Kailh Box Jade vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to your preferred typing experience. On one hand, the Kailh Box Jade offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on these switches a satisfying experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches are known for their sharp and definitive bottom-out thanks to their long pole stem design. These medium-weight switches provide the most significant tactile feedback in their lineup, offering a satisfying bump with each press. While both switches are categorized as accented and invigorating, the Box Jade leans towards being high-pitched and crunchy, while the Dragon Fruit switches are described as sharp and snappy. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences, but 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switch housings. However, while both switches share this common top housing material, they may still produce slightly different sound profiles based on other factors such as stem design or spring weight.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both utilize nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite the differences in top housing material, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches may lead to a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch can greatly impact the sound profile and typing experience. While both the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Dragon Fruit feature similar housing materials in their top and bottom components, subtle differences in design and construction may still lead to variations in sound and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon, it's important to consider how these housing materials interact with other components of the switch to create a unique typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is 50 grams, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches fall into the medium range in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams to fully press down, making it lighter compared to the Dragon Fruit, which needs 65 grams for bottoming out. The lighter actuation force of the Dragon Fruit may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Box Jade may provide a more significant typing feedback for users seeking a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for quicker response times. With only a 0.2 mm difference between them, the feel of the switches may not be significantly different in terms of travel distance. If you prefer a slightly deeper feel, you may opt for the Box Jade switch, while the Dragon Fruit switch might provide a slightly faster response due to its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively similar travel distances and can provide comparable results depending on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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 Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This creates a sharp and crisp typing experience that is pleasing to those who enjoy a more pronounced click sound. The Bsun Dragon Fruit switch, on the other hand, lacks specific sound descriptors in the provided information. However, based on its tactile nature, it is likely to produce a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Kailh Box Jade and Bsun Dragon Fruit switches offer an invigorating typing experience with pronounced feedback and moderate to firm actuation force. The tactile bumps of the Box Jade are described as accented, providing a medium amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Dragon Fruit's long pole stem ensures a sharp and definitive bottom-out, offering a satisfying bump at each press. Additionally, the Dragon Fruit switch is said to have a sharp and snappy feel, further enhancing the typing sensation.
Overall, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile, the Kailh Box Jade switch is an excellent choice. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing a lively and engaging experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with significant tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is the way to go. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, so you can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, the Box Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you seek a sharp, definitive bottom-out with the most significant tactile feedback in the lineup, the Dragon Fruit is your best bet. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what suits your typing style and preference for sound and feel.
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