Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, one immediately notices their distinct characteristics. The Dragon Fruit stands out for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing a tactile bump that enthusiasts appreciate, along with a clacky sound signature for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink is known for its smoothness and lighter typing feel, offering a higher-pitched clack during use. While the Dragon Fruit is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Ink Box Pink is labeled as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Deciding between these switches will depend on personal preference 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Dragon Fruit features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness and translucency that allows for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound described as clacky. These differences in material contribute to distinct typing experiences and overall sound quality.
While the top housing materials of the Dragon Fruit and Ink Box Pink switches differ, their nylon bottom housing materials share similarities in their impact on sound profiles. The Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound, complementing the characteristics of the top housing material. This consistency in bottom housing material allows for a cohesive typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
The combination of different housing materials in the Dragon Fruit and Ink Box Pink switches highlights the importance of top and bottom housing in determining sound profiles. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. While the Dragon Fruit leans towards a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Ink Box Pink offers a slightly different clacky sound profile with its proprietary INK blend top housing. Overall, the choice of housing materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound quality of these switches.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink at 60 grams. Overall, the Dragon Fruit provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the Ink Box Pink offers a medium force. Depending on preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dragon Fruit for longer typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Ink Box Pink for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer different weight options to cater to a variety of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 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 between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Bsun Dragon Fruit, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may prefer the Gateron Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typist experience with a lively and engaging feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a higher-pitched clack, offering a different auditory experience while typing. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit focusing on a sharper tone and the Ink Box Pink offering a lighter and crisper sound.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is known for its accented and sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced bump with each keystroke. The invigorating and snappy feel of the Dragon Fruit switch enhances the typing sensation, making it a popular choice among tactile switch enthusiasts. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. While both switches offer distinct tactile and smooth typing experiences, the Dragon Fruit tends to provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Ink Box Pink focuses on a smoother and refined keypress.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit excels in providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out with significant tactile feedback, paired with a clacky sound signature for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched sound profile, catering to typists who prefer a more refined keypress. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit focusing on sharp tactility and lively clack, while the Ink Box Pink emphasizes smoothness and a lighter touch. Both switches provide quality performance in their respective categories, ensuring that typists can find a switch that suits their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who values a strong tactile feedback and enjoys a lively typing experience with a sharp bottom-out, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more tactile and engaging typing experience or a smoother and quieter one. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you in a keyboard switch before making your final choice.
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