Durock Blue Lotus vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g present two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that stands out with its pronounced tactile feedback, delivering a satisfying snap with each keystroke. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, it melds tactile intensity with quick responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a tactile sensation combined with the allure of vibrant RGB illumination thanks to its detachable light column. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch known for its light actuation force and bright acoustic profile, which results in a crisp, high-pitched sound upon typing. This responsiveness appeals to those who prefer smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump, allowing for swift, uninterrupted typing. Both switches offer unique advantages—whether you crave the tactile feedback and visual appeal of the Blue Lotus or the effortless gliding motion of the Chiikawa - 45g. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Blue Lotus features a modified PC & UPE blend, which is designed to create a unique and premium feel during use. This blend enhances tactile response and is likely to provide a smoother typing experience. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is characterized by its stiff nature, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Both materials are transparent, making them suitable for RGB lighting, but their differing properties contribute to distinct audio experiences. The Blue Lotus aims for a balance of feel and sound, while the Chiikawa emphasizes clarity and resonance.

The bottom housings of both switches are notably similar, as both utilize nylon—a classic and revered choice in switch manufacturing. Nylon's inherent softness lends itself to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muted auditory experience compared to the crisper sounds produced by the top housings. Since both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, they share this important element, which significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect a consistent auditory signature that is rich and satisfying, enhancing the overall typing experience.

Ultimately, while the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g exhibit different qualities in their top housing materials, they converge in the bottom housing’s nylon composition. This results in a hybrid auditory experience where the Blue Lotus seeks to blend tactile finesse with clear sound, whereas the Chiikawa highlights sharpness bolstered by the acoustical properties of nylon. Therefore, while users may notice different sound profiles based on the top housing, the shared nylon bottom ensures a fundamentally robust and fulfilling typing experience across both switches.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, their actuation and bottom out forces reflect distinct preferences in typing feel and experience. The Blue Lotus features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy option that provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which places it in the medium-light category and is ideal for users seeking comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, users who favor lighter switches will prefer the Chiikawa, while those who appreciate a stronger push feel will be drawn to the Blue Lotus. Overall, these differences suggest a clear distinction in user experience based on force preferences; therefore, selecting between them will depend on individual typing style and comfort needs.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, the differences are minimal yet noteworthy. The Blue Lotus features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive key feel, the Chiikawa switch may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker actuation and faster response times—a quality often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Blue Lotus, with its slightly longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth, appealing to those who appreciate a fuller keypress experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a close experience, but if you're seeking that extra millimeter, the Durock Blue Lotus would be the preference for a more pronounced tactile response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Blue Lotus switches stand out with their bassy character, providing a deeper and richer sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. This low-frequency resonance can be particularly satisfying for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, adding a certain depth that is both inviting and engaging. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches are noted for their bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound upon actuation. This creates a responsive auditory cue that many users find appealing, although it lacks the depth of the Blue Lotus. The acoustic differences highlight the distinct tonal experiences these two switches offer, which can significantly influence user preference.

In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are designed to deliver an engaging tactile experience. They are characterized by their medium tactile response, providing an accented and snappy sensation that adds a lively quality to each keystroke. The stepped design contributes to this experience, giving a clear distinction between pre-travel and actuation that keeps the typing rhythm vibrant and dynamic. On the other hand, the feel of the Chiikawa - 45g switches remains less characterized; their linear nature typically brings a smooth and consistent keystroke without the tactile bumps associated with the Blue Lotus. This difference can cater to varying preferences in typing dynamics, where some users may favor the tactile feedback of the Blue Lotus, while others might enjoy the smoothness of the Chiikawa.

In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches each offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The bassy sound and pronounced tactile feedback of the Blue Lotus contrast with the bright sound and smooth action of the Chiikawa, illustrating the diversity within mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, whether one prefers the resonant feedback of a tactile switch or the seamless glide of a linear switch, both options are capable of delivering satisfying results in performance, allowing users to select based on their individual typing style and desired auditory feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch cater to distinct typing preferences, making your choice highly dependent on your specific use case. If you are someone who enjoys a pronounced tactile feedback with a bit of resistance, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a robust typing experience, which can be particularly satisfying for those who do a lot of coding or writing that requires distinct key presses. The tactile nature of these switches, complemented by their snappy responsiveness and deeper sound profile, makes them well-suited for users who appreciate a blend of performance and auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more fluid keystroke that allows for rapid typing with minimal effort, then the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch should be your go-to. With a bottom out force of 51 grams, these switches allow for an effortless and quicker typing experience, particularly advantageous for fast typists and gamers who need to execute actions rapidly without the added feedback of tactility. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smooth linear motion in your keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more