Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g both offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and exceptional precision, achieved through a design that minimizes housing and stem wobble, ensuring maximum typing pleasure with a substantial yet manageable 55g actuation weight. This switch also features an innovative light column for in-switch lighting, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g boasts a very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive; its bright sound profile produces a crisp, high-pitched sound that many find satisfying while typing. While the Black Lotus offers a buttery experience that emphasizes control and stability, the Chiikawa excels in providing a lively, auditory feedback that draws attention during use. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches, both feature distinct materials that contribute uniquely to their sound profiles and overall feel. The Black Lotus switch uses a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UPE) for its top housing, giving it a premium aesthetic and tactile experience. This blend allows for a somewhat softer touch while maintaining the clear visibility important for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to its resonant qualities, making it ideal for users who appreciate pronounced auditory feedback.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which serves a specific purpose in managing sound dampening. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This characteristic remains consistent across both switches, ensuring that regardless of the top housing material, the user can expect a softer and duller sound from the bottom-out event. This similarity in bottom housing material means that users will experience a comparable depth of sound when the switches are bottomed out, contributing a solid foundation to the overall sound profile.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch differ significantly in their composition and resulting sound characteristics, their nylon bottoms unify the sound experience for both types of switches. Users can anticipate that the auditory effects upon key release will vary between the two switches due to the differences in the top housing, but the substantial and satisfying sound upon bottoming out will remain consistent. Consequently, keyboard enthusiasts can achieve similar ends in terms of sound depth and fullness while enjoying distinctive auditory experiences delivered by the respective top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. As such, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, while the heavier Black Lotus offers a more substantial typing experience favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches' bottom out forces reflect a consistent relationship to their actuation forces, with the Black Lotus requiring a higher force throughout the entire keystroke compared to the Chiikawa, leading to distinct tactile experiences suited to different user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, the two exhibit distinct characteristics that can influence user preference. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4.0 mm, which aligns with the traditional standard and offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who may prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers. While both switches aim to provide a smooth linear action, the Durock Black Lotus is ideal for those who appreciate a deeper feel, whereas the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g might be more appealing for those who value a more rapid actuation. Thus, the Black Lotus switch offers the longer travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g is shorter at 3.6 mm.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 45g for $3.29.
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 terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus switch is characterized by a subtler sonic quality that complements its smooth operation, producing a gentle sound that doesn’t distract during extended typing sessions, making it ideal for quiet environments. Meanwhile, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright and crisp sound profile, delivering a high-pitched noise that adds a layer of auditory feedback to each keystroke. While both switches provide distinct audio experiences, the sound perceived can vary significantly depending on the keyboard build, including factors such as the materials of the board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus excels with its buttery smoothness, offering a seamlessly fluid keystroke experience that minimizes wobble and maximizes precision. This mildly engaging sensation is approachable and lends itself well to long typing sessions without fatigue. The Chiikawa - 45g, on the other hand, boasts a notably lighter actuation force, leading to an extremely responsive and quick typing experience. This switch is designed to necessitate less effort for actuation, which can result in faster typing speeds but might not offer the same level of stability as the Black Lotus.
Ultimately, both the Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus emphasizes a silky smooth typing experience with a mild sound, ideal for users looking for a more stable and precise feel. Conversely, the Chiikawa offers a bright auditory experience with a lighter touch, appealing to those who prioritize quick responsiveness. Your choice will depend on what qualities matter most to your typing style; if you prefer a balanced blend of precision and muted sound, lean towards the Black Lotus, whereas if you enjoy a lively and lightweight typing experience, the Chiikawa may be the better option.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch should hinge on your personal typing preferences and style. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its buttery smooth action and mild sound profile make it perfect for extended typing sessions, providing an enjoyable experience with reduced stem wobble. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize precision and a robust typing experience, especially if you favor a quieter, yet satisfying keypress. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Chiikawa - 45g, with its 51 grams of bottom out force, will likely be more appealing to you. Known for its bright sound profile and quick responsiveness, this switch excels in situations where rapid key presses are needed, making it suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you lean towards a heavier, more precise typing experience (Durock Black Lotus) or a lighter, more agile feel (Bsun Chiikawa - 45g), ensuring you select the switch that best aligns with your unique typing preferences.
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