Durock Blue Lotus vs. Bsun Cliff
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches is paramount, and two notable contenders in the tactile switch arena are the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Cliff. The Blue Lotus switches are celebrated for their pronounced tactile feedback and swift responsiveness. With a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, these switches provide an engaging typing experience characterized by their accented, snappy feel and a bassy undertone, all while boasting a detachable light column that allows for vibrant RGB illumination—a great feature for those looking to add a touch of flair to their setup. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff switches offer a more moderate tactile sensation with a crisp sound signature, making them appealing to users who appreciate a balance between auditory feedback and tactile feel without the extra intensity of the Blue Lotus. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences for responsiveness and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Bsun Cliff switches showcase distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, with the Blue Lotus featuring a Modified Polycarbonate and UPE Blend, while the Bsun Cliff opts for traditional polycarbonate. The Modified PC and UPE Blend used in the Blue Lotus provides a unique tactile sensation, which can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Cliff’s polycarbonate housing is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. While both materials allow for RGB lighting to shine through due to their translucency, the Blue Lotus’s blend may offer a slightly different aesthetic feel. Despite their differences, both housings ultimately aim to deliver performance and clarity when it comes to sound, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience.
When we delve into the bottom housing materials, both the Durock Blue Lotus and Bsun Cliff utilize nylon, a material renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistency suggests that, regardless of the top housing variations, users can expect similar acoustic qualities from the bottom housing of both switches. The nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes to a more rounded typing experience, minimizing any harsh noises that might arise from key presses. This shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches will resonate with a more subdued and comfortable tactile feel, emphasizing the profound depth provided by nylon regardless of the top housing composition.
Overall, the divergence between the top housings of the Blue Lotus and Bsun Cliff — the Modified PC & UPE Blend versus standard polycarbonate — presents a significant contrast, while their shared nylon bottom housing integrates a consistent auditory experience. Therefore, while users might notice differences in sound and tactile feedback during actuation due to the respective top housing materials, the common denominator of nylon at the bottom guarantees that both switches will deliver a rich, rounded sound profile upon bottoming out. Thus, even with varied top housing aesthetics and acoustics, the overall typing experience can achieve a balance, aligning both switches in their capacity to yield satisfying auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Cliff features a much lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. This means that the Blue Lotus is better suited for individuals who appreciate a stronger push feel, while the Cliff would be ideal for users looking for a lighter, less fatiguing experience. Overall, these variations highlight how personal preference regarding weight and feel can significantly affect one's typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, there is a slight difference that may influence user preference. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Cliff offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cliff the more responsive option, ideal for gamers who appreciate quicker key presses, while the Blue Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel with a greater depth. Both switches are relatively close in distance, but if you are seeking an optimized response for gaming, the Cliff would be the better choice, whereas the Blue Lotus might be favored for those who enjoy a deeper keypress.
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 Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.
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 tactile switch produces a distinctly bassy tone, offering a richer and deeper auditory experience with each key press. This sound profile is characterized by lower frequency ranges, adding a satisfying depth to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch has not had its sound profile articulated, leaving that aspect somewhat unknown. However, it's important to note that sound is heavily influenced by the keyboard build, including the materials used for the board and keycaps, so users may achieve comparably satisfying audio experiences with either switch depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches excel with their combination of tactile feedback that is both accented and snappy. This means they're responsive and provide a notable tactile bump, making every key press feel engaging without being overwhelming. The stepped nature of this switch also adds to the tactile complexity, where users can feel a distinction in the keystroke that adds finesse. The Bsun Cliff’s tactile feedback characteristics have not been detailed, which means prospective users may not have the same level of tactile assurance when opting for these switches.
In conclusion, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch clearly stands out with its bassy sound and tactile qualities that cater to those looking for an engaging typing experience. It offers a pronounced tactile feel and responsive keystrokes, making it a solid choice for many users. The Bsun Cliff, while not detailed in sound or feel, presents a medium tactility that may appeal to users seeking a more balanced option. Ultimately, those interested in either switch may find satisfaction based on their particular keyboard configuration—particularly with the Blue Lotus clearly offering a distinctive auditory and tactile experience that stands out in comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Cliff tactile switches hinges on your individual typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a more pronounced tactile feedback alongside a heavier actuation force, the Blue Lotus is the optimal choice for you. Its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out demand, coupled with a snappy feel and subtle stepped tactile bump, provides an engaging typing experience that many typists find satisfying, especially for sustained typing sessions. Additionally, if you appreciate the resonant acoustics of bassy switches, the Blue Lotus will enhance the auditory experience of your keystrokes, making it particularly appealing for both work and casual use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a gentler typing experience, the Bsun Cliff is an excellent option. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams, these switches offer a smooth and crisp tactile sensation, making them suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. While the Cliff may not produce the same deep acoustic richness as the Blue Lotus, its balanced sound and lighter actuation force can contribute to a less fatiguing experience over long hours of use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize tactile intensity and heavier feedback or a lighter, more effortless keystroke.
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