Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out for different reasons. The Dragon Fruit is a tactile switch that is praised for its sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience accompanied by a satisfying bump at each press. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a linear switch known for its quiet operation, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, we can see that both switches have different top housing materials. The Dragon Fruit utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a pointed and satisfying thin sound profile. However, both materials contribute to a clear and resonant sound, with the Dragon Fruit's polycarbonate being stiffer and the INK blend of the Silent Ink Black providing a slightly clacky sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Dragon Fruit uses a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black also features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, characterized by a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Despite this difference, both materials aim to enhance the overall typing experience by creating a more rounded and duller sound compared to harder plastics.
While the top and bottom housing materials of both switches offer slightly different sound profiles, the overall typing experience is impacted by each material. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether it's the polycarbonate and nylon of the Dragon Fruit or the INK blend of the Silent Ink Black, these housing materials work in tandem to provide users with a unique and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Ink Black switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Dragon Fruit switch. The Dragon Fruit switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Silent Ink Black switch has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, offering a balance between a light and heavy typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel, the Dragon Fruit switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is better suited for those who enjoy a stronger and more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Dragon Fruit offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. The difference may seem minor, but those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Dragon Fruit, while others who enjoy a deeper press may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances and will provide similar results in terms of key press 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is known for its clacky sound signature, providing a lively and engaging typing experience that is distinctly heard during each press. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offers a muted sound, ideal for quieter environments where minimal audio feedback is preferred. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Dragon Fruit being more vibrant and the Silent Ink Black being more subdued.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming yet provides a satisfying amount of feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. The Dragon Fruit switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, while the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on a cushiony bottom-out feel without the tactile bump.
In conclusion, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer contrasting experiences in both sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch is vibrant and tactile with a clacky sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted sound and a smooth typing feel, ideal for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer quality performance that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback and clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience with a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with your mechanical keyboard.
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