Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Gateron Mountain Top offer unique characteristics to cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit switch is a tactile option, known for its sharp and definitive bottom-out that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. With a satisfying bump at each press and a clacky sound signature, it provides a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed for office environments, offering a quiet yet lightly actuated typing experience suitable for professional settings. While the Dragon Fruit is 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Mountain Top is 'Bouncy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. 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
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Mountain Top switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and material properties. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition, which leads to a clear and resonant sound profile. In contrast, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Dragon Fruit emphasizes clarity and sharpness, while the nylon of the Mountain Top enhances depth and richness in sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Mountain Top switches utilize nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, both switches create a duller and rounder sound when typing. The differences between the top and bottom housing materials are important to note as they each contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key.
In summary, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Gateron Mountain Top switches significantly influences the sound and feel of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the Dragon Fruit emphasizes clarity and sharpness, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top enhances depth and richness in sound. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Understanding the properties of each material can help users choose a switch that aligns with their preferences for sound and typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams, while the Mountain Top only needs 50 grams. This means that the Dragon Fruit switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Mountain Top switch provides a lighter actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions may lean towards the Mountain Top switch, while users seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Dragon Fruit switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent results with either switch when it comes to tactile feedback and key feel. Having an equal travel distance, these switches are well-suited for users who prefer a consistent typing experience across different keyboards.
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 Mountain Top 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 tactile switch stands out with a clacky sound signature that offers a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments, especially professional settings where discretion is key. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback that is noticeable with each keypress. It offers a pronounced amount of tactility without being overwhelming. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is known for being bouncy and easy-to-press, providing a spring-like feel with gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Dragon Fruit switch offers a more intense and reactive typing sensation, the Mountain Top switch focuses on a comfortable and low-impact typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch excels in providing a lively and engaging typing experience with its clacky sound signature and sharp tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience, ideal for professional settings. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with the Dragon Fruit offering a more tactile and intense experience, while the Mountain Top provides a comfortable and discreet typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a sharp, definitive tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature that offers an engaging typing experience, then the Dragon Fruit switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you work in an office environment and require a light bottom out force with a quiet yet not entirely silent typing experience, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for actuation force, tactile feedback, and sound profile to enhance your overall typing experience.
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