Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, one can immediately notice their distinct characteristics. The Dragon Fruit stands out for its long pole stem, delivering a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. With a satisfying bump at each press and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit offers a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 by Gateron has removed the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, resulting in a crisper typing experience while retaining the hallmark frictionless feel of the North Pole lineup. Both switches have their unique qualities - the Dragon Fruit being accented, invigorating, sharp, snappy and the New North Pole V2 being polished, creamy, frictionless. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron New North Pole V2 both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through for a visually appealing effect. However, the Dragon Fruit stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in the Dragon Fruit provides a unique typing experience compared to the New North Pole V2.
On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, similar to its top housing, to maintain that sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile throughout the switch. This consistency in material provides a more uniform typing experience with a clear and resonant sound. While the Dragon Fruit mixes materials for different qualities in the top and bottom housing, the New North Pole V2 sticks to polycarbonate for a more consistent sound and feel. Both switches excel in their own way, with the Dragon Fruit offering a deeper sound profile with nylon and the New North Pole V2 providing a consistently sharp and clear sound with polycarbonate.
In summary, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Gateron New North Pole V2 both showcase the benefits of polycarbonate top housing in creating a sharp and clear sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. The Dragon Fruit sets itself apart with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the New North Pole V2 maintains consistency with polycarbonate throughout. Whether you prefer a switch with varied qualities between top and bottom housing or a more uniform typing experience, both switches deliver exceptional sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit is heavier at 65 grams while the New North Pole V2 is slightly lighter at 62.5 grams. Despite the differences in force, both switches fall within the medium range. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Dragon Fruit may be more suitable, while the New North Pole V2 would cater to those looking for a slightly heavier and more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the user's specific preference for actuation and bottom out force. If the weight of the actuation and bottom out force is not a significant factor for the user, both switches would yield similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Dragon Fruit switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 switch may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences among keyboard 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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 switch is known for its clacky sound signature, adding an engaging and lively element to typing experiences. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2's sound quality is not specified but can vary depending on factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch provides an accented tactile experience that is invigorating and sharp. This means users can expect a moderate tactile bump that is not overwhelming but still noticeable, creating a satisfying typing sensation. In comparison, the Gateron New North Pole V2 switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to the absence of a rubber dampener and potentially factory-lubed materials. This results in a frictionless typing feel, allowing for smooth and effortless key presses.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit offers a distinct tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out that is invigorating and snappy for tactile enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 delivers a smooth and polished typing experience, with a frictionless feel that retains the seamless glide characteristic of the North Pole lineup. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users seeking either tactile feedback or smooth linear action.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and crave a sharp, definitive tactile bump with a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit switches would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force and value a frictionless, smooth typing feel without a rubber dampener, the New North Pole V2 switches may be more up your alley. Consider the sound, feel, and overall typing experience that each switch offers to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and needs. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so make sure to choose the one that suits you best.
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