Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Ragdoll both present intriguing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and remarkable precision, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize a seamless typing experience and minimal wobble. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsive feedback and comfortable use, complemented by its unique light column for customizable in-switch lighting. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll emphasizes a different tactile experience with its Y3 stem, designed for smooth travel, and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a distinctive clacky sound. Both switches cater to those who prefer a linear typing experience, but they differ significantly in feel and acoustics. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you value the elegant precision of the Black Lotus or the unique auditory feedback of the Ragdoll. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Ragdoll, distinct differences emerge in their top constructions. The Black Lotus excels with its modified PC (Polycarbonate) and UPE (Ultrahigh Performance Engineering) blend top housing. This innovative material combination yields a premium feel, enhancing both the tactile experience and the overall performance of the switch. In contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a traditional nylon top housing, known for its softer profile that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. While both housings are engineered for sound modulation, the Black Lotus's blend may provide a more responsive typing experience, whereas the Ragdoll focuses on a classic, rounded acoustic quality.
However, both switches share a similarity in their bottom housings, as both the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Ragdoll feature nylon constructions. This consistency in material means that the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses will exhibit similar characteristics in both switches. Nylon's inherent properties, such as sound absorption and a softer tactile response, ensure that users can expect a rounded sound profile when bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housings create distinct auditory experiences, the nylon bottom housing in both switches harmonizes their sound quality and contributes to a comfortable typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housings of the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Ragdoll could lead to unique outcomes in terms of user experience; however, the shared nylon bottom housing unifies their acoustic performance. While the Black Lotus aims for a more ambitious modification with its blend of plastics, leading to a premium feel, the Ragdoll stays true to the classic feel of nylon. Users can find satisfaction in either switch depending on their preferences for auditory feedback and typing sensation, with both providing a quality of sound that remains rich and satisfying thanks to the similarities in their bottom constructions.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch demonstrate a clear contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Black Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial feel during use. In contrast, the Ragdoll features a significantly lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which positions it within the medium-light category. As such, users who prefer a lighter switch, like the Ragdoll, can enjoy longer typing sessions with less fatigue, while those who lean towards a heavier feel, such as the Black Lotus, might appreciate the tactile feedback and control this switch offers. Ultimately, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces allows for distinct typing experiences, making each switch suitable for different user preferences and use cases.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit notable differences in travel distance, which can significantly affect the typing experience. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with more traditional preferences for those who enjoy a deeper key press. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, catering to users who might favor faster response times typical of shorter throw switches. This slight variation means that users of the Black Lotus may appreciate the more pronounced feel of each keystroke, while those who choose the Ragdoll could benefit from swifter actuation, ideal for gaming scenarios. Consequently, if responsiveness is your priority, the Ragdoll proves to be the preferable option due to its shorter travel, while the Black Lotus may be better suited for those who enjoy a more substantial key press.
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 Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll 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
The sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus switch is characterized by its quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a clacky sound, likely due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which adds a more pronounced audio element to each keystroke. Ultimately, while the Black Lotus is designed for a more muted sound, the Ragdoll’s clackiness provides a distinct and lively auditory feedback, catering to different user preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus switch offers a buttery smooth experience, marked by its seamless keystroke travel that promotes effortless typing. This sensation is complemented by a mild overall character, providing a gentle yet satisfying touch that is suitable for a broad range of users. On the other hand, the feel of the Ragdoll switch is smooth as well, thanks to its Y3 stem, but it may not carry the same silky quality described for the Black Lotus. Though specific descriptors for the Ragdoll's feel are lacking, it is generally recognized for maintaining a pleasing typing experience.
In conclusion, while both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, the Durock Black Lotus provides a quiet, buttery typing experience that leans towards a gentle touch, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll leans towards an audible clack with a smooth yet different response. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect unique results from each switch, with the Black Lotus appealing to those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience and the Ragdoll delighting fans of a lively and slightly noisier input.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel with a substantial actuation weight, the Black Lotus is an excellent choice, especially for tasks requiring precision and tactile control. Its buttery, mild typing experience and low wobble make it ideal for both typing and gaming, as it delivers satisfying feedback without being overly taxing on your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter keystroke and enjoy a more pronounced sound profile, the Ragdoll might be your best fit. With its medium-light bottom out force and smooth Y3 stem, it offers a delightful typing experience that’s less strenuous, making it well-suited for long writing sessions or casual gaming. Ultimately, your choice may also hinge on aesthetic preferences, as the Black Lotus features an innovative light column for in-switch illumination, while the Ragdoll is characterized by its clacky sound profile, which might appeal to those who appreciate auditory feedback. So, take these factors into account to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and needs.
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