Durock Blue Lotus vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on personal preference and typing style, which is exemplified by the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy). The Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback and responsiveness, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.7mm compared to the typical 4mm. This tactile intensity, paired with a detachable light column for stunning RGB illumination, makes it an enticing option for gamers and typists seeking both performance and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), a linear switch, is designed for an exceptionally smooth and quiet typing experience, featuring Ly stems that provide a seamless feel without any tactile bump, which can be preferable for those who favor a smooth keystroke and reduced noise. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, with the Blue Lotus offering a tactile experience ideal for feedback-oriented users, while the Tomcat (Heavy) excels in delivering a fluid and uninterrupted performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Blue Lotus and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), we find that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a distinctive sound profile. The nylon used in both cases provides a softer, more absorbent quality that produces a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed. This characteristic is significant as it offers a more rounded auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a dampened feel. However, the top housing materials differ substantially; the Blue Lotus utilizes a modified polycarbonate and UPE blend, while the Tomcat (Heavy) features a standard polycarbonate top. This divergence in materials is crucial, as it influences the overall sound and tactile feedback experienced by the user.

The top housing materials lend distinct qualities to each switch, with the polycarbonate top of the Tomcat (Heavy) creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic results in a clearer resonant sound when the key is released, contrasting with the modified blend of the Blue Lotus, which offers a unique and premium feel. Despite the difference in top housing composition, those who prefer a more robust auditory experience may find that the Blue Lotus still delivers satisfying results, particularly when paired with the soft, absorbing qualities of its nylon bottom. Therefore, while the Tomcat (Heavy) may provide a brighter sound with its polycarbonate top, the Blue Lotus's modified blend ensures that users can enjoy a well-rounded auditory profile.

To summarize, while the bottom housing of both switches features nylon, contributing similar sound-dampening qualities, the top housing materials establish differentiated performance and auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate top of the Tomcat (Heavy) leads to a sharper sound, ideal for those who favor a crisper sound profile, while the modified blend of the Blue Lotus adds a touch of uniqueness and premium feel. Ultimately, users can achieve comparable auditory outcomes despite the different top housing materials by appreciating how each switch’s design elements interplay to shape the overall typing experience.

Weight

The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch exhibit similar actuation forces, both requiring 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, which may appeal to users seeking a balance between comfort and responsiveness. However, the bottom out force differs slightly, with the Blue Lotus registering at 65 grams while the Tomcat (Heavy) reaches just 64 grams. This marginal difference in bottom out force indicates that, while both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience, the Blue Lotus will feel slightly more substantial when fully depressed. Consequently, users who prefer a heavier push feel might gravitate toward the Blue Lotus due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, either option provides a solid choice for typists or gamers, but those who favor a slightly lighter overall feel might appreciate the Tomcat (Heavy) for its lower bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Blue Lotus has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Blue Lotus better suited for users who prefer a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback during use. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a marginally shorter travel distance, appealing to those who favor quicker response times typically preferred by gamers. While both switches are fairly close in their travel distances, the Blue Lotus provides a more pronounced depth, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more hearty key press, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) may feel more abrupt with its shorter travel, catering to users looking for faster actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound profile of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch with the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Blue Lotus stands out with its bassy sound, delivering a deeper and richer audio experience during key presses. This bassy nature adds a satisfying depth to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel notable. In contrast, the sound profile of the Tomcat (Heavy) is less defined in the provided information, leaving uncertainty about its acoustic qualities. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound experience can heavily depend on additional factors like the keyboard construction, keycap material, and even the environment in which they are used. Hence, while the Blue Lotus offers a distinctive auditory feedback, the Tomcat’s sound remains less characterized.

In terms of tactile feel, the Blue Lotus excels with its accentuated, snappy, and stepped characteristics. The accentuated texture provides a balanced tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle, catering well to users who appreciate a prominent tactile sensation. The snappy response enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more immediate and alive, largely due to its slightly reduced travel distance of 3.7mm. The stepped nature of the switch further adds complexity, as it offers a more nuanced feeling during both pre-travel and post-travel phases of the keystroke. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) is suggested to deliver a super smooth typing experience due to its Ly stems, but it lacks the tactile feedback that characterizes the Blue Lotus, which may lead to a more uniform and less engaging feel compared to the tactile nuances of the Durock switch.

In conclusion, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch offers a compelling sound and tactile experience characterized by a bassy profile and distinct tactile feedback, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) is positioned more towards a smooth, linear typing feel. The strengths of the Blue Lotus lie in its tactile and auditory feedback, creating a fulfilling typing experience, while the Tomcat's qualities lean toward a seamless and possibly quieter engagement. This comparison shows that if you prefer a switch that combines tactile feel with rich sound, the Blue Lotus would be the better choice. However, if you seek a smooth and possibly quieter experience without distinct tactile feedback, the Tomcat may fit your needs, despite the lack of sound definition in this analysis.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy a responsive typing experience, the Blue Lotus is likely the right switch for you. Its medium-heavy feel, combined with a pronounced tactile bump and snappy actuation, makes it an excellent choice for both typists who appreciate a solid connection with each keystroke and gamers in need of quick, accurate inputs. Additionally, its bassy sound profile and detachable light column enhance the overall aesthetic and auditory experience, making them visually appealing for setups featuring RGB lighting. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and sound resonance in your typing experience, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch could be more desirable. With its slight reduction in actuation force, this switch is subtle yet effective, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke without the distraction of tactile bumps. In essence, your decision should rest on whether you value tactile feedback with compelling audio and visual elements or if you prefer a seamless linear experience optimized for consistent and smooth keypresses.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Blue Lotus Tactile

$5.60

$4.57 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more