Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, choosing the right switch can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Dareu Aqua linear switch is a standout option for those who prefer a lighter touch, boasting a mere 37g actuation force. Its unique chirpy and clacky sound signature makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy a more tactile and auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch emphasizes smooth travel with its Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the Aqua is perfect for those who prioritize ease of pressing and a lively sound profile, whereas the Ragdoll offers a more refined experience with its smooth operation. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Ragdoll showcase distinct materials in their housing components, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Aqua features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties that promote a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, enhancing visual appeal while ensuring a clear and resonant audio feedback during typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll's top housing is made from nylon, a classic choice that provides a softer touch and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. The inherent absorbent qualities of nylon result in a rounder audio experience, making the typing sound more subdued compared to the crisp performance of polycarbonate.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches, we see a convergence in material choice, with both the Aqua and Ragdoll utilizing nylon for this component. This shared characteristic leads to a similar deeper sound profile when bottoming out, further enriching the overall typing experience. The nylon's softer nature absorbs sound waves effectively, minimizing any harshness that might accompany a harder plastic. This similarity signifies that while the upper housings differ considerably, the bottom housing's characteristics create a unified auditory sensation when the keys are pressed.
The differing materials of the top housings exemplify how the overall sound and feel of a key switch can be influenced by its construction. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top offers a brighter, more resonant sound upon release, the Ragdoll's nylon top dampens auditory feedback to create a subdued experience. However, both switches benefit from their nylon bottom housing which ties their acoustic performances together, balancing depth and tonal quality. Thus, although the upper haptics of the Aqua and Ragdoll differ substantially, the convergence in their bottom housing creates a shared foundation that maintains a level of consistency in user experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation forces. The Aqua switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which can be advantageous for users who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. In contrast, the Ragdoll requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Additionally, the Ragdoll’s bottom out force of 52 grams indicates a firmer feel upon fully pressing the key, which may enhance the typing experience for users seeking a more robust feedback. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Aqua switch is unavailable, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in that respect. Overall, the Aqua switch is the lighter option, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the Ragdoll provides a stronger push feel for users who appreciate a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Aqua stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This makes the Aqua the switch with the longer travel distance, appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress. In contrast, the Ragdoll's shorter distance may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, which can enhance their overall gameplay experience. While both switches provide distinct tactile feedback, those who favor a deeper, more deliberate press may prefer the Aqua, while the Ragdoll may be better suited for users who favor the speed of a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Aqua has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aqua for $3.76.
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
When it comes to sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by its distinctive chirpy and clacky sound profile. The chirpy quality adds a slight squeak to key presses, making it appealing to those who enjoy a more nuanced acoustic signature. The clacky aspect further enhances this by providing a crisp, bright, and percussive resonance that resonates well during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is not specified; however, it does utilize a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which tends to promote a clackier sound. Though a direct comparison of sound characteristics isn’t available, the Aqua's unique acoustic personality may be more defined and engaging.
In terms of feel, the Aqua switch excels with an incredibly light actuation force of 37g, making typing a breeze. Its easy-to-press and feathery nature ensures that it barely requires any effort to activate, translating to reduced finger fatigue—ideal for long sessions of typing or gaming. There’s a notable responsiveness that many users appreciate, contributing to an effortless, comfortable typing experience. Unfortunately, there is limited information regarding the feel of the Ragdoll switch, making it difficult to contrast directly; however, the Aqua’s design caters extensively to light and comfortable use.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Aqua linear switch offers a well-defined chirpy and clacky sound along with an incredibly light and comfortable typing experience, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch's qualities remain less documented. If you prefer a switch that emphasizes both sound and feel, the Aqua is likely to provide a more satisfying experience. Although the Ragdoll's characteristics are less known, it may still deliver similar tactile experiences; further personal experimentation with both switches would be essential to determine their best fit for your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 37 grams, the Aqua is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a unique, chirpy, and clacky sound profile that adds character to your keyboard. Its feathery feel and easy-to-press design make it ideal for long hours of gaming, writing, or any activity that requires minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a moderate bottom out force of 52 grams, the Ragdoll might be more suitable for you. Its smooth travel and clacky sound, enhanced by the nylon-fiberglass construction, provide a satisfying feedback that some users find preferable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, understanding what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience—be it a lighter touch and unique sound with the Aqua or a slightly firmer feel with the Ragdoll—will lead you to the right switch for you.
Mentioned in this article
