Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, you are presented with two distinct options for your mechanical keyboard. The Dragon Fruit switch boasts a sharp and definitive bottom-out with a significant tactile feedback, appealing to tactility enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky sound signature. While the Dragon Fruit switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Ink Box Black switch is characterized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. Each switch has its unique features and benefits, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit utilizes a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, while the Ink Box Black features a proprietary INK blend for both the top and bottom housing. Both switches aim to achieve a high-pitched sound profile, with the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing creating a sharper and crisper sound, and the Ink Box Black's INK blend housing offering a relatively high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. However, the use of nylon in the Dragon Fruit's bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, in contrast to the INK blend's sound described as thin and clacky.
Despite the differences in material composition, both the Dragon Fruit and the Ink Box Black prioritize producing a satisfying sound profile for users. The use of polycarbonate in the Dragon Fruit's top housing allows for a clearer and resonant sound, particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend in the Ink Box Black contributes to a pointed and clacky sound that is characterized as high-pitched and satisfying. While the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound and creates a duller tone, the INK blend in the Ink Box Black ensures a consistent sound quality throughout the switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Box Black comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. The Dragon Fruit's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offers a mix of sharpness and depth in sound, providing a unique typing experience. Conversely, the Ink Box Black's consistent INK blend housing results in a satisfying and high-pitched clacky sound that is pleasing to many users. Whether one prefers a crisper sound with RGB lighting possibilities or a more uniform clacky sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams while the Ink Box Black needs 70 grams. Both switches fall within the medium-heavy category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter actuation force of the Dragon Fruit may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeably significant in everyday use, but those who prefer a bit more depth in their keypress may lean towards the Ink Box Black, while those looking for a slightly faster response may prefer the Dragon Fruit. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance that can provide a responsive typing 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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and distinctive sound with each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch produces a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, which can be described as high-pitched and crisp. Depending on personal preference, users may find the Dragon Fruit to have a more engaging and lively sound, while the Ink Box Black may appeal to those who prefer a smoother and slightly less sharp sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. This provides a snappy and reactive typing sensation that is sure to enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Users who enjoy a more tactile typing experience may lean towards the Dragon Fruit, while those who prefer a smoother and more refined feel may opt for the Ink Box Black.
In conclusion, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit provides a clacky sound signature with invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, while the Ink Box Black offers a high-pitched sound with a silky and polished feel. Both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing style and preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options that will deliver a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer unique qualities for your typing experience. If you prefer a switch that provides a significant tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, then the Dragon Fruit would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience with a silky and polished feel, then the Ink Box Black would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and sound or smoothness and feel in your mechanical keyboard switches. Choose wisely based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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