Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Gateron Ink Yellow offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit is a tactile switch known for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing tactile enthusiasts with a satisfying bump at each press accompanied by a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow is a linear switch with a smoother and clackier typing experience, ideal for those seeking something between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard feel. While the Dragon Fruit is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Ink Yellow is labeled 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. It's essential to consider these general attributes when choosing a switch; 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
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Yellow, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Dragon Fruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its high-pitched and clacky sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate housing may provide a more resonant and clear sound compared to the Ink Yellow's blend.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing that is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow also uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, similarly known for its high-pitched and clacky sound. Despite their differences in materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Ink Yellow plays a significant role in the overall sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials, such as the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Dragon Fruit and the clacky sound of the INK blend in the Ink Yellow, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the classic nylon bottom housing of the Dragon Fruit or the proprietary INK blend of the Ink Yellow, each housing material contributes to a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dragon Fruit at 65 grams and the Ink Yellow at 67 grams, making them both medium-heavy in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter key press may lean towards the Dragon Fruit for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a heavier push feel might opt for the Ink Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch offers a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch provides a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Those who prefer a quicker, more responsive feel may lean towards the Dragon Fruit, while individuals who enjoy a slightly deeper keypress may opt for the Ink Yellow. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional options, offering a modern and efficient 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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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 switch offers a clacky sound signature that adds to the lively and engaging typing experience it provides. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is known for its neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. Keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is famous for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a pronounced bump with each key press. This creates a satisfying typing sensation that is both reactive and immersive. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined feel that appeals to a wide range of users seeking a more gentle typing experience.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit excels in providing a sharp tactile feedback and clacky sound signature, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile and a smooth, polished feel that caters to users looking for a more gentle and versatile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and sound profile desired for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a shorter travel distance, the Ink Yellow would be more suitable. Both switches offer medium-heavy bottom out forces, but the Dragon Fruit provides a more invigorating and sharp tactile feel compared to the Ink Yellow's mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or a smoother and more neutral typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences to enhance your overall typing enjoyment.
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