Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Dragon Fruit and KTT Phalaenopsis mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences for enthusiasts seeking tactile feedback. The Dragon Fruit stands out with its long pole stem, providing a sharp bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, coupled with a clacky sound signature for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches feature a light actuation force and a discernible tactile bump, making typing effortless and enjoyable while minimizing finger fatigue. Each switch has its own characteristics and benefits, with the Dragon Fruit being more invigorating and sharp, while the Phalaenopsis is described as bassy and thocky. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Phalaenopsis both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. However, the difference in the material of their bottom housing sets them apart. The Dragon Fruit utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and clearer sound profile throughout.
While the top housing of both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Phalaenopsis is made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material. The tactile experience of pressing down on the Dragon Fruit will be influenced by the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound upon key press. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing will create a sharper and crisper sound when keys are pressed. This divergence in bottom housing material choice showcases how the material composition can significantly impact the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch.
In conclusion, the distinction between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the KTT Phalaenopsis lies in their choice of bottom housing material. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharp and resonant sound profile, the Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon key press. Conversely, the Phalaenopsis's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the switch's overall crisp and higher-pitched sound, showcasing how different materials can influence the typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches capitalize on the unique properties of their chosen materials to create distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between the two. The Dragon Fruit has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Phalaenopsis's 37 grams, making the Dragon Fruit heavier to press down initially. In terms of bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires 65 grams of force while the Phalaenopsis only needs 50 grams, indicating that the Dragon Fruit is also heavier to fully press down. This means that the Dragon Fruit offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for added feedback and precision. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis is lighter both in actuation and bottom out force, making it easier to type on for longer periods without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of key presses.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, which has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Dragon Fruit's shorter travel distance may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers, while the Phalaenopsis' longer travel distance may provide a more substantive key press experience. Both switches offer different tactile sensations based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in choosing the one that best suits your typing style.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a lively typing experience with distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a bassy and thocky sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit delivering a sharper sound and the Phalaenopsis providing a deeper tone.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is praised for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation with a prominent tactile bump. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as stepped, offering a two-stage tactile experience with mild pre-travel and post-travel sensations. While the Dragon Fruit switch provides a more intense and pronounced tactile feedback, the Phalaenopsis switch offers a gentler and more nuanced feel, catering to different preferences in tactile typing experiences.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch stands out for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing a significant tactile feedback and clacky sound that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch offers a lighter actuation force and a smoother two-stage tactile feel, minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate the typing experience, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable performance for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Dragon Fruit or the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, you should take into account your preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a prominent tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit switch would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue, and a bouncy feel with a stepped tactile sensation, the Phalaenopsis switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between the Dragon Fruit and Phalaenopsis switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and desired typing experience.
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