Durock Blue Lotus vs. Bsun Bumblebee Linear
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch is crucial, and two noteworthy options are the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear, a linear switch. The Blue Lotus is celebrated for its tactile intensity and quick responsiveness, featuring a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm that provides a satisfying bump during each keystroke. Its captivating design is complemented by a detachable light column, making it a popular choice for users who appreciate both performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, the Bumblebee Linear switch excels in delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience, devoid of any tactile feedback, which appeals to those who prefer a seamless and uninterrupted feel while typing. Its bright sound profile adds an extra layer of auditory delight, making it ideal for quiet environments. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, so whether you crave tactile feedback or seek uninterrupted fluidity, there’s an option for you. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend top housing, which contributes to a unique and premium feel during typing. This material combination allows for a resonance that can create a satisfying tactile response, making it appealing for users who prioritize an enhanced typing experience. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear employs a POM top housing, which is designed to produce a deeper and more muted sound quality. While both switches aim to provide an enjoyable sound profile, the difference in their top housing materials means that the Blue Lotus will likely have a brighter and more resonant tone, while the Bumblebee Linear excels in producing a lower and softer sound.
On the other hand, both the Blue Lotus and Bumblebee Linear switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a cohesive auditory experience when typing. The classic nylon material is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller aural quality. Because of this shared bottom housing material, users can expect similar bottom-out sounds and feel when engaging with both switches. The softness of the nylon aids in dampening vibrations and noise, meaning that regardless of the differences in their top housings, the underlying acoustic properties remain consistent between the two switches.
In summary, while the Durock Blue Lotus and Bsun Bumblebee Linear switches differ in their top housing materials—offering unique tactile feedback and sound profiles—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a commonality that influences the overall auditory perception during use. This means that users may experience different top-end sounds, but the low-end resonance from the nylon bottom will create a somewhat unified foundation in acoustic feedback. Consequently, players and typists will enjoy a rich auditory experience, benefitting from the distinctive qualities of each switch while still being anchored by the familiarity of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, significant differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Bumblebee Linear operates with a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Bumblebee Linear a better choice for those who prefer a lighter touch, enabling longer typing sessions or more agile gaming experiences, while the Blue Lotus may appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile feedback and a stronger push feel. Ultimately, if you prefer a heavier switch for a more robust typing experience, the Blue Lotus is the way to go; however, if you gravitate towards lightweight switches for comfort and prolonged use, the Bumblebee Linear stands out as the better option.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Blue Lotus offers a bit more depth in its key press compared to the Bumblebee, making it potentially more suitable for those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. The shorter travel distance of the Bumblebee may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Overall, if you're looking for a switch with a deeper and more pronounced key press, the Durock Blue Lotus is the better choice, whereas the Bsun Bumblebee Linear provides a more rapid and less pronounced activation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches deliver a bassy tone, offering a deeper and richer sound profile that resonates during key presses. This lower frequency sound gives a satisfying auditory feedback when typing, enhancing the overall experience. In contrast, the Bsun Bumblebee Linear unambiguously provides a bright sound profile, contributing a sharp and clear auditory experience that can be invigorating for users who enjoy the more pronounced sounds of a linear switch. While these two sound signatures differ considerably, both can be influenced by other elements, such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches boast an accented and stepped tactile experience. The accented nature provides a noticeable tactile bump that is satisfying without being too overwhelming, striking a balance for those who appreciate noticeable tactility. The stepped aspect adds an extra layer of complexity to each keystroke, allowing for subtle feedback as one types. The Bumblebee Linear, however, is characterized by its exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is a hallmark of linear switches that lack tactile feedback but instead promote effortless keystrokes. This smoothness can be blissful for users who favor fluidity over tactile resistance.
In conclusion, when comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch, they present distinct sound and feel profiles. The Blue Lotus offers a delightful bassy sound and a tactile experience that blends the moderate sensation of tactility with a stepped feel. Conversely, the Bumblebee Linear emphasizes a brighter sound and smooth keystrokes, catering to those who prefer a linearly responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preference for auditory feedback and tactile sensations during your typing or gaming sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you thrive on a pronounced tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience, the Blue Lotus is an excellent candidate. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it provides a satisfying depth and a notable tactile bump during keystrokes, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a more engaging and responsive touch. This switch also delivers a rich, bassy sound profile, which creates an immersive acoustic environment, complemented by swift responsiveness due to its shorter travel distance of 3.7mm. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience that’s less tactile but still enjoyable, the Bumblebee Linear with its 50 grams of bottom-out force might suit you better. It’s perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing where quickness and fluidity are paramount, offering a seamless keypress with minimal resistance. Overall, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smooth, lightweight keystroke.
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