Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique attributes of each option. The Durock Black Lotus offers a silky smooth feel, characterized by its refined actuation and minimal wobble, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize precision in their typing experience. With a 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, while its innovative light column design enhances aesthetics with in-switch lighting. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat switches present their own compelling features, notably the use of Ly stems that deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience coupled with a resonant sound profile that can enhance auditory feedback during use. While the Black Lotus centers on a polished and buttery feel with customizable lighting, the Tomcat emphasizes a rich acoustic experience, appealing to those who enjoy tactile audio cues. Both switches bring distinct advantages to the table, catering to different preferences and styles; 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
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat, a noticeable contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Black Lotus features a modified blend of polycarbonate (PC) and urethane plastic (UPE), which is designed to provide a unique and premium feel while potentially enhancing the tactile experience during typing. In contrast, the Tomcat utilizes a standard polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This stiffness tends to allow for a more resonant sound, especially when coupled with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of the switch. Therefore, while both switches use polycarbonate materials, the Durock's modification with UPE aims to elevate the experience further, distinguishing it from the more conventional polycarbonate found in the Tomcat.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches, we find common ground with the use of nylon, a classic choice for switch construction. Both the Black Lotus and the Tomcat utilize nylon, which is characterized by its softer properties that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similarity means that despite the differences in their top housings, both switches will deliver a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out, making them appealing for users who prefer a more muted auditory experience when typing. This shared material choice enhances the overall compatibility of sound profiles between the two models, even as the top housing materials contribute differing tonal qualities.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings in each switch affects the overall typing experience. The distinct characteristics of the Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend top housing will combine with the nylon bottom to offer a typing sensation that melds premium tactile feedback with a warm auditory profile. Meanwhile, the Tomcat's polycarbonate top will ensure a sharper and crisper sound but will still resonate with the deep undertones provided by its nylon bottom. Thus, even though the two switches are built with different top housing materials, the nylon's contributions to sound dampening create a foundational similarity in their overall acoustic experiences. Users can expect a unique yet coherent experience from each switch depending on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, contrasted with the lighter 45 grams needed for the Tomcat. This means that typists who favor a more deliberate keystroke might prefer the Black Lotus for its medium-heavy feel. Additionally, the Black Lotus has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is heavier than the Tomcat's 54 grams, further emphasizing the Black Lotus's more substantial typing experience. For those who prefer long typing sessions or gaming without fatigue, the Tomcat's lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more appealing. Essentially, the Black Lotus offers a firmer response that benefits users who enjoy a stronger push, while the Tomcat demonstrates a softer touch suited for extended use.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a key contrast in their designs: the Black Lotus offers a more traditional depth, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance aligns with the current trend among gamers who favor quicker actuation for enhanced responsiveness. For those who prefer a more abrupt feel under their fingers, the Tomcat would be the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might lean towards the Black Lotus. Thus, the Black Lotus is the longer option, allowing for a deeper engagement, while the Tomcat provides a snappier response due to its slightly shallower travel distance.
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 Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 offers an understated profile, which enhances the overall typing experience without being overly loud or distracting. The focus is on creating a sound that complements its smooth operation, making it suitable for both casual and professional environments. Meanwhile, the Bsun Tomcat switch produces a more resonant sound profile, which adds character to each keystroke. This variation in sound can lend an engaging aspect to typing, although it's essential to remember that the sound characteristics of both switches can be heavily influenced by the choice of keyboard case and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Black Lotus excels with its silky and buttery smooth operation, providing a typing experience that is both pleasurable and efficient. The mild nature of the switch makes it approachable for a wide range of users, while its polished finish enhances the tactile feedback and reduces friction during use. On the other hand, while the specific feel of the Tomcat switches is not explicitly described, it is known for featuring Ly stems designed to deliver a super smooth typing experience, suggesting a focus on fluidity similar to that of the Black Lotus.
In summary, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches cater to users looking for smooth keystrokes, though they differ in their sound profiles. While the Black Lotus leans towards a more muted auditory experience, the Tomcat offers a resonant sound that some may find more engaging. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying feel from both switches, with the Black Lotus providing an exceptionally silky and polished experience, while the Tomcat promises a smooth operation accentuated by its unique stem design. If you enjoy smooth typing, opting for either switch will likely yield a favorable outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat linear switches, your choice should reflect your personal preferences for typing feel, actuation weight, and sound profile. If you prefer a more substantial keystroke that offers a silky smooth experience with minimal wobble, the Black Lotus may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying weight that can enhance your typing precision, particularly if you enjoy a robust feel under your fingers. The buttery and polished nature of the Black Lotus adds to its allure, providing a refined experience that many find appealing for both typing and gaming.
On the other hand, if you lean toward a lighter touch and prioritize a super smooth keystroke with a resonant sound profile, then the Bsun Tomcat linear switch is worth considering. With a bottom-out force of 54 grams, it allows for quicker keystrokes and can accommodate fast-paced typing or gaming sessions with ease. The Tomcat's Ly stems contribute to its notably smooth feel, making it a great choice if you enjoy a lighter switch that still delivers excellent responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a heavier, more controlled typing experience or a lighter, faster response.
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