Durock Blue Lotus vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, with varied options catering to different preferences. The Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback and quick response, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the traditional 4mm. This snappiness makes it an excellent choice for typists who relish a definitive tactile sensation with each keystroke, complemented by a detachable light column that allows for vibrant and impressive RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll, a linear switch, is all about smoothness and fluidity, designed with a Y3 stem that ensures effortless keystrokes. Its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing not only enhances its durability but also produces a satisfying clacky sound, appealing to gamers and typists who favor uninterrupted keypresses without tactile bumps. While both switches present unique benefits—immersive feedback versus smooth gliding—they cater to distinctly different preferences in typing style and aesthetic enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Blue Lotus and Bsun Ragdoll switches present an intriguing blend of similarities and differences. The Blue Lotus features a modified blend of PCTG and UPE for its top housing, which is designed to offer a unique and premium tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll is made with a classic nylon top housing. While both switches utilize different materials for their tops, each contributes to distinctive sound profiles; the Durock’s special top material aims to enhance the overall feel, whereas the Ragdoll's nylon will yield a softer, more muted sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Ragdoll employ nylon as their material of choice. This shared aspect means both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile upon bottoming out, as nylon's softer texture is adept at absorbing sound. Consequently, the performance characteristics of the bottom housing will be noticeably similar between the two switches, leading to a comparable sound experience when pressed. This element of synchronicity ensures that, even with different top housing materials, users can anticipate a pleasant acoustic experience when the key is fully depressed.
While the differences in top housing may create unique tactile actions and sounds upon key release, the shared nylon bottom housing solidifies a substantial commonality in typability and acoustic results for both switches. With every press, the influence of the bottom housing is felt, as it is primarily responsible for the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch. Ultimately, despite their divergent top materials, enthusiasts can expect to achieve similar auditory experiences resulting from the nylon bottom, leading to a satisfying keyboard interaction across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Lotus features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that users who favor a more substantial typing experience and can handle the heavier feel may prefer the Blue Lotus. Conversely, those who seek a lighter touch that facilitates longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Ragdoll more comfortable. Ultimately, while both switches serve different user preferences, the Blue Lotus is distinctly heavier overall compared to the lighter Ragdoll.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Blue Lotus the shorter option by 0.1 mm, providing a slightly more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who favor quicker keypress responses. In contrast, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a deeper feedback, which may cater to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing. While both switches have travel distances that lean toward the shorter side compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the nuanced difference between them can influence user preference based on individual tactile and response time requirements.
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 Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 delivers a noteworthy bassy profile that enhances the auditory experience during key presses, producing a deeper and richer tone. This sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, creating a satisfying acoustic ambiance that many typists and gamers find appealing. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch lacks a specific sound descriptor; however, it is noted for its clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which suggests a sharper acoustic characteristic compared to the deeper tones of the Blue Lotus. This difference in auditory performance highlights the varied sound profiles between tactile and linear switches, with the Blue Lotus providing a more resonant bass experience while the Ragdoll might present a less pronounced but still distinctive sound.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switches offer a unique and engaging typing experience. They feature a medium tactile response characterized by their accented and snappy qualities, which means that they provide a prominent tactility without being overwhelming. The snappiness is enhanced by a slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, allowing for fast key actuations that feel lively and responsive. This switch is also noted for its stepped tactile behavior, which adds complexity by providing a discernible change in sensation during pre-travel and post-travel. On the other hand, the Ragdoll linear switch is expected to deliver smooth travel without the additional tactile feedback, offering a more consistent and uninterrupted typing experience, though details on its specific tactile characteristics remain unknown.
Overall, both the Durock Blue Lotus and BSUN Ragdoll switches cater to different preferences in tactile and auditory experiences. The Blue Lotus excels in providing an engaging tactile feedback with an appealing bassy sound, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more responsive and dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Ragdoll linear switch offers smoothness with a clacky sound, appealing to those who prefer a streamlined experience without the tactile interruption. Therefore, the choice between the two ultimately boils down to personal preference for tactile feedback versus linear smoothness, with each switch capable of delivering satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the specific use cases you have in mind. If you relish a tactile typing experience that is both snappy and satisfying, the Blue Lotus is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams provides a solid feedback that appeals to those who appreciate a pronounced tactile bump, making it ideal for typists, gamers, or anyone who enjoys the sensation of distinctly feeling each keystroke. The deep, bassy sound profile of the Blue Lotus also adds a unique auditory experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience with less resistance that allows for rapid key presses, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch with its medium-light force of 52 grams may be better suited for you. The Ragdoll's smooth travel and clacky sound can be particularly appealing for gamers who want to execute quick, fluid movements without the tactile interruption, or for anyone who prefers a minimalist typing feel. Ultimately, your decision boils down to whether you value tactile feedback and sound richness or prefer a smoother, more streamlined typing experience.
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