HMX Blue Topaz vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch to the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it's clear that both offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preference. The Blue Topaz is lauded for its smooth actuation and lightweight feel, providing a breezy typing experience with a visually appealing glittery housing and clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit stands out for its long pole stem that delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, perfect for enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced feedback. While the Blue Topaz is categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Clacky', the Dragon Fruit is labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Dragon Fruit utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate also adds a visually appealing touch to the switches, further enhancing their aesthetic appeal.
While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the contrast lies in their choice of bottom housing material. The Blue Topaz features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit also uses a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar experience with a softer plastic that results in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the different bottom housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience through the combination of their top and bottom housing qualities.
Given the similarities in their housing materials, it is likely that users will experience comparable results when using the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches. The utilization of polycarbonate for the top housing ensures a sharp and crisp sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the overall typing experience. Whether it be the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the sound when releasing a key from the top housing, both switches offer a balance of qualities that cater to a range of preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, while the Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Blue Topaz would be the better option, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Dragon Fruit would be the more suitable choice with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch has a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this comparison, the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance than the Blue Topaz. The difference of 0.5 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers looking for quicker response times may prefer the Dragon Fruit, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Blue Topaz. Both switches offer different experiences due to their slight variation in travel distance, but ultimately, the choice depends on individual preference for typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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
In terms of sound, the Blue Topaz linear switch provides a clacky typing experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a tactile auditory feedback that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, information on the sound signature of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is currently unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Moving on to feel, the Blue Topaz linear switch is renowned for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and providing a gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by making every keystroke effortless and comfortable, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is described as having an accented tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, providing a pronounced bump at each press. This invigorating and sharp tactile sensation, combined with a snappy and reactive feel, creates an immersive typing experience for users seeking a medium tactile switch.
Taking into consideration the information provided, it is evident that the Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue Topaz excels in providing a smooth actuation and lightweight feel with a clacky sound signature, the Bsun Dragon Fruit stands out with its sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, paired with a lively and engaging typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences, and users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel based on the provided descriptions.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch or the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a light actuation force, a smooth typing experience, and a clacky sound signature, then the Blue Topaz may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force, a sharp tactile bump, and a lively typing experience with distinct feedback, then the Dragon Fruit might be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you as you type away on your keyboard.
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