Bsun Cliff vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile, exemplified by the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches. The Bsun Cliff, a tactile switch, is recognized for its medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making it a pleasing option for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. Its invigorating feel can enhance both typing experiences and gaming sessions, providing a noticeable bump that many find engaging and enjoyable. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver boasts a linear design that is characterized by light actuation force and a neutral sound profile. This switch is particularly favored by gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness, as it allows for rapid key presses without the interruption of tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different user needs, with the Cliff offering a dynamic typing experience and the Yellow Silver focusing on fluidity and quick action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches utilize similar housing materials, resulting in comparable acoustic properties and aesthetic qualities. Both models feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, allowing for clearer and more resonant sound characteristics. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the translucency of the polycarbonate, making them particularly well-suited for RGB lighting, as the light can effectively permeate the housing. Such uniformity in top housing material suggests that users can expect similar visual effects when illuminated, enhancing the overall beauty of either switch in a mechanical keyboard setting.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches differ in function while maintaining the same material. Both the Cliff and the Yellow Silver incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, it absorbs more sound during typing, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. This divergence in housing types illustrates how the bottom housing plays a critical role in the overall typing feel and acoustic properties when the switch is engaged. In essence, while the two models share the same acoustic features derived from their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms introduce a subtle yet distinct difference in sound dynamics.
Overall, the combined effects of these materials promise a unique typing experience characterized by both clarity and depth. Users will notice the crispness of the polycarbonate top resonating when they release a key while simultaneously feeling the plush, rounded sound imparted by the nylon bottom upon key press. This synergy between the two materials enables both the Bsun Cliff and the Outemu Yellow Silver to achieve a balanced auditory experience, appealing to users who appreciate both the sharpness of higher-pitched sounds and the fullness of deeper tones in their mechanical keyboards. Through this blend of materials, enthusiasts can expect a nuanced typing experience, successfully capitalizing on the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cliff switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a more forgiving option suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Yellow Silver switch features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial feel during use. While the Cliff is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, the Yellow Silver caters to those who favor a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, users seeking a nimble typing experience may lean towards the Cliff, while those desiring a more robust feedback should opt for the Yellow Silver.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cliff will provide a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it a better option for gamers who prioritize quick key presses. Conversely, the Yellow Silver, with its traditional 4 mm distance, may offer a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a fuller tactile experience when typing. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a quicker response, the Bsun Cliff would be the recommended choice, whereas the Outemu Yellow Silver caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced travel feel. Overall, the difference in travel distances presents distinct advantages depending on user preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a crisp auditory signature, providing a distinctly noticeable sound that users often find invigorating during typing sessions. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback alongside their tactile experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate sound level. This makes the Yellow Silver suitable for various environments, allowing users to type or game without drawing too much attention to themselves. Ultimately, while the Cliff offers a more pronounced auditory experience, the Yellow Silver's neutral sound will suit those looking for a quieter operation.
Regarding the feel, the Bsun Cliff switches are noted for their invigorating quality, delivering a medium level of tactility and a firm actuation force that results in a snappy and reactive typing sensation. This makes the Cliff a great choice for users who appreciate specific feedback while typing. In contrast, details on the feel of the Yellow Silver switch are unknown, making it difficult to compare directly; however, Outemu switches are generally known for their reliability and performance, indicating that they might suit those who prioritize quick movements and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff switch stands out with its crisp sound and invigorating tactile feedback, making it favorable for users who enjoy audible and tangible responses to their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver offers a neutral sound profile that caters to both gamers and typists looking for speed and responsiveness, though its tactile feel remains uncertain. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and feedback, both switches provide unique experiences, reinforcing the notion that the right switch ultimately comes down to user preference and intended use.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch really depends on your individual preferences and typing or gaming style. If you enjoy a more tactile experience that provides clear feedback and a crisp sound during use, the Cliff is an excellent option; its lighter force of 45 grams makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions where comfort and engagement are key. The invigorating feel and moderate tactility can keep you energized, making it a suitable pick for those who type regularly or enjoy a more interactive typing experience. On the other hand, if your priority leans towards speed and smoothness, especially for gaming, then the Yellow Silver is the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 55 grams, this switch facilitates rapid actuation with a neutral sound profile, making it adaptable for both gaming and office use. Ultimately, if you value pronounced feedback and sound, opt for the Cliff; if you prefer a quicker, more fluid response without the tactile bump, the Yellow Silver will serve you well.
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