Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Black V2, a linear switch, offer unique experiences to users. The Dragon Fruit stands out for its long pole stem, delivering a sharp and definitive bottom-out that appeals to tactile enthusiasts. With significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, this switch provides a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a classic favorite among the community. While the Dragon Fruit offers an invigorating and snappy feel, the Ink Black V2 provides a polished and mild typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own distinct traits that cater 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in terms of their composition and sound profile. The Dragon Fruit features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 employs a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a relatively high-pitched sound with a satisfying clacky feel. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Dragon Fruit utilizes a nylon housing known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to other materials. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 utilizes its proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements the top housing's sound profile with a pointed and high-pitched tone. Both switches offer unique typing experiences due to the materials used in their bottom housings, catering to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
While the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, the impact of these materials is felt differently depending on whether they are used in the top or bottom housing of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This nuanced distinction allows for a more personalized typing experience, catering to individual preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams while the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams. Both of these switches fall under the medium-heavy category in terms of force required. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Dragon Fruit, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Ink Black V2. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing feel for the user.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dragon Fruit offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for fast key presses. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, catering to users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, with the Dragon Fruit being the shorter option and the Ink Black V2 being the longer option. Depending on personal preference, users can select the switch that best suits their typing or gaming 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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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
The BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch is known for its distinct tactile bump, providing a satisfying responsiveness at each key press. This switch also offers a clacky sound signature, creating an engaging typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts looking for both tactile feedback and audible confirmation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, offering a classic linear typing experience without the added tactility of the Dragon Fruit switch.
Regarding sound, the Dragon Fruit switch provides a clacky and lively typing experience, although specific descriptors are unknown. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 switch is characterized by a low-pitched, bassy sound profile with a hint of chirpiness. These sound qualities can vary depending on the user's choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Dragon Fruit switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering enthusiasts a tactile typing experience with a prominent tactile bump. In comparison, the Ink Black V2 switch is known for its mild and polished feel, providing a gentle and refined typing experience without the pronounced tactile feedback of the Dragon Fruit switch.
In conclusion, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer unique typing experiences with distinct sound and feel characteristics. While the Dragon Fruit switch is favored for its pronounced tactile feedback and clacky sound signature, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a smooth linear typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you enjoy a sharp and definitive tactile bump with a clacky sound signature, opt for the Bsun Dragon Fruit. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth downstroke with a low-pitched, bassy sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your typing experience will be defined by the feel and sound of the switch you choose, so carefully consider these factors before making your decision.
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