Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and KTT Hyacinth offer distinct experiences for typing enthusiasts. The Dragon Fruit switch is a tactile switch, acclaimed for its sharp and definitive bottom-out thanks to its long pole stem, providing a significant tactile feedback that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a pronounced bump with each press. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch is a linear switch known for its 3.5mm travel distance, designed to offer a balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort without the harsh bottoming-out commonly found in switches with longer stems. While the Dragon Fruit switch offers an invigorating and snappy typing experience with a clacky sound signature, the Hyacinth switch provides a silky and subtle feel with a single-stage elongated spring for a consistent force curve. Each switch has unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to delve deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Hyacinth are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches use polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While the polycarbonate top housing of both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Hyacinth provide similar sound profiles, the differences lie in their nylon bottom housing. The Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller tone. This variance in bottom housing material can impact the overall sound experience of each switch, as the properties of the bottom housing material play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. On the other hand, the top housing material, such as polycarbonate, influences the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Hyacinth share a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences are more evident in the nylon bottom housing. The Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the Hyacinth's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller tone. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile, as the bottom housing material can greatly impact the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, the Dragon Fruit has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier than the Hyacinth, which has a bottom out force of 56 grams. The Dragon Fruit's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the Hyacinth's lighter bottom out force may be preferred by those who like a lighter feel for extended typing sessions. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these two switches offer different typing experiences, catering to varying preferences in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for their faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Hyacinth switch to be more to their liking, while those who prefer a quicker key press may opt for the Dragon Fruit switch. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their comparable travel distances, providing users with a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 switches have a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience by providing a lively and engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Dragon Fruit switches are known for their accentuated tactile feedback, creating a sharp and invigorating typing sensation that is felt distinctly with each keypress. The switch offers a snappy and reactive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth switches provide a silky and subtle typing experience, offering a smooth feel with gentle resistance and minimal sound, making them ideal for quiet environments and shared spaces.
In conclusion, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switches excel in providing a pronounced tactile bump and a clacky sound signature, creating an immersive and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Hyacinth linear switches focus on achieving a balance between tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort, with a neutral sound profile and a smooth, subtle typing feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you value a more tactile and engaging experience or a smoother and quieter typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a sharp, definitive tactile bump in your typing experience and enjoys a clacky sound signature, then the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile feedback, auditory experience, and user comfort with a lighter bottom out force of 56 grams, then the KTT Hyacinth linear switch with its 3.5mm travel distance and single-stage elongated spring may be the better option for you. Consider your preferences for tactile feedback, sound, and overall typing experience to determine which switch aligns best with your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.