Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Durock Ice King Tactile both fall under the tactile category but offer unique characteristics. The Bsun Dragon Fruit switches are favored for their long pole stem, which delivers a sharp and definitive bottom-out that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. With a medium weight and significant tactile feedback, these switches provide a satisfying bump with each press, accompanied by a clacky sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile switches stand out for their creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a symphony of touch that is both satisfying and refined. While the Dragon Fruit is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Ice King Tactile is described as 'Silky', 'Frictionless', 'Subdued', 'Stepped', and 'Polished'. Each switch offers its own unique benefits, but diving deeper into their specifics can help you determine which one best suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile are quite different despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing. The Dragon Fruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Ice King Tactile uses a nylon top housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in housing materials leads to a noticeable difference in the typing experience for users of these switches. The stiffer polycarbonate in the Dragon Fruit provides a clearer and more resonant sound, while the softer nylon in the Ice King Tactile absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the Dragon Fruit and the Ice King Tactile diverge in their choice of top housing material. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a more distinct and crisp sound when pressing down on the switch, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound experience. This difference in materials highlights the impact that the top housing has on the overall sound profile of a switch. The specific material used for the top housing can significantly influence key sounds both during pressing and upon release.
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Ice King Tactile, it is evident that the choice of material for both the top and bottom housing plays a critical role in shaping the sound profile of a switch. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing results in a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. Despite both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the different top housing materials lead to distinct sound experiences for users. Understanding how each housing material impacts sound and feel is essential for enthusiasts looking to customize their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. The Dragon Fruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ice King Tactile's 58 grams, making the Dragon Fruit the lighter option. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams while the Ice King Tactile requires 68 grams, making the Ice King Tactile the heavier option. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Dragon Fruit more suitable for extended typing sessions, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Ice King Tactile. Overall, both switches offer a similar medium-heavy feel, providing a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. This makes the Ice King Tactile slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit. Both switches fall within the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Dragon Fruit may provide a slightly quicker actuation due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile may offer a more satisfying key press with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness and key feel.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offers a clacky and lively typing experience, while the Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a more subdued and dampened sound signature. The Dragon Fruit switch's sharp bottom-out and medium weight contribute to a more pronounced auditory feedback, creating a distinct and engaging typing sound. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile switch balances creamy smoothness with a tactile bump to produce a more subtle and refined typing noise, enhancing the overall typing experience with a quieter sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is characterized by its accented and sharp tactile feedback, providing an invigorating and snappy typing experience. The prominent tactile bump and moderate actuation force offer a satisfying level of feedback without being overwhelming, making each keypress distinct and reactive. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch boasts a silky and frictionless feel, with a polished finish that enhances smoothness and reduces resistance during typing. The stepped tactile sensation of the Ice King Tactile switch adds a layer of complexity to the typing experience, offering a unique two-stage feedback that is both gentle and refined.
Overall, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch excels in providing a clacky and sharp tactile typing experience, while the Ice King Tactile switch offers a more subdued and smooth feel with a unique two-stage tactile response. Depending on personal preference, users may prefer the lively and engaging typing experience of the Dragon Fruit switch or the refined and silky smooth feel of the Ice King Tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to tactile enthusiasts seeking a high-quality typing experience with different emphases on sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider the level of tactile feedback you prefer. If you are seeking a switch with a sharp and definitive tactile bump alongside a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a more subdued sound profile, the Ice King Tactile could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility, sound profile, and overall typing experience. Choose wisely to enhance your keyboarding journey.
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