HMX Blue Topaz vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz 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 HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Ragdoll both present enticing options for users seeking a linear experience. The Blue Topaz is renowned for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, which simplifies typing and gaming by making every keystroke effortless. Paired with its eye-catching glittery housing and delightful clacky sound signature, it offers an engaging sensory experience that appeals to both sight and sound. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll also emphasizes smoothness but uses a Y3 stem along with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, further enhancing its clacky sound while maintaining a solid linear travel. While the Blue Topaz excels in visual aesthetics and an easy-to-press sensation, the Ragdoll focuses on a unique material composition that enhances its auditory characteristics. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize visual flair and a lightweight touch or if you're drawn to the unique sound profile and durability of the Ragdoll. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and Bsun Ragdoll exhibit distinct characteristics in their top housing materials, aligning with their respective sound profiles. The Blue Topaz boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound that comes from the material's stiffness. This quality enables a crisper audio experience—a trait that enthusiasts often seek, especially in RGB keyboard setups. In contrast, the Ragdoll employs a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon results in sound absorption, delivering a smoother auditory experience that contrasts with the higher frequencies produced by polycarbonate. The aesthetic outcome of the materials also differs significantly; the translucency of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting, while nylon does not offer the same level of illumination.
Both the Blue Topaz and Ragdoll feature nylon as their bottom housing material, a characteristic that leads to similarities in bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom provides a softer surface which absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory impression when keys are fully pressed down. This consistency in using nylon for the bottom housing allows both models to share a familiar tactile experience during use. Even though the Blue Topaz produces a richer sound when releasing the key due to its polycarbonate top, both models will ultimately provide a full-bodied sound profile upon bottoming out, ensuring users enjoy a satisfying keystroke experience.
In summary, while the HMX Blue Topaz and Bsun Ragdoll showcase contrasting materials in their top housings, both models utilize nylon in their bottom housings, bridging some similarities in sound delivery. The polycarbonate top of the Blue Topaz ensures a sharper auditory experience during key releases, while the nylon top of the Ragdoll creates a more muted sound signature. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing prompts users to have a cohesive bottoming-out experience across both switches, allowing for a nuanced blend of acoustic properties depending on the typing action. Thus, users can anticipate a diverse auditory yet tactile experience, enhanced by the distinctive qualities each housing material embodies.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying typing preferences. The Blue Topaz features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial feel during typing, which some users may find gratifying. As such, those who lean towards a lighter typing experience should consider the Blue Topaz, while those who appreciate a stronger push may prefer the Ragdoll. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference for either a lighter or a more robust typing experience, with no overlap in the actuation or bottom out forces between the two switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Blue Topaz features a travel distance of 3.9 mm, while the Ragdoll has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that, although both switches offer a relatively standard travel distance, the Blue Topaz provides a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing. On the other hand, the Ragdoll, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and those who prioritize faster response times in their keystrokes. Ultimately, users seeking a more responsive feel might prefer the Bsun Ragdoll switch, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes could gravitate towards the HMX Blue Topaz.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch stands out with its clacky sound signature. When pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a delightful auditory experience as you type. The clackiness adds an extra layer of enjoyment, which can enhance the overall typing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch are not specified, leaving us without a clear comparison. However, it’s important to remember that sound can vary based on other factors like the keyboard design and keycap material, which both switches will also influence.
Regarding feel, the Blue Topaz impresses with its easy-to-press design. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, making it require minimal force to activate, thus enhancing comfort and minimizing finger fatigue, especially during long typing sessions. The switch guarantees an effortless and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, there is no available information about the feel of the Ragdoll switch, which limits direct comparison in this aspect. However, given that the Blue Topaz features a smooth actuation experience, one might expect similarly enjoyable qualities from the Ragdoll, but this cannot be confirmed without specific details.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch offers a unique combination of clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel, making it a joy for both typing and auditory satisfaction. While the Blue Topaz shines in these areas, the Bsun Ragdoll lacks specific details concerning sound and feel, leaving it unclear how it would measure up. Potential users might explore the Ragdoll switch further to see if its qualities align with those of the Blue Topaz, but the subjective experience of sound and feel can significantly differ based on personal preferences and setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a lighter, more effortless key press, along with a vibrant auditory and visual experience, the Blue Topaz is the ideal option for you. Its light bottom-out force of 48 grams enhances comfort during long typing sessions, making it perfect for anyone who frequently types or games for extended periods. The clacky sound signature and the eye-catching glitter housing add a delightful touch to your keyboard's overall aesthetic. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel but still want a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, the Bsun Ragdoll may be more suited to your needs. With a bottom-out force of 52 grams, it provides a bit more resistance, allowing for more deliberate typing while maintaining that satisfying clacky sound thanks to its nylon-fiberglass construction. In summary, choose the Blue Topaz for a lighter, easer-to-press feel with striking aesthetics and auditory feedback, while the Ragdoll is a great option if you seek a medium-light switch that balances smoothness and feedback with a richer sound profile.
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