Bsun Cliff vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cliff and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cliff and Durock White Lotus both offer tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Cliff tactile switches are celebrated for their medium tactility and crisp sound signature, making them an appealing choice for those who appreciate a pronounced feedback with each keystroke. They are designed for users who enjoy a more assertive typing experience without sacrificing speed. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches provide a lighter tactile sensation, striking a perfect balance that is particularly suited for lengthy typing sessions. Their delicate feedback ensures comfort and minimizes finger fatigue, while the removable light column allows for dynamic RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to your setup. Both options have their unique strengths, with the Cliff emphasizing auditory feedback and assertiveness, and the White Lotus prioritizing a gentle touch paired with aesthetic lighting. 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
37g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cliff and the Durock White Lotus switches feature distinct materials in their top housings, though they share a common bottom housing material—nylon. The Cliff utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is pressed. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, allowing light to pass through effectively and create visually appealing backlighting effects. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE in its top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel that likely combines some of the acoustic benefits of polycarbonate with other enhancements from the UPE material.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which is known for its capacity to absorb sound and dampen vibrations. This commonality contributes to a deeper and fuller overall sound profile for both models. As a softer plastic, nylon contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing of the Cliff. Consequently, the Bsun Cliff might present a more defined, expressive sound when the key is released due to the upper housing, while the Durock White Lotus allows the inherent character of the nylon to shape the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. The synergy between the top and bottom materials in both switches leads to temporal differences in sound and feel depending on how and when force is applied.
Ultimately, while the inherent characteristics of both switches diverge due to their differing top housings, they converge in their nylon bottom housing that assures a consistent or similar foundation of sound and feel. The acoustic qualities of each housing material play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience of the switches. For instance, a user pressing down on either switch will notice a fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing, while the effects of the top material will influence the key's release and the resulting sound. In essence, the Bsun Cliff and Durock White Lotus switches reflect a balance of material properties that collaborate to create a unique typing experience, highlighting how housing materials can complement each other to achieve desired sonic outcomes.
Weight
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch exhibit noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force, which can significantly affect typing experience. The Cliff switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the White Lotus has a higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, positioning it in the medium-light category. This heavier resistance may provide a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Consequently, the Cliff switch is generally better for extended use, while the White Lotus may appeal to those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, these differences highlight how the choice between these switches can cater to varying personal preferences in typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cliff tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock White Lotus tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference highlights a clear distinction between the two switches; the Cliff provides a more responsive experience due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a quicker actuation. On the other hand, the White Lotus, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial feel, which can be favored by users who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference—those seeking quicker response times may lean towards the Cliff, while those desiring a deeper tactile experience may opt for the White Lotus.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock White 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 White Lotus for $4.57.
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 Bsun Cliff tactile switch produces a crisp auditory signature, which adds a distinct character to your typing experience. This clean, defined sound can be quite satisfying and offers a degree of feedback that can be both invigorating and pleasant for typists who appreciate audible confirmation of their key presses. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switches feature a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, characterized by a mellow tone that is more subtle. This makes the White Lotus switches ideal for environments where a quieter operation is preferred, as they produce less disruptive noise while still providing adequate auditory feedback. Overall, the contrast in sound between the two switches caters to different preferences: the Cliff for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory cue, and the White Lotus for users seeking a serene typing experience.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch presents a medium tactility, offering a noticeable feedback bump that typists can feel during key activation. This strikes a balance for those who enjoy a tactile sensation without being overly pronounced. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is designed with a light tactile feel, characterized by gentle resistance and an easy-to-press actuation. This makes the White Lotus switches particularly suited for long typing sessions, as they require less effort and help minimize finger fatigue. Additionally, the mild and subtle qualities of the White Lotus further enhance comfort, allowing for an approachable experience that appeals to a broad range of users. The Cliff may be preferable for those desiring a more definitive tactile feedback, while the White Lotus excels in providing a smooth and effortless typing action.
In summary, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by its crisp sound and medium tactility, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus offers a low-pitched, neutral sound profile, combined with a light, easy-to-press tactility, making it a great choice for comfort during extended typing. Ultimately, both switches serve different preferences: the Cliff for an audible, tactile engagement and the White Lotus for a gentle, serene typing experience. Depending on your individual needs, either switch can deliver a rewarding keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Cliff tactile switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, your specific needs and preferences will greatly influence your decision. If you prefer a lighter bottom-out force and a more pronounced tactile feel, the Cliff switch is an excellent choice, particularly well-suited for casual typing or gaming where rapid key presses are desired. Its medium tactility and crisp sound signature can add a certain satisfaction to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing for extended periods and seek a more refined tactile experience, the Durock White Lotus is likely the better option for you. With its medium-light actuation force and gentle, subtle tactile feedback, it allows for comfortable typing sessions that minimize finger fatigue. Additionally, its low-pitched, neutral sound profile makes it ideal for shared spaces, providing a peaceful environment without overwhelming noise. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits; your choice should reflect whether you value a snappier, more tactile response or a softer, more serene typing experience.
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