KTT Darling vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Darling and the BSUN Dragon Fruit are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Darling, a linear switch, is known for its chewy and substantial typing sensation, accompanied by a bouncy and springy responsiveness. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch, stands out for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing significant tactile feedback with a satisfying bump at each press. The Darling produces a high-pitched, resonant sound upon bottoming out, while the Dragon Fruit offers a clacky sound signature, adding to the overall typing experience. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Darling being categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Resonant', and the Dragon Fruit as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy'. 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
53g
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
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the Bsun Dragon Fruit feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through and create dynamic visual effects. With both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when typing or gaming.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housings, the KTT Darling and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom housings of both switches.
Overall, while the KTT Darling and the Bsun Dragon Fruit differ in their choice of materials for their top and bottom housings, they ultimately offer similar sound profiles and typing experiences. The split of housing materials between the top and bottom of the switch means that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing when pressing down on a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when letting go of a key. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a blend of qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, we can see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that in terms of triggering a keystroke, both switches will feel very similar. However, when we look at the bottom out force, we see a difference between the two. The Darling has a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it lighter, while the Dragon Fruit has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier. This means that the typing experience on the Darling switch will feel lighter and more effortless, while the Dragon Fruit switch will provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. While the difference between the two may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall feel of the switch. The Darling linear switch will provide a slightly deeper press compared to the Dragon Fruit tactile switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly deeper press, the KTT Darling linear switch may be the better option, whereas if you prefer a slightly shallower press, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch would be the way to go.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 KTT Darling linear switch offers a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant typing experience, providing a crisp and engaging sound profile that resonates with each keystroke. On the other hand, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch is characterized by a clacky sound signature, offering a sharp and distinct auditory feedback that complements its tactile bump. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Darling delivering a higher-pitched tone while the Dragon Fruit offers a sharper sound profile.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling switch is known for its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and responsive feel that adds a lively touch to typing. In contrast, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience, boasting a prominent amount of feedback without being overwhelming. With medium-weight actuation and a snappy response, the Dragon Fruit switch stands out for its distinct tactile bump that is felt distinctly with each press. Both switches offer unique tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Darling providing a bouncier feel while the Dragon Fruit offers a sharper and more distinctive tactile feedback.
In conclusion, both the KTT Darling linear switch and the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Darling excels in delivering a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness, while the Dragon Fruit stands out with its sharp and defined tactile feedback paired with a clacky sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both switches offer a unique and engaging typing experience that caters to different tastes in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Darling linear switch and the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch, consider the characteristics that best suit your preferences. If you enjoy a chewy and substantial typing sensation with a pronounced bounciness and a resonant, high-pitched sound, opt for the Darling. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp, definitive bottom-out, significant tactile feedback, and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit is the way to go. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience, whether you prioritize a unique tactile feel or a particular sound profile. Happy typing!
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