Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and KTT Mallo switches both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit switch is praised for its long pole stem, delivering a sharp and definitive tactile feedback that appeals to enthusiasts seeking a pronounced bump with each press. On the other hand, the Mallo switch embodies subtlety and finesse, providing a gentle tactility that strikes a delicate balance between feedback and typing comfort. While the Dragon Fruit exudes a clacky sound signature and invigorating feel, the Mallo offers a neutral sound profile and a subdued typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths, making them suitable for different typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Mallo share many similarities, as they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, while both switches have the same top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing material.
While the top housings of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Mallo are both made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material. The Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing brings the same qualities to the switch, ensuring a deeper and fuller sound profile that differs from the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This difference in bottom housing material results in a unique typing experience for each switch.
The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Mallo respectively showcases the impact different housing materials can have on the overall sound profile of a switch. While the polycarbonate top housing adds a sharp, clear, and resonant sound, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. This combination of housing materials ensures that each switch offers a distinct typing experience, with differences in sound when pressing down on a key (influenced by the bottom housing) versus when letting go (impacted by the top housing).
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch differ in weight. The Dragon Fruit has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mallo's unknown actuation force, making the Dragon Fruit the heavier of the two. However, the Mallo has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams in comparison to the Dragon Fruit's 65 grams, making the Mallo the lighter option. This means that while the Dragon Fruit provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, the Mallo offers a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the varying forces cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we can see that the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Mallo has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Dragon Fruit would be preferred by those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Mallo would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper key press, as it offers a longer travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dragon Fruit being slightly shorter than the average and the Mallo being closer to the standard 4.0mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 produces a clacky and lively sound that definitely adds to the typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its neutral sound profile, striking a balance that fits well in various typing environments. Depending on your preference for a more engaging or subdued typing sound, you can choose between the Dragon Fruit for a more pronounced auditory experience or the Mallo for a quieter typing session.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch offers a tactile experience that is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a prominent and immersive feedback with each keypress. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch is described as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with a lighter actuation force. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump or a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, you can select the Dragon Fruit for a more intense tactile feel or the Mallo for a softer and more comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch and the KTT Mallo switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch provides a lively and engaging typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and clacky sound, suitable for those who enjoy a more intense typing sensation. On the other hand, the Mallo switch offers a more subtle and balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it a versatile choice for various typing environments. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feel and engaging sound or a softer touch with a quieter typing experience, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that you'll get the desired results based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your preference for the amount of tactility and feedback you desire. The Dragon Fruit offers a more pronounced and sharp tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing an invigorating and snappy typing experience accompanied by a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the Mallo features a gentler tactility with a medium-light bottom out force, offering a more feathery and mild typing feel with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various environments. Ultimately, if you prefer a more accentuated tactile feedback and a heavier typing experience, the Dragon Fruit may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile feedback and a lighter typing feel, the Mallo could be the better option. Consider your personal preferences and typing habits to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
Mentioned in this article
