Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit stands out with its long pole stem, delivering a sharp and definitive bottom-out that tactile enthusiasts appreciate. With significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, typing on the Dragon Fruit switch offers a lively and engaging experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches provide a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to your typing sessions. Offering a pronounced tactility without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor strikes a perfect balance between sharp sensation and user comfort. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and Haimu Viola Tricolor offer unique characteristics based on the different materials used for each component. The Bsun Dragon Fruit may deliver a more pronounced sound upon releasing a key due to the influence of the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor might have a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out a key because of the nylon bottom housing. These differences in housing materials allow each switch to provide a distinct typing experience.
Overall, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Haimu Viola Tricolor share similarities in their housing materials, the nuances in the sound profiles they produce highlight the importance of top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon, both switches offer a unique typing experience that can cater to different preferences. Regardless of the subtle differences, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch differ slightly. The Dragon Fruit has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Viola Tricolor, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Dragon Fruit measuring 65 grams and the Viola Tricolor at 63.5 grams. This means that while the Viola Tricolor may require a slightly heavier initial press, the overall typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be similar between the two switches. In terms of weight, if you prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Dragon Fruit may be more suitable. However, if you enjoy a more substantial push feel, the Viola Tricolor with its heavier forces may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Viola Tricolor has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dragon Fruit. Traditionally, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered standard, with 3.0 mm being shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Dragon Fruit a popular choice among them. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Viola Tricolor. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 sound, the BSUN Dragon Fruit switch offers a clacky and lively tone that adds an engaging auditory element to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch provides a thuddy and punchy sound profile, adding a unique character to keystrokes. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Dragon Fruit leaning towards a brighter and more energetic tone compared to the Viola Tricolor's deeper and richer sound. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
In terms of feel, both the Dragon Fruit and Viola Tricolor switches are described as accentuated and invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. The Dragon Fruit switch is highlighted for its sharp and snappy tactile bump that provides a satisfying sensation with each keypress. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switch strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness, ensuring an immersive typing experience without being overwhelming. Both switches offer a medium level of tactility that caters to enthusiasts looking for a tactile bump without sacrificing overall typing comfort.
Overall, the BSUN Dragon Fruit and Haimu Viola Tricolor switches both excel in providing tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience. While the Dragon Fruit switch leans towards a livelier sound profile and a more pronounced tactile bump, the Viola Tricolor switch offers a deeper sound tone and a smoother tactility. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a slightly heavier tactile switch, the Dragon Fruit with its 65-gram bottom out force may be more suitable for you. It offers a sharp and definitive tactile feedback that is both felt and heard distinctly. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Viola Tricolor with its 63.5-gram bottom out force could be a better fit. It strikes a perfect balance between tactile feedback and a more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for bottom out force and the type of tactile feedback you find most satisfying in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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