Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing a satisfying bump at each press along with a clacky sound signature, offering a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is a linear switch that boasts a smooth keystroke and a low-pitched “thock” sound, providing a buttery smoothness to the typing experience at an affordable price point. While the Dragon Fruit switch caters to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback, the Milky Red Pro switch appeals to those who prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both feature a nylon bottom housing, which gives them a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, the Dragon Fruit has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) also has a nylon top housing, providing a similar deep and full sound experience like its bottom housing.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, the Bsun Dragon Fruit stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a unique sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp. This is a stark contrast to the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)'s nylon top housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, absorbing sound and providing a rounder sound profile.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) will come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Dragon Fruit offers a sharper and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a similar deep and full sound experience. Whether you prefer a crisper sound or a duller sound, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we can see a difference in weight. The Dragon Fruit has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Milky Red Pro's 52 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. However, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent initial keystroke feel. The Dragon Fruit's heavier bottom out force may be favored by users looking for a more substantial typing experience, while the Milky Red Pro's lighter bottom out force may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Red Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Dragon Fruit may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress depth. Both switches offer different tactile and linear options with unique travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for keypress 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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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, offering a lively typing experience with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as having a low-pitched "thock" sound that is smooth and pleasing. While the Dragon Fruit provides a distinct clackiness, the Milky Red Pro gives a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, creating a different auditory experience for the user. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on personal preference and setup.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is praised for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a satisfying and pronounced bump with each keystroke. It offers a snappy and accentuated feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is known for its buttery and smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless and effortless typing experience. While the Dragon Fruit switch emphasizes tactile feedback and crispness, the Milky Red Pro focuses on providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences and styles.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch provide users with unique sound and feel qualities that can enhance their typing experience. The Dragon Fruit switch excels in providing a sharp and clacky sound signature along with an invigorating and snappy tactile feel, while the Milky Red Pro switch offers a low-pitched "thock" sound and a buttery smooth typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on the individual's preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a sharp, definitive bottom-out experience with a clacky sound signature, then the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is the way to go. It offers a lively and engaging typing experience with significant tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a pleasing low-pitched “thock” sound, then the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switch is the ideal choice. It provides a buttery smoothness and a seamless typing sensation. Ultimately, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound when deciding between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
