Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and TTC Gold Red switches offer unique experiences for users. The Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing a satisfying bump at each press. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience with clacky sound feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It provides a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too overwhelming. While the Dragon Fruit switch is accented and invigorating, the Gold Red switch is low-pitched and subtle. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the TTC Gold Red switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. The aesthetic appeal of these switches is also enhanced by the translucency of the polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. With similar top housing materials, users can expect to experience comparable sound profiles and visual effects with both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dragon Fruit and Gold Red switches use nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both switches offer a unique typing experience that emphasizes a more subdued and mellow sound compared to switches with different bottom housing materials.
With the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and TTC Gold Red switches each offer a distinct sound profile and typing experience. The split qualities of the housing materials ensure that users will feel the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing the key. While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the specific design and construction of each housing contribute to the overall performance and feel of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, we can see that the Dragon Fruit requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams. However, the Dragon Fruit also has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Gold Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Dragon Fruit provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher force needed to bottom out, whereas the Gold Red offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. Overall, the Dragon Fruit is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it better suited for users who prefer a more tactile and firm typing feel. In contrast, the Gold Red offers a lighter touch for those who prefer a smoother and easier keystroke.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gold Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Dragon Fruit offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance. This makes it a preferred choice for gamers who value speed. On the other hand, the Gold Red's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users may find more satisfying if they prefer a switch with greater depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 offers a clacky and engaging typing experience that produces a distinctive audible feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is described as having a thocky sound profile with low-pitched tones, providing a balanced and modest sound output. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Dragon Fruit being more lively and the Gold Red being more subdued yet satisfying.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit offers a tactile typing experience with a sharp and definitive bottom-out, creating an invigorating sensation with each keypress. The Gold Red linear switch, on the other hand, provides a smooth and silky typing feel with a mild level of resistance, offering a more gentle and approachable typing experience. While the Dragon Fruit switch is known for its sharp and snappy tactility, the Gold Red switch excels in providing a polished and subtle typing sensation.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. Those looking for a lively and engaging typing experience with prominent tactile feedback may prefer the Dragon Fruit switch, while individuals seeking a smooth and subtle typing feel with a balanced sound profile may lean towards the Gold Red switch. Both switches provide unique characteristics that enhance the typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results tailored to their specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, consider your preference for key feedback and actuation force. If you enjoy a significant tactile bump and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Dragon Fruit switch will provide an invigorating and sharp typing experience with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch offers a subtle yet polished feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound or smoothness and lightness in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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