Kailh Box White V2 vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often boil down to individual typing styles and sound preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky feedback, providing users with a satisfying tactile response and an audible click that many typists appreciate for its engaging feel, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke, thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which offers a subtle, clacky sound that appeals to gamers and typists seeking a quieter, uninterrupted workflow. While both switches present compelling features—one emphasizing tactile feedback and noise, while the other focuses on smoothness and quietness—your ultimate choice will depend on what you value most in your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Ragdoll, a notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Box White V2 utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate’s stiffer nature allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it particularly suited for environments where clarity is prioritized. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, further making it a favorable choice for aesthetic enthusiasts looking to showcase their keyboard's illumination features. In contrast, the Ragdoll employs a nylon top housing, which, due to its softer composition, yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This inherent sound absorption quality of nylon results in a more muted auditory experience, which appeals to users who prefer a warmer and rounder typing sound.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, share a point of similarity. Both the Box White V2 and the Ragdoll feature nylon in their bottom housings, leading to the same outcome in terms of the sound profile. Nylon's ability to absorb sound contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory feedback when keys are bottomed out. Users can expect a consistent feeling and sound when pressing the keys to the base. This shared material means that while the top housing defines the tonal characteristics during key release, the bottom housing ensures an adequately plush response upon actuation, stabilizing the auditory experience across both switch types.
Ultimately, the design of both switches illustrates how the interplay of materials can influence overall performance. The Kailh Box White V2’s distinct top housing material enhances its sound clarity and visual appeal, particularly in RGB implementations, while the Ragdoll’s nylon top housing lends a richer, warmer quality to the typing experience. However, the nylon bottom housings create a harmonious link between the two, ensuring a similar bottoming sound and tactile response that makes both switches appealing for different user preferences. Whether one leans towards the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon, each switch delivers a unique character that can cater to varied typing styles without sacrificing the cohesive experience offered by their shared bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces, as they both require 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Box White V2 having a bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Ragdoll's 52 grams. This makes the Box White V2 feel a bit lighter overall, as it requires less force to reach its maximum travel distance. Users who favor a lighter typing experience for extended use sessions may appreciate the Kailh switch's marginally lower bottom out force. In contrast, the Ragdoll's slightly heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial tactile feedback that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer push. Thus, for long typing sessions or gaming, the Kailh Box White V2 may be the more comfortable option, while the Bsun Ragdoll could be preferable for those seeking a stronger feel.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances that cater to different user preferences. The Box White V2 features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ragdoll offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that users of the Ragdoll switch can expect a more pronounced key press, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Box White V2 aligns well with the preferences of gamers who seek quicker responsiveness for faster reaction times. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Kailh Box White V2 is the better choice, while the Bsun Ragdoll caters to those who appreciate a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 is distinguished by its crisp and prominent audible click, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. This clickiness is a hallmark of the switch, fostering an engaging typing experience that can be both nostalgic and rewarding. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a clacky sound due to its design, featuring a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to a different auditory character. While the Ragdoll lacks the sharp click of the Box White V2, its clacky sound can still add a unique acoustic quality to typing, although it's important to remember that the overall sound produced by either switch can greatly vary depending on the keyboard they are housed in and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White V2 offers a firm tactile bump that gives users a clear indication of actuation, enhancing typing accuracy and feedback. The distinctiveness of its tactile response is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced sensation while typing or gaming. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch provides a smooth and uninterrupted travel with no tactile feedback or resistance as it is pressed down, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a seamless keystroke for both typing and gaming. The lack of tactile feedback in the Ragdoll may appeal to users looking for a more fluid experience, while the Box White V2 caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile input.
In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Ragdoll switches cater to different preferences and styles among mechanical keyboard users. The Box White V2 is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile clicky experience with clear auditory feedback, making it great for typing tasks and the satisfaction of each keypress. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll switch appeals to individuals who prefer smooth, linear keystrokes devoid of tactile bumps, perfect for a quieter, fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value the tactile feedback and sound of a clicky switch or enjoy the smoothness and muted acoustics of a linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for tactile feedback and sound experience. If you enjoy a pronounced auditory and tactile response while typing, the Box White V2 is an excellent choice, especially if your tasks require a switch that offers a light actuation force of just 50 grams. This makes it ideal for those who type a lot or prefer that satisfying clicky sensation, which can enhance the typing experience with its crisp feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter key press for gaming or tasks that require rapid key presses, the Bsun Ragdoll is likely more suitable for you, as it features a medium-light actuation force of 52 grams and a smooth travel feel. The linear nature of the Ragdoll eliminates the tactile bump and click, providing a more stealthy and fluid experience, which is excellent for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness without the distraction of noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs—whether you lean towards the satisfying clicky experience of the Box White V2 or the smoothness and subtlety of the Ragdoll.
Mentioned in this article
