Bsun Cliff vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct advantages. The Bsun Cliff tactile switch is celebrated for its medium tactility and a crisp sound signature, creating a satisfying feedback experience that many typists appreciate. This punchy response can enhance typing accuracy and speed, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more engaging, tactile feel while they work or play. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch boasts a unique PA12 top housing that provides a softer acoustic profile, combined with a POM stem that delivers a clean, higher-pitched resonance. Its 'Bouncy,' 'Clacky,' and 'Creamy' characteristics make the Xinhai perfect for gamers and typists who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. While both switches offer compelling features, they cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Xinhai, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their upper housings. The Cliff utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the material's translucency plays a beneficial role in displaying RGB lighting, making it aesthetically appealing for users who prioritize vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Xinhai features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic in the nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a rounder, muted auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials leads to divergent sound characteristics and user experiences between the two switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Bsun Cliff and the HMX Xinhai are made from nylon, which provides a shared acoustic quality that harkens back to the classic switch design. Both switches produce a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. This uniformity in the bottom housing material ensures that regardless of the differences in their top components, users will experience a cohesive sound quality when pressing down on both switches. Specifically, the nylon bottom housing in both models contributes to a muffled bottom-out sound, heightening the overall typing experience through its soft plastic composition.
Ultimately, the contrasting choices of top housing materials highlight how they can combine with similar bottom housings to influence the overall acoustic profile of the switches. For instance, while the Bsun Cliff's polycarbonate top creates a bright, resonant sound on release, the nylon bottom tempers that with a fuller, muted sound when pressed down. Conversely, the Xinhai's all-nylon structure maintains a consistent sound profile that leans more towards a subdued, rich auditory experience. Users seeking a sharper sound might prefer the Cliff for its polycarbonate top, while those favoring a warm, full sound may gravitate towards the Xinhai. Regardless of the exterior differences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches serves as a unifying factor in shaping the overall performance and sound, showcasing how material selection intricately influences user experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation and bottom out forces, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the physical effort required to engage each keystroke. Both switches are categorized as light, making them suitable for extended typing sessions, whether for work or gaming. For users who appreciate a lighter touch, these switches provide ease of use, allowing for less finger fatigue over time. Conversely, those who prefer a heavier push might find these options less suitable, as they offer a more gentle and effortless feel rather than a substantial typing experience. Therefore, for individuals seeking a lighter switch, the Bsun Cliff and HMX Xinhai are both excellent choices that deliver the same performance characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the Cliff measures 3.6 mm while the Xinhai is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This indicates that if you opt for the Bsun Cliff, you'll experience a greater depth when pressing down, which may feel more substantial and satisfying for users who appreciate a hearty feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker response times in their keystrokes. Given the current trend toward shorter travel distances for enhanced responsiveness, each switch caters to different preferences: the Cliff is better for depth lovers, while the Xinhai suits those favoring agility. Ultimately, while both switches provide effective performance, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a more pronounced feel or quicker actuation.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 profile of the Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a medium, crisp signature that provides a balanced auditory experience. While not explicitly detailed, the emphasis on crispness suggests a clear and distinct feedback when a key is pressed. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch is noted for its clacky sound, characterized by a sharp, bright, and percussive resonance. This higher-pitched sound adds a lively auditory aspect that many typists enjoy. It's important to note that the sound of any switch can vary significantly depending on the choice of keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, meaning both switches might offer a satisfying auditory feedback with the right setup, although the inherent characteristics of the Xinhai lean more toward a sharper clack.
When it comes to feel, the Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility that is likely to provide a satisfying feedback for users who prefer a slight bump to signify actuation. The tactile nature enhances typing precision without overwhelming the user. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy. The bouncy aspect provides a spring-like, elastic sensation that can make typing feel engaging and dynamic, while the creamy quality lends a smooth, buttery typing experience reminiscent of gliding over the keys. This combination can add layers of enjoyment for a typist, offering both tactile feedback and a luxurious smoothness in each keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch bring unique qualities to the table. For sound, the Cliff provides a medium, clear tone, while the Xinhai leans towards a more vibrant, clacky sound profile. Feel-wise, the Cliff offers a defined tactile response, whereas the Xinhai excels with a bouncy, smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can provide a satisfactory typing experience, and ultimately, the choice may come down to personal taste in tactile feedback and audio signature.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium tactile feedback coupled with a crisp sound signature, the Cliff is an excellent option, especially if you're looking for a more traditional typing experience with satisfying tactile bumps. This switch would be a great fit for those who appreciate the audible sound of each keypress and want to maintain a lively, engaging interaction with their keyboard—perfect for tasks involving a lot of typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more silent operation while still benefiting from a lively feel, the Xinhai's bouncy and creamy characteristics are likely to appeal to you. With its unique acoustics and a lighter touch, the Xinhai provides a refined typing experience that balances subtle sophistication with high performance, making it ideal for both gaming and long writing sessions. Ultimately, the decision should be aligned with your expected use—whether crisp feedback and sound, or a smoother, more refined tactile journey will enhance your keyboard interactions.
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