Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch, and the Gateron North Pole V2, a linear switch, offer distinct typing experiences. The Dragon Fruit stands out for its sharp and definitive tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each press, accompanied by a clacky sound signature. On the other hand, the North Pole V2 is characterized by a gummy and creamy typing feel, with a deep and muted sound profile. While the Dragon Fruit offers an invigorating and sharp typing experience, the North Pole V2 provides a subdued and polished feel. The choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding tactility and sound profiles. 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
65g
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
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron North Pole V2 are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiff plastic, which helps create a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed for RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Bsun Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the North Pole V2's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on the Dragon Fruit may provide a slightly different tactile and auditory experience compared to the North Pole V2.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in a switch, whether it be polycarbonate or nylon, plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of the switch. While both switches share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, the Dragon Fruit stands out for its nylon bottom housing, offering a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout its housing may provide a more uniform sound and feel across the entire switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch exhibit some differences and similarities. The Dragon Fruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the North Pole V2's 50 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger keystrokes. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 65 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience when fully pressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Dragon Fruit may be the better choice. On the other hand, the North Pole V2's slightly heavier actuation force may appeal to users who seek a more substantial push feel while typing. In conclusion, while the actuation forces differ slightly between the two switches, their bottom out forces offer comparable results for a satisfying typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, making it shorter than the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. 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 North Pole V2 switch may provide a more satisfying depth to the keystrokes. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference when choosing between the two.
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 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 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch offers a clacky and engaging typing experience, while the Gateron North Pole V2 provides a deep and muted sound profile for a satisfying typing session. Both switches have distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Dragon Fruit being more lively and the North Pole V2 offering a more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a medium weight and a prominent bump at each press, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron North Pole V2 offers a gummy and bouncy typing feel, reminiscent of bottoming out on a trampoline or a gummy bear, providing a unique and spring-like sensation with each keystroke. Both switches excel in their own way, with the Dragon Fruit emphasizing sharp tactility and the North Pole V2 delivering a smooth and bouncy typing experience.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Choosing between the two would ultimately depend on personal preference, with the Dragon Fruit being ideal for those seeking a tactile and engaging typing experience, while the North Pole V2 caters to those who enjoy a gummy and bouncy feel while typing. Whether you prefer a sharp tactility or a creamy typing sensation, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron North Pole V2 linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp, definitive tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, muted sound profile and a satisfying chewy typing feel, the North Pole V2 would be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile will guide you in making the best choice between these two switches.
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