Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch with the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, one can see distinct differences in their characteristics. The Dragon Fruit switch is celebrated for its long pole stem, delivering a sharp bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking an invigorating and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the EF Grayish switch by Gateron's Everfree sub-brand offers a balanced tactile feel with a neutral sound signature and an affordable price point, making it a solid default option. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish, it becomes clear that they both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This means that they will both exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, both switches will benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, in terms of sound profile and visual appeal, the Dragon Fruit and EverFree (EF) Grayish will offer similar results to users.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing while the EverFree (EF) Grayish also uses nylon for its bottom housing. This means that both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics. The nylon bottom housing will absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. In this aspect, the Dragon Fruit and EverFree (EF) Grayish will once again offer similar typing experiences to users.
In terms of typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish become more apparent. The impact of the housing material on the sound profile and feel of the switches will be split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This means that users may notice subtle differences in sound and feel depending on which part of the switch they are interacting with, providing a unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit is lighter overall. The Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the EverFree (EF) Grayish has an actuation force of 59 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. The difference in actuation force suggests that the Dragon Fruit will feel lighter to type on compared to the EverFree (EF) Grayish, which may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 3.4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance before bottoming out. Both switches provide a similar tactile feedback experience despite differences in design and manufacturer. The lack of variance in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of keypress feel and actuation.
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 Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EverFree (EF) Grayish for $2.69.
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 BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a lively and engaging typing experience with a distinct auditory feedback at each press. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a prominent yet balanced tactile feedback with a sharp and crisp bump that can be felt distinctly with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switch provides a stepped feel, resembling a switch with two stages of tactility, along with a snappy response that enhances the typing experience, albeit in a milder manner compared to the Dragon Fruit switch.
Taking all the available information into account, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch excels in providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out with significant tactile feedback, coupled with a clacky sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch stands out for its custom molds, approachable price point, and neutral sound profile, making it a versatile option for various users. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with both switches by considering the specific characteristics that align with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch or the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a sharp, definitive bottom-out with significant tactile feedback, the Dragon Fruit may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an unknown bottom out force and a more neutral sound signature, along with a medium weight and an approachable price point, the EverFree (EF) Grayish switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you desire.
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