Bsun Taichi vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Taichi and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth exploring are the Bsun Taichi and the Durock White Lotus. The Bsun Taichi, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and the unique high-pitched sound it produces when bottomed out. Its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled design contribute to a stable typing experience, making it a fantastic choice for gamers and typists seeking a swift and silent keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus offers a light tactile experience, ideal for those who appreciate subtle feedback without overwhelming the senses. Designed with typists in mind, this switch features a gentle tactility that enhances comfort, particularly during extended typing sessions, while its removable light column brings vibrant RGB lighting aesthetics to your setup. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prefer the smooth and unencumbered flow of the Taichi or the refined tactility of the White Lotus, each option holds its unique appeal. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
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
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Taichi and Durock White Lotus switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to contrasting sound profiles and visual aesthetics. The Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clear resonance—an appealing characteristic for users seeking vibrant auditory feedback. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate supports RGB lighting effects beautifully, making it a favored choice for enthusiasts who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE, which delivers a unique and premium tactile experience, though it doesn’t specifically emphasize light diffusion like the Taichi’s housing. Instead, the White Lotus's top housing design focuses on providing a sophisticated feel and balanced sound profile, which could appeal to users seeking a distinctive touch.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, an element that results in a consistent auditory experience across both models. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs sound, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. This shared bottom housing material means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, users can expect similar dampening effects that lead to a rounded and pleasing auditory experience when bottoming out. This commonality emphasizes the importance of the nylon material in both switches, ensuring a uniform feel when key presses are engaged, thus enhancing user satisfaction in terms of sound quality.
When considering the overall performance of each switch, the unique properties of both top housings play a crucial role in distinguishing the two products. The polycarbonate top of the Taichi may lead to a brighter sound, particularly during release, while the modified PC and UPE blend of the White Lotus offers a nuanced touch that may complement a variety of typing styles. However, the nylon bottom contributes a shared foundation that ties their audio characteristics together—creating a blend that can finely tune the user experience. Consequently, while the top housings present distinct auditory traits, the nylon bottoms unify the switches, potentially allowing users to achieve similar satisfaction in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, ultimately catering to individual preferences within the keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation forces are apparent. The Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the White Lotus requires a slightly heavier 46 grams to actuate. This means that users who prefer less resistance during typing may find the Taichi more comfortable for extended use, making it ideal for long work hours or gaming sessions. However, the lack of a specified bottom out force for the Taichi leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall feel when bottoming out. In contrast, the White Lotus offers a bottom out force of 56 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by users who enjoy a stronger feel in their keystrokes. Overall, those who appreciate a lighter touch should opt for the Bsun Taichi, while those who prefer a firmer push will likely gravitate toward the Durock White Lotus.
Travel distance
The Bsun Taichi linear 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 in travel distance indicates that the Taichi offers a shorter and potentially more responsive option for those who favor quicker keystrokes, often preferred by gamers for faster response times. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its longer 4 mm travel, may provide a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper feel and a more pronounced actuation. Thus, while both switches serve unique preferences, if speed and responsiveness are your top priorities, the Taichi is the more suitable choice, whereas the White Lotus offers a traditional depth for those who prefer that tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, the Taichi is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which can create an engaging auditory experience for users who appreciate more pronounced acoustics. Conversely, the White Lotus switches deliver a low-pitched sound that leans towards a mellow tone, characterized by a neutral profile that integrates well into various environments, whether at home or work. The sound experience of the Taichi might be more impactful, whereas the White Lotus offers a more subdued presence, making it suitable for shared spaces where noise levels are a consideration.
In terms of feel, the Taichi switch offers unparalleled smoothness and stability due to its long-pole stem and extended springs. While specific details about the feel of the Taichi are not provided, linear switches generally provide a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump to interrupt the motion, which can offer a consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus presents an easy-to-press experience characterized by gentle resistance, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. With its mild and subtle nature, the White Lotus allows for a low-impact typing feel that caters to typists seeking a less intense tactile sensation while maintaining a balanced typing experience.
In summary, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a vibrant and engaging sound coupled with a smooth feel, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience alongside a fluid keystroke. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch favors a mellow sound profile and a gentle, approachable feel, making it suitable for prolonged use without causing finger fatigue. Together, these switches encompass a range of preferences, allowing you to choose based on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific typing experience preferences and typing environment.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and are drawn to a higher-pitched sound profile, the Taichi linear switch may be your ideal option. This switch's design prioritizes stability and smoothness, making it particularly appealing for gamers or those who enjoy rapid key presses without tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a light tactile experience that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, particularly during long typing sessions, the White Lotus switch would be a better fit. Its mild resistance and gentle tactile feedback allow you to type efficiently without overwhelming your fingers, making it well-suited for work environments or general typing. With its compatibility for vibrant RGB lighting, the White Lotus also adds a visually appealing element to your keyboard setup. Therefore, consider what aspects are most important to you—be it sound and smoothness or tactile feedback and comfort—as you make your final decision.
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