Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star RedBlue offer distinct typing experiences. The Dragon Fruit switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing tactility enthusiasts with a satisfying bump at each press. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch is a linear switch that offers a medium-light typing experience with a relatively low-pitched sound profile. While the Dragon Fruit is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the RedBlue is low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star RedBlue share the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. However, where the Dragon Fruit differs is in its nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
The differences in housing materials between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star RedBlue offer unique tactile experiences for users. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, the Dragon Fruit's inclusion of nylon in the bottom housing provides a distinct typing feel with a deeper sound profile. In contrast, the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile that complements the top housing material. These variations in housing materials highlight how the composition of a switch can influence the overall typing experience, from the initial keypress to the release of the key.
Overall, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star RedBlue showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a switch. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dragon Fruit creates a balanced blend of sharpness and depth in its sound profile, while the RedBlue's consistent use of polycarbonate results in a consistently clear and resonant sound. Both switches offer unique attributes based on their housing materials, highlighting the significance of material selection in designing mechanical switches for different preferences and applications.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, it is clear that the Dragon Fruit is the heavier option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the RedBlue is a lighter option with an actuation force that is unknown and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Dragon Fruit for its heavier forces, while those who enjoy typing for long periods of time may opt for the RedBlue for its lighter touch. Despite the differences in weight, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the RedBlue switch has a longer travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit switch. The 3.4 mm travel distance of the Dragon Fruit switch falls within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the RedBlue switch provides a deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy more substantial keypress feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and keypress feel.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 provides a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched sound profile, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit switch leaning towards a more pronounced and engaging sound while the RedBlue switch delivering a smoother and softer sound.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch is described as offering an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy typing experience. This means it provides a medium tactile feedback with a prominent amount of tactility and a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each key press. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is described as providing a mild and polished typing experience, offering a more gentle feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Dragon Fruit switch leans towards a more tactile and responsive typing experience, while the RedBlue switch offers a smoother and more refined feel.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch provides a sharp, definitive bottom-out, satisfying bump, and clacky sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile and a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, catering to those who prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider your preference for bottom-out force. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams and enjoy a sharp, definitive tactile bottom-out with a clacky sound signature, then the Dragon Fruit switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force of 57 grams and enjoy a more mild and polished typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the RedBlue switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for bottom-out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience.
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