Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit and TKC Kiwi mechanical keyboard switches, both offering a tactile typing experience, you are presented with distinct options to consider. The Dragon Fruit switch is renowned for its long pole stem, providing a sharp bottom-out sensation that tactility enthusiasts appreciate. With significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, typing on these switches offers an engaging and lively experience. On the other hand, the Kiwi switch offers a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, enhancing the typing experience with a satisfyingly snappy sound profile. Additionally, being factory lubed for smoothness, the Kiwi switch provides an effortless typing experience right out of the box. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the TKC Kiwi offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing generates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, creating a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Kiwi's UHWMPE top housing produces a bright sound signature with resonant clacks, providing a different auditory feedback when typing. Both materials cater to different preferences, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and UHWMPE offering a distinct brightness.
On the other hand, the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. In comparison, the Kiwi's UHWMPE bottom housing also contributes to the switch's bright sound signature, delivering resonant clacks during typing. Despite both materials offering unique sound profiles, nylon tends to produce a more muffled and deep typing experience, while UHWMPE is known for its bright and lively sound output.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it's essential to acknowledge how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Even though the Dragon Fruit and the TKC Kiwi utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches offer a customized typing experience based on the unique characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon versus UHWMPE.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we find that the Dragon Fruit has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Kiwi's 43 grams. However, the Dragon Fruit has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Kiwi has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category in terms of force required for typing. The lighter actuation force of the Kiwi may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Dragon Fruit may provide 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 typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TKC Kiwi tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Kiwi has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit. A shorter travel distance can be beneficial for gamers looking for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.Both of these switches fall within the range of average travel distances and would provide similar results in terms of keypress feedback and typing feel.
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 TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 a lively and engaging element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow compared to the Dragon Fruit. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch delivers an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback with a prominent and distinct tactile bump in every keypress. It is also described as snappy, offering a super responsive typing experience. In contrast, the TKC Kiwi switch is characterized by a stepped tactile feel, providing a mild two-stage sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Kiwi switch is accented and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience right out of the box. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that appeal to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and TKC Kiwi switches both offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch provides a more pronounced and engaging tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, while the Kiwi switch offers a smoother and more polished typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, you should consider the amount of tactile feedback you prefer. If you're looking for a switch with a sharp and definitive bottom-out, prominent tactile bump, and clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, a snappy sound profile, and a smooth typing experience right out of the box, the Kiwi switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typing experience you desire, whether it's a lively and engaging feel with the Dragon Fruit or a snappy and immersive sensation with the Kiwi.
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