Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the BSUN Dragon Fruit mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are tactile switches, some distinct differences come to light. The Beer, with its mesmerizing translucent green appearance, presents a refreshing and lightweight typing experience with a stepped tactility that sets it apart from Gateron's usual lineup. Known for its characteristic clacky sound signature, the Beer switch is easy to press and offers a unique typing feel. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch from BSUN boasts a long pole stem that delivers a sharp, definitive bottom-out, making it a favorite among tactility enthusiasts. With a medium weight and significant tactile feedback, combined with a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit switch provides an invigorating and snappy typing experience. While both switches offer their own unique advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches are quite similar, as both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Beer's polycarbonate bottom housing continues to enhance the sharp sound profile, while the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches can also be seen in how they function when a key is pressed. The qualities of the bottom housing material will be more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel, influencing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. This showcases how the combination of housing materials in a switch can create a unique typing experience that is influenced by both the top and bottom housing materials.
Overall, while the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the use of different bottom housing materials gives each switch its own distinct sound profile. The stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing in the Beer enhances its sharp sound quality, while the softer nylon bottom housing in the Dragon Fruit creates a deeper and fuller sound. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the typing experience, making each switch unique in its sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is clear that the Beer is lighter than the Dragon Fruit. The Beer has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which makes it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations, the Beer would be the better choice. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel with a heavier push may prefer the Dragon Fruit. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences due to their differences in actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This consistency in travel distance ensures that both switches offer a familiar tactile feedback and keystroke feel, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
The Bsun Dragon Fruit has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dragon Fruit for $3.83.
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 Gateron Beer tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, producing a sharp and percussive noise with each keypress. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch are not specified. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer tactile switch offers an easy-to-press experience with minimal force required to activate each key. It also features a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle and gentle feel during typing. Conversely, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. It provides a lively and engaging typing experience that is both felt and heard distinctly.
Overall, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer contrasting subjective qualities. The Beer switch provides a lighter and more subtle tactile experience with a clacky sound signature, while the Dragon Fruit switch offers a more pronounced and engaging feel with a sharper feedback and lively typing experience. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a more subtle tactility and a clacky sound signature, the Gateron Beer switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, along with a lively and engaging typing experience, then the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is the way to go. Consider how you like your switches to feel and sound, and make your decision based on what will enhance your typing journey the most.
Mentioned in this article
