Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for personal preference and typing experience, the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Olive offer two distinctly different options that cater to varying needs. The Black Lotus switch is celebrated for its silky smooth operation and precision, providing a refined typing experience with a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Its unique in-switch lighting and reduced wobble enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your setup. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch brings an invigorating tactile experience to the table with its pronounced feedback and deep, resonant sound profile, thanks to its all-POM housings and innovative long pole stem design—perfect for those who appreciate both auditory and tactile satisfaction in their keystrokes. Each switch has its own merits: the Black Lotus for those seeking a smooth and visually striking type feel, and the Olive for users who enjoy a more tactile and audible response. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Olive switches utilize different materials for their top housings, with the Black Lotus employing a modified PC and UPE blend and the Olive featuring a POM construction. The Black Lotus's modified PC and UPE blend is known for delivering a unique and premium feel, which may enhance typing experiences, especially for users who value tactile feedback and a solid keypress. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Olive is recognized for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards a deeper and more muted quality. Although the top housing materials differ significantly, both can lead to enjoyable typing experiences—albeit through different tactile and auditory means.
When we examine the bottom housings, both switches rely on materials that influence their sound profiles distinctly yet similarly. The Black Lotus's nylon bottom housing is derived from a classic switch material, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. Conversely, the Olive's POM bottom housing also contributes to a muted sound profile that is pleasing to the ear. Here, both switches reflect the influence of their bottom housing on the overall acoustic experience, offering rounder sounds that many typists and gamers may find appealing. As such, while the specific materials differ, they are both designed to create satisfying auditory results that can cater to a range of preferences.
Ultimately, the distinct top and bottom housing materials of both the Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Olive switches contribute uniquely to their feel and sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Black Lotus complements its modified PC and UPE blend top, resulting in a luxurious yet subdued typing sound, while the POM materials in the Olive deliver a consistent sound quality throughout. Despite their differences, typists can anticipate similar outcomes in terms of sound quality due to the sound-absorbing properties of the respective materials. By combining the attributes of the top and bottom housings effectively, users can enjoy excellent performance and a harmonious auditory experience, regardless of their choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Olive has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Olive switch is easier to press, which can be beneficial for longer typing sessions or intense gaming, as users may experience less fatigue with the lighter force. However, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, compared to the Olive's slightly heavier 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category for bottoming out, but the Olive offers a marginally heavier feel at that stage. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter switch experience might favor the Bsun Olive due to its lower actuation force, while those who appreciate a more substantial resistance when typing may opt for the Durock Black Lotus, particularly considering the differences in their respective bottom-out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is clear that the Black Lotus features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The traditional travel distance is typically around 4 mm, which makes the Black Lotus align with this convention and cater to those who favor a deeper keystroke, providing a more satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Olive's 3.4 mm travel distance caters to users seeking improved responsiveness, as shorter distances are increasingly favored by gamers for quicker actuation. Thus, if you prefer a more pronounced typing feel, the Black Lotus would be the optimal choice, whereas the shorter travel of the Olive may appeal to those who prioritize speed over depth.
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 Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 isn't explicitly described, leaving its audio characteristics somewhat of a mystery. However, user experience often highlights its smooth operation, which may translate to a less pronounced sound profile compared to more tactile switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch is celebrated for its resonant, deep auditory quality, which contributes to a richer typing experience. This distinct sound is augmented by its all-POM housing, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback during typing. It’s essential to remember that the sound of any switch can vary based on factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Black Lotus is renowned for its silky, buttery texture, which creates an incredibly smooth and fluid typing experience. It highlights low resistance that minimizes friction, resulting in a gentle and enjoyable keystroke. The vast majority of users will appreciate the polished nature of this switch, making it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key. Conversely, the Bsun Olive switch offers a different tactile experience characterized as accented and invigorating. With its strong tactile bump, users will find the Olive switch to provide a sharp feedback mechanism that is both snappy and responsive. This makes each keystroke feel energizing, adding an engaging quality to the typing action that many typists and gamers find appealing.
Considering both switches, the Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Olive offer distinctly different experiences for users. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth, refined feel that minimizes resistance, perfect for those who prioritize comfort and fluidity in their typing. In contrast, the Olive switch appeals to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation and a rich sound profile, making it well-suited for a more interactive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a soft, smooth typing journey or an invigorating, tactile feedback sensation. Each switch has its unique qualities, catering to different preferences and ensuring there’s something for every type of mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, silky typing experience that minimizes resistance and wobble, the Black Lotus is the ideal option—it offers a polished feel and a pleasurable auditory experience. This switch is well-suited for tasks that require precision and a seamless flow, making it perfect for typists or gamers who prefer a smooth actuation without any tactile interruption. On the other hand, if you seek a more engaging and nuanced experience, the Olive switch’s pronounced tactile feedback and resonant sound may be right up your alley. Its invigorating and sharp characteristics provide a satisfying responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tangible sensation with each keystroke and find pleasure in every audible click. Therefore, if you enjoy a deeper, more pronounced response in your typing, the Bsun Olive will likely satisfy your needs better than the Black Lotus. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value smoothness or tactile feedback in your typing experience.
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