Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and exceptional precision, boasting a 55g actuation weight that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. This switch minimizes housing and stem wobble, enhancing typing pleasure while its unique removable light column adds a touch of personalization with in-switch lighting. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) focuses on delivering a super smooth typing experience, attributed to its Ly stems, paired with a resonant sound profile that many users find satisfying. Choosing between the two ultimately hinges on personal preference: the Black Lotus is ideal for those prioritizing precision and a refined tactile experience, while the Tomcat (Heavy) appeals to enthusiasts who seek a pronounced audio feedback alongside a fluid keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style.

By the numbers

Durock Black Lotus Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), there are notable differences in the materials used for the top housings, while both employ nylon for their bottom housings. The Black Lotus features a modified polycarbonate (PC) and ultra-polyethylene (UPE) blend for its top housing. This combination is designed to provide a unique and premium feel, likely contributing to a smoother typing experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) utilizes pure polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, clearer sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This difference in top housing materials can result in varied auditory experiences for the two switches, with the Black Lotus potentially offering a more subdued sound, while the Tomcat delivers a more pronounced auditory feedback.

On the bottom housing front, both the Black Lotus and the Tomcat (Heavy) align with nylon, known for its properties that create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition facilitates sound absorption, leading to a rounder and more muted noise when a key is bottomed out. This similarity in bottom housing provides a certain consistency in terms of acoustic properties, ensuring that users will enjoy a rich sound experience when typing on either switch. The nylon components in both switches contribute similarly to the overall feel, making the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback consistent across different switch models.

Overall, the differing top housing materials play a significant role in shaping the overall feel and sound profile of each switch. While both the Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share the nylon bottom housing, which ensures a similar auditory signature, their top housings diverge in sound characteristics due to the use of modified PC and UPE blend versus polycarbonate. Users can expect the typing experience to vary based on the top housing’s material properties, with potential for tailored auditory feedback, making each switch appealing to different preferences in tactile and acoustic performance.

Weight

The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams, which suggests that users will experience similar ease of key presses when typing or gaming, making both switches suitable for long sessions without causing significant fatigue. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Black Lotus has a slightly lower rating of 63.5 grams compared to the Tomcat’s 64 grams. This marginal difference indicates that the Tomcat (Heavy) switch requires just a bit more force to bottom out, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Tomcat is slightly heavier due to its higher bottom out force, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Black Lotus features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning it with the traditional standard for keyboard switches. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. For users who favor a more pronounced keypress, the longer travel distance of the Black Lotus may be preferable, as it provides a more substantial tactile experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat's shorter travel distance caters to those who seek quicker response times, ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing. Ultimately, if users don't mind the slight difference, both switches can still provide a satisfactory experience, but for those with a preference for key depth or responsiveness, the Black Lotus and Tomcat respectively serve distinct needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Black Lotus switches are engineered to provide a relatively quiet profile, which may enhance the subtleness of your typing experience. This characteristic makes it a great choice for those who prefer to keep the noise level down, suitable for both office environments and shared spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches tend to produce a more resonant sound profile when typing. This resonance can be somewhat satisfying for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback but may not be as suitable for quieter settings. Both sound profiles can be influenced by the type of keyboard frame and keycaps used, so you’ll have some flexibility in tuning your experience.

In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus switches deliver a silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, characterized by their smooth and flowing keystrokes. This makes them exceptionally pleasant for long typing sessions and allows for minimal resistance during key presses. The design also contributes to a mild sensation, making them approachable for various users. On the other hand, there is less detailed information available regarding the feel of the Tomcat (Heavy) switches, but given their Ly stems, they are likely to provide an equally smooth typing experience, possibly oriented towards a heavier tactile response, appealing to those who prefer a bit more firmness under their fingers.

Overall, both the Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches cater to users looking for smoothness in their typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics. The Black Lotus leans towards a quieter and more refined profile, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing discretion in sound, while the Tomcat (Heavy) might appeal to users looking for an engaging auditory experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver high-quality performance, but your choice may depend on whether you want a more subdued sound or a richer, resonant experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a silky smooth feel that enhances typing precision without feeling overly heavy, the Black Lotus may be the perfect fit for you. Its lower actuation weight allows for faster typing, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity tasks where speed and accuracy are paramount. The unique light column for in-switch lighting is an added bonus if you're looking to customize your setup aesthetically. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience paired with a resonant sound profile, then the Tomcat (Heavy) could be your go-to option. The Ly stems deliver a super smooth typing experience, which would appeal to those who enjoy a more robust key press while typing or gaming. In the end, your selection should reflect not just the technical specifications, but also how each switch feels and sounds during your regular use, as these subjective experiences greatly influence your overall satisfaction with your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Black Lotus Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more