Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Dragon Fruit and KTT Lightning are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The Dragon Fruit switch is a tactile switch that offers a sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy a satisfying bump with each press. On the other hand, the Lightning switch is a linear switch known for its speed and smooth typing experience, making it perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. The Dragon Fruit switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating feel, while the Lightning switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, each with its own appeal. 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Lightning are quite similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination to shine through. This similarity in top housing material ensures that both the Dragon Fruit and the Lightning will provide users with a distinct sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning also includes a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience to the Dragon Fruit. This shared bottom housing material means that both switches will offer users a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Lightning plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination of housing materials ensures that users will experience a consistent and satisfying typing experience whether using the Dragon Fruit or the Lightning.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, we find that the Dragon Fruit has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lightning's 43 grams. However, the Dragon Fruit also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Lightning has a lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Dragon Fruit switch overall heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Lightning switch, which is lighter. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Lightning switch make it more suitable for those who prefer a softer typing experience, while the heavier forces of the Dragon Fruit switch would be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing feel. Therefore, users looking for a lighter switch should opt for the Lightning, while those seeking a heavier typing experience should choose the Dragon Fruit.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience. In this scenario, the Dragon Fruit would provide a slightly longer travel distance, while the Lightning switch would offer a slightly shorter one.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is best known for its clacky sound signature, providing a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch is also described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound profile. Both switches share a similar high-pitched sound characteristic, giving users a crisp and bright typing experience. Whether you choose the Dragon Fruit or Lightning switch, you can expect a satisfying sound profile that adds to the overall tactile feel of the switch.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is acclaimed for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, giving typists a prominent amount of tactility and a snappy and reactive feel. On the contrast, the KTT Lightning switch is described as having a subtle and polished typing feel, offering a gentle resistance and smooth key travel. While the Dragon Fruit switch provides a more accentuated and lively typing sensation, the Lightning switch delivers a refined and sleek typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for typing feel.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and KTT Lightning switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Dragon Fruit switch excels in providing a lively and invigorating typing experience with a distinct tactile bump and clacky sound, the Lightning switch offers a smoother and polished feel with a subtle typing resistance and clacky sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, significant tactile feedback, and a clacky sound profile, the Dragon Fruit switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a smooth typing experience, and a more subtle sound profile, the Lightning switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and desired level of tactility when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
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