Durock Dolphin vs. Bsun Dragon Fruit
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Dragon Fruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Dolphin is renowned for its silent operation, making it an excellent choice for quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, the Dolphin provides a satisfying press that balances precision with resistance. In contrast, the Dragon Fruit stands out with its long pole stem, delivering a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. Paired with a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit offers a lively and engaging typing experience with significant tactile feedback. While the Dolphin leans towards a polished, muted, and low-pitched feel, the Dragon Fruit is accented, invigorating, sharp, and 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Dragon Fruit both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, as it is translucent and allows light to shine through. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of these switches ensures a clear and resonant sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will result in a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
However, where the Dolphin and the Dragon Fruit differ is in the split between the top and bottom housing materials. The top housing of a switch impacts the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. The Dolphin's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing will provide a unique typing experience, with a crisp sound profile when pressing keys and a deeper sound when releasing them. On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing ensures consistency in sound and feel throughout typing, maintaining a sharp and clear sound profile.
Overall, both the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Dragon Fruit offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The differences in material combinations between the two switches create variations in sound profiles, with the Dolphin offering a contrast between sharper and deeper sounds, while the Dragon Fruit provides a more consistent experience. Whether you prefer a mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing or a uniform polycarbonate build, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it is clear that the Dragon Fruit is the lighter of the two. The Dolphin has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Dragon Fruit's 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dolphin requires 62 grams, which is lighter than the Dragon Fruit's 65 grams, making the Dolphin the lighter of the two switches overall. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Dragon Fruit, while the Dolphin may be more suitable for those looking for a lighter touch. In both cases, users can expect a medium actuation force, but with a slight difference in bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Dolphin linear switch is 3.8 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, making them suitable for those who prefer faster response times, such as gamers. The Dolphin offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of feel one is looking for in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 Durock Dolphin linear switch offers a muted and low-pitched typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter switch in their workspace. On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch provides a more clacky sound signature, adding a lively and engaging element to the typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin switch is described as offering a polished typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is known for its accented tactility, providing a prominent yet not overwhelming amount of feedback with each press. The sharp and snappy tactile bump of the Dragon Fruit switch creates an invigorating and responsive typing sensation, appealing to tactile switch enthusiasts.
Overall, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Dolphin switch is best for those seeking a quieter and medium-heavy actuation force switch with a balanced feel, while the Dragon Fruit switch is ideal for individuals craving a more pronounced tactile feedback and an engaging typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that will enhance your typing experience, providing you with satisfying results based on your preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a silent and medium actuation force switch that provides a smooth and balanced typing experience, the Dolphin may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a sharp and definitive tactile bump, along with a clacky sound signature that offers a lively and engaging typing experience, the Dragon Fruit could be the perfect choice for you. Consider factors such as noise level requirements, actuation force preference, and the type of feedback you enjoy the most to make the best decision for your needs. Happy typing!
Mentioned in this article
