Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences for users. The Dragon Fruit is a tactile switch that is characterized by its long pole stem, providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. With significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, this switch offers a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Its silky smooth type feel is not over-polished, providing a unique typing experience. Each switch has its own unique qualities and advantages, making them suitable for different preferences and requirements. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound when the keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard. Therefore, users can expect similar sound qualities and visual appeal from both switches due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
On the other hand, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the Dragon Fruit and Semi-Silent Linear switches. The Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that utilize this material. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of the switches.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall performance of a switch, it is important to recognize that the top and bottom housings each play a distinct role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. By using different materials for the top and bottom housings, switches like the Dragon Fruit and Semi-Silent Linear are able to achieve a balance of sound qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate housing materials can greatly influence the typing experience and overall satisfaction of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we can see that the Dragon Fruit requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit requires a heavier force of 65 grams, while the Semi-Silent Linear requires 62 grams. Both switches provide a medium to medium-heavy typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit being slightly heavier overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Dragon Fruit for longer typing sessions, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Semi-Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Dragon Fruit provides a slightly quicker press compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by many gamers for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Dragon Fruit feeling slightly more abrupt and the Semi-Silent Linear offering a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference for the level of responsiveness and depth desired in a switch.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 tactile switch offers a clacky sound signature that provides an engaging and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch produces a subdued sound when pressed, with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Dragon Fruit being more pronounced and lively, and the Semi-Silent Linear being more subtle and quiet.
Moving on to feel, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch is described as being accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a prominent tactile feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is characterized as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. While the Dragon Fruit switch focuses on providing a sharp and distinct tactile bump, the Semi-Silent Linear switch prioritizes a smooth and polished typing sensation.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer unique and distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit is best suited for enthusiasts who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience with pronounced tactile feedback, while the Semi-Silent Linear caters to those who prefer a more subdued and quiet typing experience with a smooth keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options providing high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy switch with significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium switch with a smooth and semi-silent typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear could be a better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and clackiness or a quieter, smoother typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose based on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.