quick and effortless typing, making it suitable for fast-paced typing tasks and gaming sessions where agility is key. Conversely, if you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a satisfying weight to each keystroke, the WS Red linear switch is what you should seek. With its 67-gram actuation force and bouncy, responsive action, this switch is ideal for users who appreciate a heavier touch and classic sound, providing a more grounded and deliberate feel for typing or programming. In essence, your choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and tactile feedback, helping you create a keyboard experience that aligns impeccably with your needs.