HMX Cheese vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HMX Cheese, a linear switch, to the BSUN Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers unique characteristics catered to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, accompanied by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. With their ultra-lightweight design, these switches provide a class-leading typing experience that is both smooth and responsive. On the other hand, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch stands out with its long pole stem, creating a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. Offering medium-weight and significant tactile feedback, these switches provide a satisfying bump at each press, paired with a clacky sound signature for an engaging typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Dragon Fruit, one key difference lies in their top housing material. The Cheese features a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing qualities. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This variation in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences for users, with the Cheese offering a mellower sound compared to the Dragon Fruit's more defined and resonant tones.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Cheese and the Dragon Fruit provides a similar typing experience, with a deeper and fuller sound profile attributed to the softness of the material. Despite having different top housings, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches creates a consistent feel and sound when pressing down on the keys. This demonstrates how the choice of material in the bottom housing can play a significant role in the overall typing experience, regardless of the differences in the top housing.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Dragon Fruit may offer distinct sound profiles, the use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Whether opting for the deeper and mellower sound of the Cheese or the sharper and crisper tones of the Dragon Fruit, users can expect a reliable and familiar typing experience thanks to the shared material choice in the bottom housing. This highlights the importance of considering both top and bottom housing materials when choosing a switch for a personalized typing experience.
Weight
Both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Cheese switch, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might prefer the Dragon Fruit switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different typing experiences, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the travel distance spectrum, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance as it allows for quicker key presses. However, the slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will likely come down to personal preference rather than the minute variance in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch offers a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that adds an enjoyable auditory element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch also provides a clacky sound signature, accompanying its tactile feedback with a lively and engaging typing sound. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that enhance the overall typing experience, ensuring that users will enjoy the auditory feedback provided by their chosen switch.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its smoothness and pristine typing experience. While specific descriptors of the feel are not provided, the Cheese switch promises a satisfying typing feel that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing tactile feedback that is both prominent and immersive. This combination of qualities ensures that users will experience a tactile sensation with each keypress that is distinctive and engaging.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Cheese switch provides a smooth and pristine typing experience with a satisfying sound profile, while the Dragon Fruit switch delivers a medium-weight tactile feedback with a distinct sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for linear or tactile feedback, as well as their desired typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Regardless of the choice, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that will meet the expectations of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a light switch with smoothness and a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch with a bottom out force of 46 grams is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a sharp tactile bottom-out and a prominent tactile feedback, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch with a bottom out force of 65 grams would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience, sound, and feedback intensity.
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