Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch present unique features for users to consider. The Dragon Fruit stands out for its pronounced tactile feedback, with a sharp bottom-out sensation that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a lively typing experience accompanied by a distinctive clacky sound. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° from Gateron boasts a revolutionary design that prioritizes silent typing, providing an exceptionally smooth and stable keystroke experience with minimal noise. While the Dragon Fruit offers accentuated tactility, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on a smooth and quiet typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings results in a more clear and resonant sound due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, because of the translucency of polycarbonate, these switches are particularly well-suited for use with RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities in the top housing material, the switches differ in their bottom housing materials.
The Bsun Dragon Fruit utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Both switches provide a unique typing experience due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, allowing for a balance between sharpness and depth in sound production.
The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch play a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in their housing materials, both the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer a blend of characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for the specific sound profile desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we can see some differences. The Dragon Fruit has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° has an actuation force of 45 grams, similar to the Dragon Fruit, but the bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Dragon Fruit for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Dragon Fruit for a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer different typing experiences, catering to users with varying preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of responsiveness, the Dragon Fruit may be preferred by gamers for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press sensation due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press feel and response time.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 offers a clacky sound signature that adds to the overall lively and engaging typing experience, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is praised for its silent typing capabilities due to its self-padding design and dual-rail structure that absorbs sound and reduces noise. It's important to consider that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Dragon Fruit switch is described as having an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that provides a prominent bump at each keypress without being overwhelming. This makes for a satisfying typing experience that is both responsive and immersive. On the other hand, information on the specific feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is unknown, but it can be inferred that its innovative design likely offers a smooth, stable, and soft feel that is gentle on the fingers while typing.
Overall, the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Dragon Fruit boasts a pronounced tactile feedback paired with a clacky sound, ideal for tactility enthusiasts seeking an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° focuses on providing a silent typing experience with its smooth and stable feel. Ultimately, deciding between these switches would depend on personal preference for tactility, sound, and typing feel. Keep in mind that while the switches may offer different qualities, the overall typing experience can still be satisfying and enjoyable with either choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with significant tactile feedback and a clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness, stability, and a quiet typing experience with unparalleled smoothness and sound absorption, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing experience.