Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options. The Durock Black Lotus switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth and buttery feel, offering users an unparalleled typing experience characterized by reduced housing and stem wobble, which enhances precision during use. With a moderate 55g actuation weight, it strikes the right balance between responsiveness and controlled typing. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff switch stands out for its tactile feedback and distinct sound signature, providing users with a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. While the Black Lotus promises a seamless typing journey, the Cliff caters to those who appreciate the sensory feedback of a tactile arrangement. 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
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Cliff, significant distinctions emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Black Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend, which is noted for its premium feel and tactile experience during use. This unique formulation is designed to offer a smooth surface and a distinctive sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Cliff utilizes a pure polycarbonate top housing that emphasizes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition. For users who prioritize seamless RGB lighting effects, the translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Cliff’s design enables vibrant lighting to shine through, offering an aesthetic advantage for illuminated setups.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which presents a noteworthy similarity between the two models. Nylon is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile while typing, thanks to its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Thus, regardless of the differences in top housing materials, both the Black Lotus and the Cliff are likely to deliver a satisfying auditory experience from the bottom housing. This means that while users may perceive different qualities and sounds in the tops of the switches, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures consistency in creating a warm and rounded auditory response.
Ultimately, these differences highlight how the combination of materials influences the typing experience of each switch. The top housing characteristics significantly affect the sound upon key release, with the Black Lotus offering a smoother and more unique feel, while the Cliff delivers a sharper and clearer output. Meanwhile, the nylon bottom housing in both models contributes to a satisfying bottom-out experience, further ensuring that despite their material differences, users can still achieve a deep and resonant typing sound across both switches. Therefore, while the Black Lotus and Cliff may diverge in specific areas of performance and aesthetics, the synergy of their materials ensures a generally enjoyable and satisfying function.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to distinct user preferences. The Black Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, positioning it as a medium-heavy option, while the Cliff switch offers a significantly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or casual gaming may find the Bsun Cliff more appealing, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, those who favor a more substantial, firmer feel while typing may gravitate towards the Durock Black Lotus due to its higher resistance. Ultimately, each switch delivers a different tactile experience based on their unique actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch exhibit distinct differences in their travel distances. The Black Lotus has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cliff features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference indicates that if you're looking for a more traditional feel with a deeper press, the Black Lotus may be the preferable option. In contrast, the Cliff's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the reduced distance their fingers must travel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Black Lotus offering a more pronounced typing experience and the Cliff providing increased efficiency in terms of speed.
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 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.
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 produces a subtle, refined acoustic profile that adds an understated elegance to your typing experience. With a focus on minimizing any unwanted noise or clatter, these switches tend to create a softer sound when bottoming out, contributing to a more serene environment. In contrast, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch offers a crisp and clear sound signature, characterized by an audible bump that is satisfying to hear with each keystroke. This distinctive sound can provide feedback that some users find especially enjoyable and reassuring, making it clear when a key has been actuated.
When considering the feel, the Black Lotus switch stands out with its silky and buttery characteristics, which contribute to an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch minimizes resistance during keystrokes, allowing each key press to glide seamlessly without interruption. The feel can be described as polished, providing a refined touch that enhances overall typing pleasure. On the other hand, the Cliff tactile switch is recognized for its medium tactility, offering a satisfying tactile response that engages the user without being overly pronounced. While the Cliff may provide a more pronounced feedback at the point of actuation compared to the mild and smooth sensation of the Black Lotus, both offer distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Cliff switches bring unique qualities to the table. The Black Lotus excels in creating a smooth, silent environment with its refined acoustic profile and heavenly tactile feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience. Alternatively, the Cliff offers a more tactile feedback and crisp sound, appealing to users who enjoy audible confirmation of their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, and you can expect to enjoy pleasurable typing with either option, albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you favor a smooth, high-precision typing experience with a somewhat heavier actuation force, the Black Lotus might be your ideal choice. Its silky and polished feel minimizes wobble and enhances your overall typing pleasure, making it particularly suited for gamers and typists who appreciate a more substantial keystroke and seek the effortless flow of linear switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a tactile feedback that enhances your typing rhythm, the Bsun Cliff would be more fitting. Its 45-gram actuation force combined with medium tactility ensures a responsive and lively keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy clear feedback while typing or gaming. Each switch caters to different preferences, so reflect on your typing style and choose accordingly to elevate your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
