Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Mini i both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Dragon Fruit is a tactile switch that stands out with its long pole stem, providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. With its medium-weight and significant tactile feedback, each press delivers a satisfying bump accompanied by a clacky sound signature, making for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a more subtle and gentle tactility, perfect for office environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. With a lightweight feel and a muted sound profile, the Mini i switch provides comfort for long hours of typing without sacrificing feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Mini i, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. The differences in sound profiles between these two switches may be minimal when it comes to the bottom housing material, as they both share the same nylon composition.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the Dragon Fruit stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the polycarbonate top housing is useful for RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a different visual experience compared to the Mini i's nylon top housing.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Mini i play a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While they both utilize nylon for the bottom housing, the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Mini i's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing material can impact the overall typing experience and aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, if the top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each material will be felt in different aspects of typing, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch reveals some key differences. The Dragon Fruit switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams, making it slightly heavier. In terms of bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams of force, while the Mini i only needs 50 grams, making the Dragon Fruit switch also heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron Mini i switch, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may gravitate towards the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch for its slightly heavier forces. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. Both switches provide a moderate amount of feedback and actuation force, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. Overall, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Gateron Mini i switches are comparable in terms of travel distance, offering a similar typing feel to users.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 switches offer a more clacky and distinctive sound profile, creating an engaging typing experience that can be heard distinctly. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches have a more neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, the choice of sound comes down to personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switches are known for their pronounced, sharp tactile feedback with a snappy and invigorating feel. The tactile bump is strong and can be felt distinctly with each keypress, offering a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switches provide a more bouncy and easy-to-press feel, with gentle resistance and light actuation force that enhances typing comfort, especially during long hours of use. Both switches offer a responsive typing experience, but the Dragon Fruit switches cater more towards those seeking a sharper tactile response, while the Mini i switches focus on a softer and smoother typing feel.
In conclusion, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Gateron Mini i switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switches provide a more distinctive and engaging typing experience with a clacky sound and sharp tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile response. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches offer a more neutral sound profile and a bouncier, easy-to-press feel, catering to users looking for a softer and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp, definitive bottom-out with medium-heavy actuation and a clacky sound, then the Dragon Fruit switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a light actuation force, gentle tactility, and a more muted sound profile for a comfortable typing experience in office settings, the Gateron Mini i switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired level of tactility, sound profile, and overall typing feel.
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