Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the BSUN Dragon Fruit, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, a linear switch. The Dragon Fruit switch is favored by tactility enthusiasts for its long pole stem that leads to a sharp and definitive bottom-out, providing a significant tactile feedback with a satisfying bump at each press. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, along with a bouncy feel due to its lengthened single-stage spring. While the Dragon Fruit is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Tourmaline Blue is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that appeals 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
59g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting. However, where the two differ is in their bottom housing material. The Dragon Fruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue sticks with a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining the sharp and crisp sound profile associated with this material.
When it comes to the feel and sound of pressing down on a key, the housing material plays a significant role. In the case of switches with different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material, such as the nylon used in the Dragon Fruit, will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. On the other hand, the top housing material, like the polycarbonate in both the Dragon Fruit and the Tourmaline Blue, will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials can lead to variations in typing experience and sound profile between switches.
In summary, while both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue share a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp and clear sound profile, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Dragon Fruit's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and crisp sound profile. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Dragon Fruit is lighter in both aspects. The Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the Dragon Fruit requires less force for actuation and bottoming out compared to the Tourmaline Blue. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions, the Dragon Fruit may be the better choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Tourmaline Blue due to its slightly heavier force requirements for actuation and bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch. The Dragon Fruit offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue provides a bit more depth in its travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for travel distance and the type of tactile feedback desired.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, providing a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Dragon Fruit being more lively and the Tourmaline Blue being deep and satisfying. However, with the different factors such as choice of board and keycaps, the sound of the switch can be further customized to suit individual preferences.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch is described as having a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a pronounced amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Tourmaline Blue linear switch, on the other hand, offers a buttery and easy-to-press feel, with a light actuation force making typing effortless and comfortable. While the Dragon Fruit switch offers a more tactile and snappy typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a smooth and gentle typing sensation. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, catering to different typing preferences based on the level of feedback desired.
In conclusion, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Dragon Fruit switch is known for its sharp tactile feedback and clacky sound signature, providing an engaging typing experience for tactility enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep sound profile and a buttery feel, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, allowing users to customize their typing experience based on their individual preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the Dragon Fruit or the Tourmaline Blue switch, you can expect a satisfying and immersive typing experience that meets your unique preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a sharp and defined tactile bump with a clacky sound signature, opt for the Dragon Fruit switches. They provide a lively and engaging typing experience that is both felt and heard distinctly. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy feel with a deep and thocky sound profile, the Tourmaline Blue switches would be the better choice. With a balance of spring weight and a satisfying typing experience, these switches cater to a wide range of users. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a more pronounced tactile feel with the Dragon Fruit or a smoother typing experience with the Tourmaline Blue.
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