Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it's clear that each offers a unique typing experience. The Dragon Fruit is best known for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, catering to tactile enthusiasts with its satisfying bump at each press. On the other hand, the Outemu Red may not have a standout feature like the Dragon Fruit's tactile feedback, but it provides a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile bump. While the Dragon Fruit is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Red remains unassuming in its characteristics. As a typist, you might lean towards the Dragon Fruit for its lively and engaging typing experience, but the Red could appeal to those looking for a more uniform keystroke. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Outemu Red switches are quite similar in terms of the top housing, as both use polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for enhancing the sound and aesthetics of the switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. This similarity in top housing material suggests that users can expect a similar sound profile when typing on either switch, as the polycarbonate material will provide clarity and resonance to the keystrokes.
However, where the two switches differ is in the bottom housing material. The Dragon Fruit uses a nylon bottom housing, which typically produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Outemu Red also features a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience to the Dragon Fruit in terms of sound quality. The nylon material in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound and feel of the keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Outemu Red switches share a common top housing material in polycarbonate, they differ in their bottom housing material with both utilizing nylon. This distinction in housing materials affects the sound profile of the switches, with the Dragon Fruit offering a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing. Despite this difference, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and feedback from both switches, making them both viable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Outemu Red linear switch both have fairly light actuation forces, with the Dragon Fruit at 45 grams and the Red at 46 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Red's 62 grams. This means that while both switches may feel similar in terms of triggering a keystroke, the Dragon Fruit will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Outemu Red may be the better option, while those looking for a bit more resistance may lean towards the BSUN Dragon Fruit. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on the desired weight and feel during typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Dragon Fruit offers a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers who require fast response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch provides a deeper keystroke with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter and quicker key press or a longer and more deliberate keystroke.
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 Outemu Red comes in at $3.10 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
The Dragon Fruit tactile switch offers an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel that provides a lively and immersive typing experience. The prominent tactile feedback and sharp, crisp tactile bump make each keypress distinct and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's feel is unknown, but it is important to note that linear switches generally lack tactile feedback and have a smooth keystroke without the bump found in tactile switches.
Overall, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is favored for its pronounced tactile feedback, lively sound profile, and invigorating typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Red linear switch may provide a smoother and quieter typing experience without the tactile bump. Depending on personal preference, both switches can offer a different typing feel and sound, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for tactile response and sound profile. For those seeking a tactile typing experience with a distinct sound, the Dragon Fruit switch may be the preferred choice, while the Outemu Red switch offers a smooth and quiet typing option for those who prefer linear switches. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfactory results depending on the user's preference for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch or the Outemu Red linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, then the Dragon Fruit switch is the way to go. With its clacky sound signature and medium weight, it offers an invigorating and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience without the tactile bump, the Red switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a lively typing experience, or a smooth and linear feel. As a final point, consider your typing style and preferences to determine which switch would be the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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