Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch to the Durock Mamba linear switch, it's clear they both offer unique qualities that can greatly impact your typing experience. The Dragon Fruit stands out for its sharp and definitive bottom-out thanks to its long pole stem, providing the significant tactile feedback that enthusiasts crave. With a clacky sound signature, typing on the Dragon Fruit offers a lively and engaging experience. On the other hand, the Mamba linear switch pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and focuses on delivering a smooth and gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience. While the Dragon Fruit is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Mamba is neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, making it important to consider your specific preferences when choosing between them. 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
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Mamba differ significantly in terms of sound profile and overall feel. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. In comparison, the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a pleasant, bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp. While both materials are unique in their own right, the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing may be preferred for those looking for a more distinct and crisp sound, while the Mamba's blend may appeal to those seeking a softer, smoother tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing of the Dragon Fruit may appeal to those looking for a richer and rounder sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Mamba may be preferred by those seeking a deeper and more muted tone.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Mamba result in unique sound profiles and typing experiences. While the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper and fuller sound profile, respectively, the Mamba's blend top housing and POM bottom housing provide a brighter and deeper tone. However, if one were to use the same housing materials for both switches, such as polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, they may achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall feel and sound of a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the unknown actuation force of the Mamba. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dragon Fruit at 65 grams and the Mamba at 60 grams, making them both medium in terms of heaviness. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dragon Fruit due to its lower actuation force, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Mamba. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Durock Mamba linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While the difference between the two distances may seem negligible, it can still have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. In general, a shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, which is preferred by gamers looking for quick input recognition. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for various typing environments. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Dragon Fruit leaning towards a more pronounced clicky sound, while the Mamba provides a smoother and more subtle typing sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile sensation that is pronounced and responsive. On the contrary, the Durock Mamba switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentler typing experience with a smooth and refined feel. While the Dragon Fruit switch offers a more intense and tactile feedback, the Mamba switch focuses on a comfortable and polished typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of typing feel, with the Dragon Fruit delivering a more tactile and responsive experience compared to the smoother and softer feel of the Mamba.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit excels in providing a sharp and definitive tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, creating an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a smooth and creamy auditory experience with a gentle and polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences. Whether you prefer a more tactile and responsive typing experience with the Dragon Fruit or a smoother and refined feel with the Mamba, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch or the Durock Mamba linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you are someone who values a sharp tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky sound signature, then the Dragon Fruit would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a gliding typing sensation, then the Mamba switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider which qualities align best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the Dragon Fruit and Mamba switch boils down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smooth linear typing experience in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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