Bsun Dragon Fruit vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch. The Dragon Fruit switch is renowned for its sharp and definitive bottom-out thanks to its long pole stem, making it a favorite among tactility enthusiasts. In contrast, the Jacaranda switch stands out for its gentle bottom-out and uniquely bouncy sensation due to its extended 22mm spring, providing a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience. While the Dragon Fruit offers a lively and engaging typing experience with significant tactile feedback, the Jacaranda excels in producing a crisp and audible feedback with its clacky sound signature. 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
39g
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
3.50 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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the PH Studio Jacaranda are quite similar in terms of their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it an ideal choice for those looking to personalize their keyboard setup. With these similarities in mind, users can expect a consistent sound experience when using either the Dragon Fruit or the Jacaranda due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the PH Studio Jacaranda diverge slightly. The Dragon Fruit features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is unique to this material. On the other hand, the Jacaranda also uses a nylon bottom housing, offering a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a more muted and satisfying sound profile for users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Dragon Fruit and the PH Studio Jacaranda primarily lie in their bottom housing materials, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing. Whether users prioritize a sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound with nylon, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. With the impact of the housing materials split between the top and bottom of the switch, users can expect a nuanced sound and feel when using either the Dragon Fruit or the Jacaranda.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch differ in weight, with the Dragon Fruit being heavier and the Jacaranda being lighter. The Dragon Fruit has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, offering a lighter touch. The difference in force can impact the typing experience, as some may prefer the lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force for a more substantial feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for quicker response times. However, the Jacaranda has a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a bit more depth when pressing down on a key. Overall, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them ideal for gamers and those seeking a more responsive typing experience.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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
The Bsun Dragon Fruit tactile switch is best known for its sharp, definitive bottom-out and significant tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump at each press accompanied by a clacky sound signature, offering a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out with its gentle bottom-out and extended 22mm spring, delivering a uniquely bouncy sensation with a clacky sound signature, ensuring a crisp and audible feedback with every press. When it comes to sound, the Dragon Fruit has a clacky sound profile, while the Jacaranda also leans towards the clacky side but with some additional high-pitched and resonant qualities. As for feel, the Dragon Fruit is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a pronounced feedback and sharp tactile bump. In contrast, the Jacaranda is noted for its silky smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Overall, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Dragon Fruit excels in tactile feedback and sharpness, while the Jacaranda focuses on a smoother typing sensation with a unique bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the type of feedback and sound profile desired in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Dragon Fruit tactile switch or the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom-out force with a sharp, definitive tactile bump and clacky sound signature, the Dragon Fruit may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom-out force with a gentle feel and unique bouncy sensation, along with a clacky sound profile, the Jacaranda could be more suitable. Both switches offer distinctive features that cater to different typing experiences, so consider factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, sound signature, and typing feel when deciding which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Dragon Fruit and Jacaranda switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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