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Durock Blue Lotus vs. Bsun Taichi

An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. The Durock Blue Lotus is a tactile switch that excels in delivering a pronounced tactile bump paired with a crisp actuation, making it ideal for typists and gamers who appreciate a satisfying feel with each keystroke. With a reduced travel distance of 3.7mm, the Blue Lotus provides an invigorating snap that enhances both performance and enjoyment, while its detachable light column allows for dynamic RGB lighting, adding a visual flair to your setup. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is a linear switch that offers an entirely different experience characterized by its silky smooth keystrokes and a high-pitched sound at bottom-out. Its design includes extended springs and a long-pole stem, ensuring stability and a seamless typing experience that many gamers and minimalists prefer for its quiet operation and smooth actuation without any tactile interruptions. Each switch brings distinct advantages based on individual preferences for feedback and sound. 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

40g

Bottom-out force

65g

Bottom-out force

N/A

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

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

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

21mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Taichi switches, a distinct difference arises in the type of plastic used for their top housings. The Blue Lotus features a unique modified blend of PC (Polycarbonate) and UPE (Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene) that is designed to provide a premium tactile experience. This blend is likely aimed at striking a balance between clarity and warmth, potentially creating a well-rounded typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi opts for a straightforward polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its rigidity and shimmering quality. This choice not only enhances the sound profile to a sharper and more resonant tone but also offers visual benefits, especially for RGB lighting due to its translucent nature. While the overall sound may differ, both switches aim to appeal to tactile enthusiasts by showcasing the effects of their respective materials.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic choice in the keyboard industry that has long been favored for its sound-dampening properties. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both the Blue Lotus and Taichi switches, providing a rounding effect that comes from the material's softer texture. This consistency in bottom housing material means that, regardless of the differences in top housing, users will experience a similar auditory characteristic when bottoming out the switch. This shared aspect allows for a familiar feel and acoustic performance for users switching between the two models, bridging the gap despite their variances in top housing.

Ultimately, the combined effects of the housing materials in both keyboards illustrate how the different attributes can complement one another. With the Blue Lotus's modified PC & UPE blend providing clarity and premium feel while maintaining a balanced sound, and the Taichi's polycarbonate ensuring resonance and sharpness, users can expect distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences from each. However, since both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile upon actuation. Thus, even though the top housing materials vary, users can find common ground in terms of sound quality and typing experience, ensuring satisfaction across both switch designs.

Weight

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, which significantly affects their user experience. The Blue Lotus has an actuation force of 55 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, while the Taichi features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or intensive gaming. As for the bottom out force, the Blue Lotus has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance when fully pressed. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, leaving it unclear how its feel compares at full depression. Overall, the Blue Lotus offers a firmer push, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, whereas the lighter Taichi switch is likely to be favored by users seeking ease and comfort during extended use.

Travel distance

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, the Blue Lotus will offer a bit more depth compared to the Taichi, making it a better choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Taichi, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers looking for quicker actuation and response times. Ultimately, the difference is minimal, but if you prefer a more substantial feel beneath your fingers, the Blue Lotus is the way to go, whereas the Taichi may be suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

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 Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.

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 produces a deep, bassy tone that enhances its typing experience by offering a rich auditory feedback during key presses. This sound profile can evoke a satisfying depth that some typists find appealing, particularly when compared to higher-pitched, sharper sounds produced by other switch types. Meanwhile, the Bsun Taichi switch is characterized by an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which can create a unique auditory signature that differs from the Blue Lotus. The contrasting sound profiles of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Blue Lotus favoring deeper tones while the Taichi leans towards a brighter sound. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound experience will also be influenced by the keyboard build, such as the choice of the board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the Durock Blue Lotus offers a distinctly tactile experience that is both snappy and accented. The prominent tactility strikes a balance between engaging responsiveness and comfort, allowing typists to enjoy an invigorating keystroke without feeling overwhelmed. The stepped nature of the switch adds an interesting dynamic, providing a clear sense of engagement through both pre-travel and post-travel sensations. On the other hand, the feel of the Bsun Taichi switch is currently unknown, leaving it unclear how it compares in terms of tactile feedback or smoothness. This makes it difficult to draw direct comparisons in terms of the typing experience, as the tactile qualities of the Taichi are not detailed.

In summary, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are well-regarded for their rich, bassy sound and engaging tactile feedback, making them an excellent choice for those who appreciate depth in both auditory and physical typing experiences. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi’s sound profile stands in stark contrast, leaning towards the higher end of the spectrum. While the tactile feel of the Taichi remains unspecified, it would still appeal to those searching for a linear experience. Those who prioritize sound may resonate with the tonal qualities these switches offer, but for feel and typing engagement, the Blue Lotus likely provides a more discernible experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the deep bass tones and tactile responsiveness of the Blue Lotus or the bright sound of the Taichi, knowing that you’ll find similar results for specified attributes, while some qualities remain enigmatic.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a pronounced, yet not overwhelming, bump during your key presses, the Blue Lotus is an excellent option. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams and responsive design make it ideal for typists who appreciate a responsive feel and a satisfying sound profile reminiscent of deep bass tones. This switch is particularly well-suited for both gaming and typing scenarios where a tactile sensation enhances the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear action without the tactile bump, the Taichi switch would be your go-to. Designed for unparalleled smoothness thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, it provides a quieter and more stable typing experience that many users find appealing for extended periods of use. In essence, if you crave a balanced blend of tactile feedback and character, opt for the Blue Lotus; but if you seek smooth and silent keystrokes with an elegant sound, the Taichi is the right choice.

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