Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and Durock Ice King Linear switch are standout options with unique characteristics to consider. The Dragon Fruit is favored for its sharp and definitive tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each press for tactility enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience due to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the Dragon Fruit is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Ice King Linear is silky, frictionless, subdued, creamy, and polished. Each switch offers a distinct typing experience, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and typing style. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant profile, ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition. These differences in top housing material result in distinct typing experiences, with the Dragon Fruit delivering a crisper sound while the Ice King Linear offers a fuller, rounder tone.
Both the Dragon Fruit and the Ice King Linear switches feature a nylon bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to switches with harder plastic housings. Despite the shared bottom housing material, there may be variations in sound and feel based on the unique characteristics of each switch. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a combination of qualities to impact both the pressing down and letting go of a key, providing a balanced tactile experience for users of either switch.
Overall, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Durock Ice King Linear switches have different top housing materials, their shared nylon bottom housing results in a similar deep and full sound profile. The distinctions in sound and feel between the two switches lie in the contrasting properties of their top housings, with polycarbonate offering a sharper, resonant sound in the Dragon Fruit and nylon providing a deeper, absorbing sound in the Ice King Linear. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for sound profile, tactile experience, and aesthetic considerations such as RGB lighting compatibility.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit requires a lighter touch overall. The Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Ice King Linear has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. In terms of actuation force, the Dragon Fruit is lighter, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ice King Linear is slightly lighter. Both switches fall within the medium range of forces, providing a nice balance between typing feel and durability. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for typing experience - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Dragon Fruit has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While the difference between the two may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the typing experience. With a slightly shorter travel distance, the Dragon Fruit may provide a quicker response time, making it preferable for those looking for a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a bit more cushion in their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 sound signature, providing a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as producing a subdued sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming. The tactile bump is strong and crisp, providing a satisfying feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, creamy, and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches provide a distinct typing sensation, with the Dragon Fruit focusing more on tactile feedback and the Ice King Linear focusing on smoothness and fluidity.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit provides a satisfying tactile bump and a clacky sound signature for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback, while the Ice King Linear offers a silky smooth typing experience with a more subdued sound profile. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback or smoothness, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that can enhance your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a tactile switch with medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced feedback, and a clacky sound signature, then the Dragon Fruit would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, silky smooth typing experience, and subdued sound profile, then the Ice King Linear might be more up your alley. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and tactile feedback needs before making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
