Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Outemu Tom mechanical keyboard switches, it is essential to consider their specific characteristics and features. The Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is a tactile switch that stands out for its long pole stem, delivering a sharp and definitive bottom-out that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. With a medium weight and significant tactile feedback, this switch provides a satisfying bump with each press, coupled with a clacky sound signature for a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is also a tactile switch but lacks specific standout features like the Dragon Fruit. While both switches offer tactile feedback, the Dragon Fruit is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy characteristics compared to the more understated Tom. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Tom 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 a stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
However, the two switches differ when it comes to their nylon bottom housing. The Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar sound characteristics to the Dragon Fruit. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings provides a unique typing experience compared to switches with other materials.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Outemu Tom contributes to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While they share similar qualities in their polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their nylon bottom housing provide users with a variety of options in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, with 45 grams versus 55 grams. This means that the Dragon Fruit will require less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit is also lighter at 65 grams compared to the Tom, where the bottom out force is unknown. The Dragon Fruit falls into the medium-heavy category in terms of bottom out force. When considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dragon Fruit for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Tom. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both of these switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular especially among gamers for faster response times. However, even though the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, the Dragon Fruit has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a bit more depth and feedback, the Dragon Fruit may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize quick and snappy keystrokes, the Tom switch would be the preferred choice. Overall, both switches offer a similar experience due to their close travel distances, providing a balance between responsiveness and tactility.
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 Tom 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch offers a clacky sound signature, which adds to the liveliness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Tom switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is characterized by its accented tactility, providing a medium tactile feedback that is not overwhelming but still prominent. It offers a sharp and snappy tactile bump with each keypress, creating an invigorating and responsive typing sensation. As for the Outemu Tom switch, information regarding its specific feel is currently unavailable.
Overall, if you enjoy a tactile switch with a sharp, pronounced feedback and a clacky sound profile, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch would be an excellent choice. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Tom switch remain unknown, based on the information provided, it is possible to achieve a similar typing experience with both switches in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should choose the Dragon Fruit if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback. The Dragon Fruit offers a lively and engaging typing experience with a clacky sound signature that is sure to satisfy tactility enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with different characteristics such as medium tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, or a snappy and responsive typing experience, the Tom may be a more suitable choice for you. Consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and overall typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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