Outemu Crystal vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Outemu Crystal, a linear switch, and the BSUN Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch. The Crystal switch offers a unique linear typing experience with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch stands out with its long pole stem, providing a sharp tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature. While the Crystal switch may appeal to those looking for a smooth and elastic typing feel, the Dragon Fruit switch is ideal for tactile feedback enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced bump with each press. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, while both switches have polycarbonate top housings, the Bsun Dragon Fruit distinguishes itself with a nylon bottom housing. This material choice gives the Dragon Fruit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Crystal, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound and creates a rounder tone.
In terms of sound profile and material composition, the Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Dragon Fruit offer distinct differences. The Crystal features a consistent polycarbonate housing for both the top and bottom, making it well-suited for those who prefer a crisper and more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings provides a unique sound profile that is deeper and fuller, catering to users who enjoy a more muted and rounded typing sound. This contrast in housing materials highlights the importance of considering not only the top housing but also the bottom housing when choosing a switch for a personalized typing experience.
While the Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Dragon Fruit have different bottom housing materials, their polycarbonate top housings ensure a similar clarity and resonance in sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both switches creates a sharp and high-pitched sound profile that is ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material: the Crystal's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a consistent sharpness in sound profile, while the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing adds a depth and fullness to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for sound profile and feel.
Weight
The Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal switch requires 55 grams, while the Dragon Fruit switch needs 65 grams, making the Dragon Fruit switch heavier in this regard. The Crystal switch offers a medium-light typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit switch provides a medium-heavy feel, suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it is evident that the Crystal has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Dragon Fruit's 3.4 mm. The Crystal's 4.0mm is more in line with traditional travel distances, providing a deeper keypress feel when compared to the shallower 3.4 mm travel distance of the Dragon Fruit. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Dragon Fruit's shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke may lean towards the Outemu Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the desired travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Outemu Crystal comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch offers a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile, setting it apart with a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch provides a clacky sound that adds a lively and engaging element to typing. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the subtle chirps of the Crystal and the more pronounced clacks of the Dragon Fruit will ultimately come down to personal preference, as well as the overall build of your keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a pronounced tactile feedback with moderate to firm actuation force for an immersive typing sensation. The Crystal's polished feel may appeal to those seeking a sleek typing experience, while the Dragon Fruit's invigorating and sharp tactility caters to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback. Choosing between the two will depend on your preference for a smoother typing experience or a more tactile and responsive feel.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and Bsun Dragon Fruit switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal provides a chirpy sound with a polished feel, while the Dragon Fruit delivers a clacky sound with an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile response. Depending on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both, you can choose between the linear typing experience of the Crystal or the tactile satisfaction of the Dragon Fruit. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and an engaging typing experience, so you can expect similar levels of satisfaction regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth, medium-light typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Crystal switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a more pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you desire from your mechanical keyboard switches.
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