Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is celebrated for its sharp and definitive bottom-out thanks to its long pole stem, providing the most significant tactile feedback among the lineup. Paired with a clacky sound signature, these medium-weight switches offer a lively and engaging typing experience that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed for those who desire a tactile experience with a silent touch, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. With a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and subdued audio feedback, this switch provides a polished and muted typing experience. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to specific preferences, making them both appealing choices depending on individual 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are quite similar in terms of their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches boast a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile thanks to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the design. This shared feature means that users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetics from these two switches when it comes to the top housing.
However, the main point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. While the Dragon Fruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) also employs nylon for its bottom housing for the same reasons. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon material contributing to a rounder and duller sound. Users can expect a consistent typing experience from both switches when it comes to the bottom housing.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on the keyboard. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) allows for a balance in sound characteristics from both parts of the switch. The bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Understanding the impact of each housing material can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch differ slightly. The Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the Dragon Fruit being slightly lighter in actuation force. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches are favored for long typing sessions or extended gaming, while heavier switches offer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, both the Dragon Fruit and Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches offer a balance between actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch which has a longer travel distance of 4mm. The Dragon Fruit switch would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Silent T1 switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the Dragon Fruit offering speed and the Silent T1 providing a more substantial key press feeling. Ultimately, which switch is better suited for you will depend on your typing style and preference for travel distance.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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, providing a lively and engaging typing experience with distinctive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch is described as producing a muted sound, perfect for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred. Both switches offer different sound profiles, allowing users to choose based on their preference for loud or subdued typing noises.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Dragon Fruit switch is described as sharp, snappy, invigorating, and accented, providing a highly tactile and responsive typing experience with a distinct tactile bump at each keypress. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a stepped, accented, and polished feel, providing a smoother and more refined tactile feedback compared to the sharp and pronounced bump of the Dragon Fruit switch. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, catering to users who prefer either a more intense or smoother typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch excels in providing a sharp and engaging typing experience with a clacky sound profile, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a prominent tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch offers a more subdued sound and a smoother, polished feel, making it a suitable choice for those prioritizing a quieter and refined typing experience. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a sharp and pronounced tactile bump along with a clacky sound signature, then the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that is both tactile and silenced, providing a medium bump, padded bottom-out feel, and muted sound, then the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more intense tactile feedback and audibly satisfying typing experience (Dragon Fruit) or a quieter, more subdued tactile feel with reduced noise (Silent T1). Consider these factors carefully to choose the switch that best suits your preferences and typing needs.
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