Durock Blue Lotus vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use, especially when comparing the Durock Blue Lotus and the Kailh BCP switches. The Durock Blue Lotus is a tactile switch renowned for its striking blend of tactile intensity and swiftness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump while typing. With a slightly reduced travel of 3.7mm, these switches provide a snappy feel complemented by a detachable light column for mesmerizing RGB illumination, merging aesthetic appeal with top-notch performance. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switches cater to users who favor a smooth, linear typing experience, borrowing elements from the classic Black Cherry Pie design. Their creamy and bouncy characteristics, along with a unique poppy sound profile, create an engaging and enjoyable experience for typists and gamers alike. While the Blue Lotus excels in tactile feedback and visual flair, the BCP offers a slick and satisfying action without the interruption of tactile bumps. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh BCP switches showcase a blend of materials that influence not only their tactile and auditory response but also the overall feel when typing. The Durock Blue Lotus features a modified PC and UPE blend for its top housing, offering a unique and premium tactile experience that sets it apart from traditional materials. This blend often provides a smoother keystroke and contributes to a distinctive sound profile that is crisp and responsive, reflecting modern advancements in switch design. Meanwhile, the Kailh BCP opts for a classic nylon top housing, known for generating a deeper and fuller sound, partly due to its softer plastic nature. This material allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a more muted acoustic response compared to the sharper notes produced by the Blue Lotus’s top housing.
Starting from the bottom, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which is a widely recognized material in the keyboard community. Nylon's soft characteristics lend themselves to a satisfying and rounded bottom-out sound, providing a consistent auditory feedback that benefits both switches equally. This similarity means that when users press down on either switch, they will experience a rich, fuller sound, reinforcing the tactile feedback as each bottom housing has a substantial impact on how the switch feels upon actuation. Thus, in the lower housing, the sound profile remains consistently deep and muted across both models, creating a commonality in their performance at that point.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housings of the Durock Blue Lotus and Kailh BCP shape their overall sound profiles and user experience. The premium feel of the modified PC and UPE blend in the Blue Lotus contrasts with the traditional nylon feel of the BCP, producing different auditory sensations upon release. While the Blue Lotus may have a sharper, more refined sound when letting go of a key, the BCP maintains a softer, rounder response due to its nylon composition. When typing, users can expect distinct yet complementing experiences, highlighting how the split between top and bottom housing materials creates varying sound profiles and tactile feedback in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, both exhibit similar yet distinct force characteristics. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom-out force of 65 grams, while the BCP features a slightly lighter actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the BCP the lighter option in terms of actuation force, which could benefit users looking for ease during extended typing or gaming sessions. Despite both switches being categorized as medium-heavy, the differences in their specific force measurements suggest that the Blue Lotus may provide a slightly more substantial push feel, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches could deliver a similar typing experience, the BCP’s lower forces might make it the preferred choice for users seeking a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, a distinction is evident. The Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the BCP measures 3.5 mm. This makes the BCP the shorter option, offering a slightly quicker actuation that may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Blue Lotus, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced key press that some users may find more satisfying and conducive to a traditional typing experience. Overall, those who prefer a more responsive feel might lean towards the Kailh BCP, whereas individuals who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Durock Blue Lotus.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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 switch offers a unique bassy tone that contributes to a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This characteristic sound profile can be attributed to its construction and design, which resonates with lower frequencies reminiscent of bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch doesn't have a specified sound profile in the provided information. However, it’s worth noting that the acoustic properties of mechanical switches can differ based on the keyboard build and keycap selection, so it’s possible to achieve a diverse range of sounds with both switches depending on these factors.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Blue Lotus switch is celebrated for its accented and snappy feel. This means that while the switch provides a substantial tactile bump, it remains neither overwhelmingly harsh nor overly subtle, allowing for a pleasant typing experience. The snappy nature of the Blue Lotus further enhances responsiveness, largely due to its shorter travel distance of 3.7mm and dual-staged spring design. Conversely, the feel of the Kailh BCP switch remains unspecified, which leaves an opportunity for exploration into its tactile characteristics. Nevertheless, the tactile and responsive nature of the Blue Lotus could provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience that may not be wholly replicated by the BCP.
In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch is distinguished by its bassy sound profile and pronounced tactile feedback, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Kailh BCP switch lacks detailed information on its sound and feel, leaving it open to interpretation and potential personal exploration. If you lean towards the tactile experience, opting for the Blue Lotus would likely yield a fulfilling sensation, while the BCP invites curiosity into its unique response and sound, albeit without specified details at this time.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback and prefer a switch that offers a snappy, medium-heavy feel with a richer sound, the Blue Lotus will likely be your ideal option. Its slightly reduced travel distance enhances responsiveness, making it excellent for both typing and gaming, while the bassy sound profile adds depth to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, linear experience that emphasizes a creamy and bouncy feel, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice. Its poppy sound profile and custom design eliminate the hassle of disassembly, creating a more seamless experience. In summary, consider the Blue Lotus for that tactile engagement and auditory richness, while the BCP is better suited for those who seek fluidity and elegance in their keystrokes.
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