Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Cherry MX Black are two popular mechanical keyboard switches known for their unique characteristics and distinct typing experiences. The Dragon Fruit switch is favored by tactile enthusiasts for its long pole stem and sharp, definitive bottom-out that provides a satisfying bump with each press. Its clacky sound signature adds to the lively and engaging typing experience it offers. On the other hand, the MX Black switch from Cherry is known for its smoothness and deep sound profile, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. With a textured feel and stiff keypress, the MX Black switch provides a classic typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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 housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Cherry MX Black switches both have unique qualities that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the MX Black's nylon top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. Both materials have their advantages - polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, while nylon provides a classic typing experience with a rounder sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, both the Dragon Fruit and MX Black switches use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more dull and round. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound effectively, creating a different typing experience compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the different switches using the same bottom housing material, the overall sound profiles may still vary due to other factors such as stem design.
Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of a switch. While the Dragon Fruit and Cherry MX Black switches use different top housing materials (polycarbonate and nylon respectively), and the same bottom housing material (nylon), the overall typing experience and sound produced will be influenced by a combination of factors including stem design and keycap material. Understanding the qualities of each housing material can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams while the MX Black needs 80 grams, making both switches have a medium to heavy feel overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dragon Fruit for longer typing sessions, while those who appreciate a stronger push may opt for the MX Black for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing feel and experience of each switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dragon Fruit switch would provide a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast reactions. On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a deeper key press experience with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more comfortable for typing or prolonged use. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 offers a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Dragon Fruit being more lively and engaging due to its clacky sound, and the MX Black providing a deep and classic typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a medium tactile feel with a prominent amount of feedback that is not overwhelming. This creates a sharp and distinct tactile bump with each keypress, providing an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is noted for its textured and stiff feel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. The MX Black's textured smoothness adds a layer of feedback that some users may prefer, enhancing the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of friction.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit excels in providing a lively and engaging typing experience with its clacky sound and sharp, distinctive tactile feedback, while the MX Black offers a classic sound profile and a textured, stiff feel that some users may find preferable. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a medium-weight switch with significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit is the way to go. Its sharp and distinct bottom-out will cater to tactility enthusiasts seeking an invigorating and snappy typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a classic smoothness and deep sound profile, the MX Black might be more suited to your preferences. With Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a low-pitched and textured typing experience that some users find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing feel and sound you desire in your mechanical keyboard.
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