Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch. The Dragon Fruit switch is favored for its long pole stem, providing a sharp and definitive bottom-out that appeals to tactility enthusiasts. 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 Xinhai switch stands out for its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, which combine to create a softer acoustics profile with a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai switch offers a blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance. Each switch has its own set of characteristics that make it appealing for 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
37g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Dragon Fruit and the HMX Xinhai both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. However, despite both switches using the same material for the top housing, the specific design and construction may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel.
On the other hand, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the HMX Xinhai differ in their choice of material for the bottom housing. The Dragon Fruit uses nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Xinhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a duller and rounder sound. Despite the different top housing materials, the nylon bottom housings in both switches contribute to the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, while the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the HMX Xinhai share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of the typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the specific design and construction of each switch may lead to subtle differences in sound and feel. Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in these switches allows for a unique and customizable typing experience for users.
Weight
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, classifying it as a light switch. The Dragon Fruit provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Xinhai offers a lighter typing experience, which is favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer different weight options, with the Dragon Fruit being heavier and the Xinhai being lighter, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences across different keyboards equipped with these switches. So, whether you choose the Bsun Dragon Fruit or the HMX Xinhai switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 lively and engaging typing experience with a clacky sound signature that is sharp and distinct. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch features a softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing and produces a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Dragon Fruit being more pronounced and the Xinhai offering a subtle sophistication in sound.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch offers a tactile experience that is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. These qualities provide a prominent tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, resulting in a satisfying typing sensation with a definitive bottom-out. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai switch is described as bouncy and creamy, offering a spring-like elastic feedback sensation and a smooth, buttery typing experience. While the Dragon Fruit switch focuses on a strong and crisp tactile bump, the Xinhai switch provides a more rebounding and effortless keystroke feel.
Taking into consideration the sound and feel characteristics of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and HMX Xinhai switches, it is evident that they offer distinct typing experiences. The Dragon Fruit switch excels in providing a sharp and clacky sound with a pronounced tactile feedback, while the Xinhai switch offers a softer acoustics profile and a bouncy, creamy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches ensure a high-quality typing experience, but users can expect different results depending on which switch they choose.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky sound, the Dragon Fruit switch may be the ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a soft acoustics profile and a bouncy, creamy feel, the Xinhai switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and a clacky sound or a lighter touch and a creamy, bouncy feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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