Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Cherry Nixie offer distinct experiences to cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit stands out for its tactile nature, featuring a long pole stem that provides a sharp and definitive bottom-out, perfect for enthusiasts who crave a satisfying bump with each press. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its linear design, offering a textured and substantial typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. While the Dragon Fruit is described as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Snappy', the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched'. Choosing between these two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsus Dragon Fruit and the Cherry Nixie, one key difference lies in their top housing materials. While the Dragon Fruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, the Nixie features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. Despite this difference, both switches aim to enhance sound quality, albeit through different means.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Dragon Fruit and the Cherry Nixie use nylon for this component. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on switches. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches prioritize providing a deeper and fuller sound experience for users. By utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, both the Dragon Fruit and the Nixie aim to enhance the tactile and auditory feedback of their respective switches.
Overall, while the Dragon Fruit and the Cherry Nixie may differ in their top housing materials, they share similar goals in enhancing the sound profile of their switches through the use of nylon for the bottom housing. The Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Nixie's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housing, ultimately providing users with a tactile and auditory typing experience that is enhanced by the choice of materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit is lighter in both aspects. The Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, which is heavy. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Dragon Fruit result in a smoother typing experience that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where fatigue is a concern. In contrast, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Nixie provide a more substantial and deliberate typing experience that may be favored by those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer unique advantages, and the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Dragon Fruit offers a quicker response time for gamers who prioritize speed, while the Nixie provides a deeper feel for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Dragon Fruit being on the shallower end and the Nixie being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key 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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 offers a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the typing feel for users, depending on their personal preferences and setup.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a pronounced and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is known for its textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a noticeable friction when pressing the keys. While both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, with the Dragon Fruit being more tactile and the Nixie being linear, they each provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Dragon Fruit switch excels in providing a sharp tactile feedback and clacky sound signature, while the Nixie switch offers a thocky sound profile and textured typing experience. Depending on whether a user prefers a more tactile or linear typing feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying and engaging typing experience for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you are someone who appreciates a medium-weight switch with a significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a textured typing experience and a low-pitched, thocky sound, the Nixie could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or the weight and texture of the switch. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your individual needs and preferences.
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