Durock Black Lotus vs. Kailh BCP

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and Kailh BCP each offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Durock Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and unparalleled precision, featuring a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsive feedback and comfortable ease of use. The design minimizes housing and stem wobble, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience, while its unique light column allows for in-switch lighting that is fully removable. In contrast, the Kailh BCP takes a more playful approach by reimagining the beloved Black Cherry Pie switches. These custom-molded switches eliminate the hassle of disassembly, providing a creamy, elastic feel that delivers a distinctive poppy and clacky sound profile. While the Black Lotus excels in its refined typing pleasure, the BCP offers an engaging auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Kailh BCP switches, a significant distinction lies in the top housing material. The Black Lotus employs a modified PC and UPE blend, which is engineered to provide a unique and premium tactile experience. This blend is characterized by excellent durability and a distinctive feel, which can enhance the typing experience by offering a snug fit and satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Kailh BCP utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a more traditional material. While both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of a switch, the Black Lotus's PC-and-UPE blend lends itself to a sharper, more modern acoustic signature, whereas the nylon in the BCP provides a deeper, rounder sound due to its softer nature.

Both switches feature nylon as the material for the bottom housing, which is a common choice known for its sound dampening qualities. With their nylon bottom housings, both the Durock Black Lotus and Kailh BCP switches share the ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out. The soft nature of nylon effectively absorbs vibrations, leading to a muted and pleasant auditory experience. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, users can expect a consistent sound quality characteristic of nylon at the bottom. Yet, the degree to which this auditory effect manifests can vary based on the interaction between the different top housing materials.

While both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the impact of the top housing materials diverges, affecting the overall typing experience and sound profile. The superior blend used in the Black Lotus top housing emphasizes a premium feel and sound, which contrasts with the Kailh BCP's conventional nylon top housing. The sound produced when releasing keys on the Black Lotus may carry a sharper tone, thanks to its modified composition, whereas the BCP will result in a fuller, softer release due to its reliance on nylon alone. This interplay of materials illustrates how the tactile and auditory experiences of each switch can be greatly influenced by the choice of housing materials, ultimately leading to distinct typing sensations despite the shared nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, we find that the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly, which may influence user preference based on typing style. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the BCP is slightly lighter at 52 grams for actuation. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating that whether you bottom out with the Black Lotus or the BCP will feel similar. For those who favor a lighter typing experience, the Kailh BCP may be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, the Durock Black Lotus is heavier in terms of actuation, appealing to users who enjoy a substantial push feel with their keystrokes. Both switches maintain a medium-heavy feel overall, making them suitable for different preferences yet offering a comparable experience in terms of bottoming out.

Travel distance

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh BCP linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance means that the Black Lotus switch offers a more pronounced depth, making it suitable for users who favor a hearty feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the BCP's shorter travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a quicker response time, which is particularly favored by gamers seeking faster actuation. Thus, for users looking for a more responsive experience, the Kailh BCP’s 3.5 mm can provide an advantage, whereas those who enjoy the sensation of a deeper keystroke might gravitate towards the Black Lotus. Overall, the Black Lotus is the longer option at 4 mm, while the BCP is the shorter choice at 3.5 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is relatively subdued, producing a sound profile that leans towards a soft thock due to its smooth actuation without any tactile bump or click. This makes it conducive for settings where noise reduction is appreciated, offering a pleasant auditory experience without being intrusive. Conversely, the Kailh BCP switch boasts a more pronounced poppy and clacky sound profile, reminiscent of its namesake, the Black Cherry Pie. This switch encourages a more engaging acoustic experience that can be more enjoyable for users seeking a lively typing ambiance, although it may be less suitable for quieter environments.

When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus excels with its silky and buttery smoothness, which is further enhanced by its meticulous design that minimizes housing and stem wobble. This results in a typing experience that is highly refined and comfortable, appealing to those who prioritize smooth key travel. Additionally, its mild characteristics make it approachable for a wide range of users. In contrast, the Kailh BCP provides a creamy and bouncy feel, contributing to an elastic typing experience. While it may not achieve the same level of smoothness as the Black Lotus, the BCP's poppy response offers an inviting, energetic sensation that can be quite enjoyable for users who appreciate a lively feel under their fingertips.

Overall, both switches provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Black Lotus appeals to users seeking a polished, smooth, and quiet operation, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without distraction. The BCP, on the other hand, offers a more spirited and lively feel, ideal for users who enjoy a vibrant acoustic signature. Both options allow enthusiasts to find their perfect match, as each switch caters to varied ergonomics and sound profiles, appealing to different typing styles and environments. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize a refined, quiet experience or a bouncier, more audible one.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience. If you value a silky smooth and polished typing experience with minimal housing and stem wobble, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force combined with a 55g actuation weight delivers a substantial yet comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Additionally, the Black Lotus features in-switch lighting and has a refined finish that caters to those who appreciate aesthetics and functionality in their keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique tactile sensation with a poppy and clacky sound profile, the Kailh BCP might be more to your liking. With its creamy and bouncy feel, this switch provides a playful typing experience that's quite distinct from the Black Lotus. Moreover, the hassle-free design of the BCP makes it appealing for those who prioritize ease of use and customizability. Overall, your decision should reflect your typing style and preferences—both switches offer a satisfying experience, but the nuances in their designs cater to different users.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Kailh BCP Linear

$5.00

$4.75 per 10

Learn more