Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Red offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Bsun Dragon Fruit is a tactile switch loved for its distinctive long pole stem that delivers a sharp and definitive tactile bump, making each keypress satisfyingly tactile and accompanied by a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and effortless typing experience, thanks to its lower actuation force and crispy sound profile. While the Dragon Fruit appeals to those seeking a more invigorating and sharp typing feel, the Ink Red is preferred by individuals with a lighter typing style and a preference for a silky and polished typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Red switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feedback due to their unique properties. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a high-pitched and clacky sound that is not overly sharp. Both housings excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, but with slightly different characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing generates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound when typing on switches utilizing this material. On the other hand, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Red switch maintains its high-pitched and clacky sound, ensuring consistency with the overall typing experience. Despite their differences, both bottom housings contribute to the unique sound signature of each switch.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is essential to note that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound upon key release. While the Dragon Fruit and Ink Red switches may have distinct housing materials for their tops and bottoms, the balanced combination of these materials ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying tactile feedback and sound profile for keyboard enthusiasts to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, we find that they both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience for users. However, the Dragon Fruit has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams, making it slightly more substantial for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The difference in bottom out force between the two switches may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit offering a bit more resistance towards the end of the keystroke. Overall, the Dragon Fruit is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the actuation force remains the same for both switches, allowing users to achieve similar results with either option.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. The difference may only be 0.6 mm, but that can still impact the feel and response of the switch. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the Dragon Fruit with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may lean towards the Ink Red with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique experiences based on the distance they travel when pressed, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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, creating a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, with a chirpy characteristic that sets it apart. The sound of a switch can also vary based on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is accentuated by its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing a significant tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but prominent, offering an invigorating and snappy typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Red switch is known for its silky smoothness, mild typing experience, and polished finish, resulting in a gentle and refined typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Dragon Fruit delivering a more tactile and responsive experience, while the Ink Red focuses on smoothness and ease of typing.
When considering all available information, it's clear that the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit excels in providing a tactile and lively typing experience with a sharp feedback, while the Ink Red prioritizes smoothness and ease of typing with a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics. If a user is looking for a more tactile and clacky experience, the Dragon Fruit would be a great choice. On the other hand, if a smoother and quieter typing experience is desired, the Ink Red would be the way to go.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp, definitive bottom-out experience, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch would be a great choice. Its significant tactile feedback and clacky sound signature make for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a smoother typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red switch might be more suitable for you. With its lower actuation force and satisfyingly smooth feel, the Ink Red switch is perfect for those with a lighter typing style. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches should depend on whether you prioritize tactility and a lively typing experience (Dragon Fruit) or smoothness and ease of typing (Ink Red).
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