Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Ragdoll offer two distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Aliaz, known for its tactile feedback and quiet operation, is designed for environments where discretion is key, such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight that provides a satisfying keystroke feel, the Aliaz strikes a balance between pronounced tactile response and muted sound, making it ideal for those who appreciate gradual feedback without the distraction of noise. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll is a linear switch characterized by its exceptionally smooth travel, aided by a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that emits a delightful clacky sound. This makes the Ragdoll perfect for users who prioritize swift, uninterrupted keystrokes, whether for gaming or fast-paced typing. While both switches cater to different preferences, it's essential to explore their unique characteristics further to determine which one best suits your specific 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Ragdoll offer a distinctive comparison in their chosen housing materials, which significantly influences the acoustic characteristics experienced during typing. The Aliaz features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality results in a crisp and resonant acoustic experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. Conversely, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing. This material is softer and allows for more sound absorption, leading to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's properties create a stark contrast with the Aliaz's polycarbonate, which impacts how users perceive sound and feel when typing on each switch.
When examining the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches continue to play a pivotal role in their overall sound signature. Both the Aliaz and Ragdoll houses share a similar outlook, with the Aliaz adopting polycarbonate for its bottom housing and the Ragdoll featuring nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Ragdoll's bottom housing would enhance its already resonant sound because of its stiffer qualities. However, due to the two-switch system, the Ragdoll's nylon material would still contribute to a rounder sound depth. As the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound during keystrokes, the Aliaz's setup would likely result in a crisper sound, while the Ragdoll's softer nylon would provide a more cushioned auditory experience.
While both switches offer unique outcomes due to their different materials, they also share the common ground that the sound characteristics depend on the specific housing used. For example, if users were to apply similar designs to the top and bottom, even with different materials, they could obtain results blending qualities from both ends. In essence, a combination where both parts could exert their strong suits could produce a rich typing experience that maintains clarity yet embraces warmth. Ultimately, the differences and similarities in material usage between the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Ragdoll illustrate how the meticulous choice of housing affects not only sound but typing feedback and user preference in the realm of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier switch that may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is medium-light and better suited for individuals who prefer a gentler touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. Thus, while both switches serve distinct purposes, the Aliaz is heavier overall compared to the lighter Ragdoll, providing contrasting typing experiences depending on user preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight difference in travel distance reflects the preferences of different users; the Aliaz offers a more pronounced keypress depth that some may find satisfying and conducive to typing or gaming, providing a tactile feedback that may feel more substantial. In contrast, the Ragdoll's shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm caters to those who favor quicker response times, appealing especially to gamers who benefit from the faster activation. While the difference might seem minor, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for either a deeper feel or a more responsive keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 Gateron Aliaz is designed for quiet environments, characterized by its muted tonal quality, which produces a softer and less intrusive sound compared to many mechanical switches. This makes it particularly suited for office settings where noise could be disruptive. On the other hand, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is noted for a clacky sound, the specific sound characteristics are not detailed. Nonetheless, it can be inferred that the Ragdoll might produce a more pronounced acoustic profile, which could contrast sharply with the Aliaz’s subdued nature. The overall sound experience of both switches will also depend on various factors like the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.
Regarding the feel, the Gateron Aliaz offers a silky and polished typing experience; users can expect exceptional smoothness during key presses, thanks to its medium-heavy weight. This allows for a satisfying keystroke that balances feedback and ease of actuation. The Aliaz’s refined feel enhances the overall typing experience, making it a good choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback without the noise. In contrast, the feel of the Bsun Ragdoll is unspecified. However, as a linear switch, it is generally anticipated to provide a smooth travel experience without tactile bumps, differing from the tactile feedback offered by the Aliaz.
In summary, the Gateron Aliaz is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a quiet switch with a substantial and smooth feel, making it ideal for office environments where noise is a concern. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch may be more suitable for users who prefer a smoother, potentially more vibrant sound, although its exact acoustic and tactile qualities remain unclear. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will rely on personal preferences for sound, feel, and the specific typing environment, as each switch caters to different needs in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard. If you find yourself in a quiet office or shared space, the Aliaz is an excellent option due to its muted sound profile and substantial 75-gram bottom-out force, which provides a gratifying tactile response without the disruptive noise. Additionally, the silky and polished feel enhances your typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit more feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, particularly for gaming or fast typing, the Ragdoll's medium-light 52-gram bottom-out force will allow for quicker actuation with less fatigue. Its clacky sound adds a notable auditory feedback that some users enjoy, especially in casual or home environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the ambient noise of your surroundings, and whether you prefer a tactile response or a smoother, linear feel.
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