Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star Duck 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 Duck are two popular choices, each offering unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Dragon Fruit switch is known for its long pole stem and sharp, definitive bottom-out, making it a favorite among tactility enthusiasts who enjoy a significant tactile feedback with every press. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. While the Dragon Fruit switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Duck switch falls into the categories of 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own appeal depending on your preference for tactility and sound, 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
58g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star Duck, we can see that both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Dragon Fruit differs in its use of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature and sound absorption qualities. In contrast, the Duck maintains a consistent polycarbonate housing for both the top and bottom, emphasizing clarity and resonance in sound production.
The distinction in housing materials between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the SP-Star Duck showcases how different choices can impact the overall sound profile of a switch. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing resulting in a sharp and clear sound, the Dragon Fruit's addition of nylon in the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller tone. On the other hand, the Duck's consistent use of polycarbonate throughout maintains a consistent sharpness and clarity in its sound output. These variations highlight the nuanced differences in sound quality that can be achieved through housing material selection.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to recognize how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. The split between top and bottom housing in switches like the Dragon Fruit allows for a balance between sharpness and depth in sound production, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released. In contrast, switches like the Duck with consistent housing materials offer a more uniform sound profile throughout typing. Understanding the role of housing materials in switch design is key to achieving the desired sound and tactile feedback in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see that the Dragon Fruit requires a lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Duck which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Dragon Fruit is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Duck's bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Duck switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force, providing a softer typing experience, while the Dragon Fruit switch offers a more substantial and firmer feel when typing. Both switches fall into the medium category, but the Dragon Fruit can be considered heavier than the Duck. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Duck has a longer travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered traditional, while 3.0mm is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Dragon Fruit a good choice for them. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper press may opt for the Duck with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different experiences based on the preference of the user.
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 Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck 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 the sound profile, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switches offer a clacky and lively typing experience, thanks to their sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches provide a more neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and typing preferences. The choice of keycaps and keyboard housing can also influence the overall sound of the switches.
In terms of feel, the Dragon Fruit switches are known for their invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, creating a distinctive typing sensation. The medium-weight switches offer a pronounced tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, giving a responsive and immersive feel to each keypress. On the other hand, the Duck switches provide a mild and buttery typing experience, with a smooth and uniform keystroke that appeals to a wider range of users. The polished finish of the switches also contributes to a refined and sleek typing feel.
In conclusion, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switches and the SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. While the Dragon Fruit switches excel in providing a lively and sharp tactile feedback with a clacky sound signature, the Duck switches offer a more subtle and gentle typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Whether you prefer a more invigorating and pronounced tactile feedback or a mild and buttery typing feel, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Dragon Fruit switch. This switch provides a sharp, definitive bottom-out and a clacky sound signature, offering an invigorating and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile experience with a medium bottom out force, the Duck switch is the better choice. It offers a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile for a smooth and polished typing sensation. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing style for the best overall experience.
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