Aflion Blush vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Aflion Blush and the Bsun Ragdoll both present appealing yet distinct options for users seeking linear switches. The Blush is celebrated for its impressively smooth typing feel, thanks largely to its innovative longer, two-stage spring design, which provides a satisfying snappiness with each keystroke. Its unique long pole results in a low-pitched, creamy sound signature that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch offers a different tactile experience with its Y3 stem, which ensures smooth travel, while the nylon-fiberglass bottom housing produces a clackier sound profile that can be quite enjoyable, especially for those who prefer feedback beyond mere touch. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the Blush excels in providing a buttery typing sensation, whereas the Ragdoll emphasizes a more pronounced auditory response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-stage stainless steel spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Blush and Bsun Ragdoll switches present distinct contrasts in their top housing materials, which in turn affect their sound profiles significantly. The Blush features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its rigidity, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This choice of material enhances the switch's ability to resonate and creates an appealing clarity, especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound. As a result, the Ragdoll delivers a deeper, fuller sound profile that is rounder and less pronounced. This fundamental difference in material choice between polycarbonate and nylon underscores how the top housing influences the auditory characteristics and typing experience of each switch.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the Aflion Blush and Bsun Ragdoll switches employ nylon, which leads to similar outcomes in terms of sound absorption and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing here offers a consistent response, generating a rich and velvety tactile feedback while typing. Both switches leverage the properties of nylon to create a deeper, fuller sound profile, underscoring how the bottom housing contributes to the overall auditory experience. This shared feature means that, despite their differing top housing materials, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience rooted in the same foundational material of nylon at the bottom, allowing users to enjoy the muted yet rich tones characteristic of nylon.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials results in a unique sound and tactile experience for each switch. While the top housing of the Blush emphasizes clarity and a staccato sound through its polycarbonate design, the Ragdoll's nylon housing smooths and rounds off sounds for a more subdued experience. The nylon bottoms in both switches create coherence in deeper notes, ensuring that even with contrasting top materials, users experience a harmonious typing experience. Whether one prefers the expressive clarity of the Blush or the warm, enveloping tones of the Ragdoll, both switches provide a meticulous blend of characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blush switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is measured at 58 grams, categorized as medium. In contrast, the Ragdoll features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. This indicates that the Ragdoll switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to less finger fatigue. The Blush, with its heavier bottom out force, may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer press. Overall, while the Blush could potentially offer more resistance at the bottom out, the Ragdoll's lighter actuation force makes it the preferred choice for users seeking ease and comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, a notable distinction arises: the Blush has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Ragdoll boasts a longer distance of 3.8 mm. This difference indicates that if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the shorter travel distance of the Blush may appeal to you as it allows for quicker actuation, making it a preferred choice for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced key press may find the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance more satisfying, as it offers a fuller depth that can feel more substantial under the fingers. Thus, while both switches can serve different preferences effectively, the Aflion Blush provides a more responsive experience with its shorter travel distance compared to the more traditional, heavier feel of the Bsun Ragdoll.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Blush has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blush for $4.07.
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 Aflion Blush linear switch is characterized by its low-pitched tone, which typically offers a bass-heavy and mellow auditory experience. This sound signature is enhanced by its long pole design, giving the switch a distinct pop that users often appreciate. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch is known for its clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing and the Y3 stem. While the Blush leans towards deep and satisfying sounds, the Ragdoll's clackiness presents a brighter auditory experience. However, it's essential to note that the sound profile of each switch can be influenced by the keyboard and keycap configuration used, meaning users can manipulate these qualities further.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Blush offers an outstandingly creamy, silky, and buttery tactile experience. With its long two-stage spring, the typing experience is described as impressively smooth and snappy, providing each keystroke with a seamless transition. This design results in a gliding sensation when typing, allowing fingers to move effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, details regarding the feel of the Bsun Ragdoll switch remain unknown. With no specific characteristics provided, one could speculate that the Ragdoll may not achieve the same level of smoothness as the Blush, but this cannot be definitively stated.
In conclusion, both the Aflion Blush and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches showcase distinct qualities that cater to different user preferences. The Blush excels in providing a smooth and low-pitched auditory experience, coupled with an exceptionally creamy feel that many typists and gamers may find satisfying. The Ragdoll offers a clacky sound experience, but its tactile feel remains unspecified. Therefore, if you're seeking a smooth typing experience and a mellow sound, the Blush is likely your best option, while the Ragdoll may appeal to those who prefer a more lively sound signature. Ultimately, it’s worth considering personal preferences and the specific typing experience you desire when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Aflion Blush linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a switch that offers a medium actuation force combined with a pleasantly snappy feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the Blush is likely the better choice for you. Its longer, two-stage spring results in a creamy, silky typing experience that makes each keystroke feel smooth and effortless, perfect for those who prioritize both comfort and auditory satisfaction in their typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52 grams and enjoy a clackier sound signature, the Ragdoll could be your go-to switch. Particularly beneficial for gaming enthusiasts or those who type quickly, the Ragdoll's Y3 stem ensures smooth travel for speedy keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific needs; whether you prioritize a richer auditory experience with a satisfying tactile feedback or you lean towards a lighter, more agile feel, both switches offer unique benefits to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.