Gateron CM vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CM and the Bsun Dragon Fruit are two popular options to consider. The CM switch offers a unique experience with its full nylon housing and factory lube job, providing a smooth and bouncy typing journey with a rich sound signature. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch stands out with its long pole stem, offering a sharp tactile feedback and a clacky sound that is both satisfying and engaging. While the CM switch is characterized by its buttery and polished feel, the Dragon Fruit switch is known for its sharp and snappy tactility. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both feature unique housing materials in their switches, with the CM using nylon for both the top and bottom housing, while the Dragon Fruit utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of nylon in both housing components of the CM results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a clearer and more resonant sound.
Although both the CM and Dragon Fruit switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the top housing materials differ between the two. This distinction influences the sound and feel of the switches, as the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The use of polycarbonate in the Dragon Fruit's top housing, especially in clear switches for RGB lighting, enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch while contributing to its distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the CM's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing components provides a cohesive sound experience with a focus on deeper tones.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Bsun Dragon Fruit play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of their respective switches. While the CM's nylon housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, the Dragon Fruit's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. The differences in housing materials between the two switches highlight the impact that each component has on the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, providing users with diverse options for their typing preferences.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the CM's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the CM requires 63.5 grams while the Dragon Fruit needs 65 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. The CM offers a slightly heavier actuation force but a lighter bottom out force compared to the Dragon Fruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on the user's preference for a lighter actuation force or a lighter bottom out force. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide a substantial typing experience for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the CM has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different typing experience for users. Those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses may lean towards the Gateron CM switch, while those looking for a more immediate response may opt for the Bsun Dragon Fruit. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to the needs and preferences of different users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 CM linear switch is known for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, but based on its tactile nature, it likely produces a clacky sound due to the sharp bottom-out resulting from the long pole stem design. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the CM providing a bass-heavy tone and the Dragon Fruit offering a more lively and engaging clackiness.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless, ensuring a smooth and seamless typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a prominent amount of tactile feedback with a crisp and strong tactile bump for a responsive and immersive typing sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the CM focusing on smoothness and uniformity, while the Dragon Fruit emphasizes a pronounced and snappy tactile response.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out for its bassy sound profile, buttery feel, and bouncy typing experience due to its dual-staged spring design, offering a smooth and satisfying typing journey. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch excels in providing a clacky sound, sharp tactile feedback, and engaging typing experience with its long pole stem design. While they differ in sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, providing a customizable and enjoyable typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a deep and rich typing sound with smooth key travel or a sharp tactile feedback with an invigorating typing feel, both the Gateron CM linear switch and Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch can deliver similar results in terms of exceptional quality and performance within their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the following guidelines: if you are looking for a switch with a bouncy and smooth typing experience, accompanied by a bassy, thocky sound profile, then the CM switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp and definitive bottom-out, combined with a clacky sound signature and pronounced tactile feedback, the Dragon Fruit switch would likely be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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