Bsun Tomcat vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Tomcat and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Tomcat switch, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth operation, thanks to its Ly stems, providing a seamless and fluid typing experience ideal for gamers and fast typists alike. This switch offers a resonant sound profile that can enhance the immersive feeling while typing, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a quieter environment. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch designed with the discerning typist in mind, featuring delicate tactility that balances feedback with comfort, making it perfect for prolonged typing sessions without overwhelming the user. The White Lotus also boasts an innovative removable light column, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal to your keyboard setup. Choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference: whether you prioritize the smoothness of linear feedback or the subtle tactile response that enhances your typing accuracy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
54g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.95 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Extended spring
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Bsun Tomcat and the Durock White Lotus switches, there are both distinct differences and notable similarities that influence their overall sound profiles and typing experiences. The Tomcat features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the White Lotus utilizes a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE for its top housing, which offers a unique feel while still enhancing sound clarity. The translucency of both materials supports aesthetic considerations, particularly for users who enjoy RGB lighting. Although the Tomcat may have a more pronounced resonance due to the pure polycarbonate, the White Lotus's modified formulation aims to provide a premium experience that can potentially yield similar results in sound clarity with effective tuning.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, a classic material in switch design favored for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound. This quality of nylon aligns both switches in their intent to deliver a satisfying typing experience characterized by a rounder sound. The similarities do not stop at sound; the nylon construction absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a dampened acoustical footprint regardless of the top housing material. Since the bottom housing has a significant impact on the feel of the switch when bottomed out, both the Tomcat and the White Lotus enhance this experience through the use of nylon in the base, ensuring a deep and enjoyable tactile response.
Ultimately, the differing materials of the top housings set the two switches apart, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a consistent foundation for a rich auditory experience. The Tomcat's polycarbonate top imparting a sharper sound profile complements the muted yet full experience provided by the quiet nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the modified top housing of the White Lotus offers a unique feel without detracting from the enriching qualities brought by its nylon base. Thus, while the two designs explore varied sound profiles through their top and bottom housing configurations, the use of nylon ensures that both options offer a rewarding typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, both provide a medium-light typing experience, although there are slight differences in their force measurements. The Tomcat has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 54 grams, while the White Lotus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This means that the Tomcat switch is marginally lighter, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the White Lotus offers a stronger push feel which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches will yield similar performance in terms of usability, yet the Tomcat may cater better to those who favor lighter resistance in their typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, a notable difference arises. The Tomcat features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you are looking for a switch that provides a shorter travel for quicker response times, the Tomcat would be the preferable choice. In contrast, the White Lotus, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke and a deeper feel when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you prioritize a snappier response, the Tomcat's shorter travel is advantageous, whereas the White Lotus provides a fuller keypress experience with its greater travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 Tomcat linear switch offers a resonant profile that enhances the auditory experience of typing, giving off a satisfying yet smooth tone. This resonant sound can be reminiscent of the soft, deep tones typically associated with linear switches, creating an engaging auditory backdrop for typing. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch presents a more nuanced sound, characterized by a low-pitched and neutral profile. The sound is mellow and moderate, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. While the Tomcat's resonant nature may lend itself to a more pronounced auditory feedback, the White Lotus excels in providing a low-key ambiance that won’t disturb others around you.
Regarding feel, the Tomcat switches are renowned for their exceptional smoothness, thanks to their Ly stems. This design offers a seamless typing experience, where the actuation is effortless, making prolonged typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switches provide a light tactile response that is easy to press. With gentle resistance and minimal force needed to activate, these switches are designed to reduce finger fatigue, making long periods of typing feel more manageable. The mild and subtle characteristics of the White Lotus also create a balanced experience, providing a gentler touch without overwhelming tactile feedback, which can be appealing for those that prefer a more moderate typing sensation.
In summary, both the Bsun Tomcat linear and Durock White Lotus tactile switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that cater to different preferences. The Tomcat stands out with its resonant sound and super smooth feel, ideal for users who enjoy an immersive typing experience. Meanwhile, the White Lotus provides a low-pitched, neutral sound along with an easy-to-press tactile feel, making it excellent for extended typing without discomfort. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether one prioritizes a more pronounced auditory feedback or a balanced and gentle typing experience, both of which will yield positive results in their respective environments.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the Bsun Tomcat linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience that allows for quick key presses, the Tomcat is a great choice, especially if you value a resonant sound profile that can enhance the typing sensation. Its medium-light bottom out force of 54 grams makes it a suitable option for those who enjoy speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you seek a balance between tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the White Lotus is ideal. With its light tactile bump and easy-to-press design, this switch offers a comfort-focused experience that’s perfect for long typing sessions, making it an excellent choice for work or quieter environments. The low-pitched, neutral sound profile of the White Lotus ensures that you won’t disturb those around you, all while enjoying the vibrant RGB lighting features. So, assess whether you lean towards speed and smoothness or tactility and subtlety, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and usage scenarios.
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