TTC Brother vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders often come to mind: the TTC Brother and the Bsun Ragdoll. The TTC Brother excels as a clicky switch, renowned for its lightweight feel with an actuation force of just 37g, making it effortless to use. Its satisfying crunch and distinct tactile feedback cater to enthusiasts who appreciate an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll distinguishes itself as a linear switch, offering a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke thanks to its Y3 stem, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes a subtle clacky sound. This switch tends to appeal to users seeking fluidity and a quieter operation, particularly in gaming scenarios. Both switches have their unique advantages, tailored for different preferences—whether you crave the auditory and tactile delight of a clicky experience or the seamless glide of a linear option. 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
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Bsun Ragdoll, a clear distinction emerges between their respective top housings. The TTC Brother is crafted with a polycarbonate top housing that allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly appealing for RGB lighting, as it allows for the illumination to shine through effectively and attractively. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll uses a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic properties absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder, more muted auditory experience. Thus, while the TTC Brother’s polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and brightness, the Bsun Ragdoll’s nylon top leans towards a warmer and more subdued tone.
On the other hand, there is a noteworthy similarity between the two in terms of their bottom housings, as both the TTC Brother and the Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon materials for this component. The nylon bottom housing in both switches serves to produce a deeper and fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing properties. This commonality means that when you press down on either switch, you can expect a similar bottom-out experience characterized by a duller and rounder sound, providing a comfortable typing feel. Despite the differences in the top housings and their sound profiles, the nylon bottom contributes to a consistent auditory experience upon key actuation for both switches.
Overall, the combination of differing top housing materials with the same bottom housing introduces a unique interplay of sound qualities in both the TTC Brother and Bsun Ragdoll switches. When a key is pressed, the nylon bottom housing predominantly impacts the sound and feel, thus giving both switches a shared characteristic of depth and fullness. Upon key release, the varying attributes of the top housings become more pronounced – enhancing the Brother’s clarity and brilliance versus the counterpoint of the Ragdoll's warmth and roundness. This balance of materials showcases how contrasting properties can coexist to create versatile typing experiences, despite some similarities in sound attribution owing to their identical bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to different user preferences. The TTC Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which may be preferable for users seeking a sensitive touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Brother switch is not available, leaving a gap in understanding its overall feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams along with a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. This makes the Ragdoll switch suitable for users who favor a stronger push feel. In summary, the TTC Brother is lighter overall, while the Bsun Ragdoll is heavier, making them ideal for different types of users based on their typing and gaming preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we observe that the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ragdoll measures 3.8 mm. This makes the Brother the shorter option, providing a quicker actuation that might appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. In contrast, the Ragdoll’s longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. If you opt for the Brother switch, you’ll achieve more rapid keypresses, while choosing the Ragdoll may result in a more deliberate and pronounced action. Ultimately, your preference between a shorter and longer travel distance will determine which switch aligns better with your typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 TTC Brother clicky switch produces a delightful, crunchy auditory experience that resonates well with enthusiasts of clicky switches. The character of the sound is crisp and precise, akin to the sound of stepping on autumn leaves, providing a satisfying acoustic feedback with every keystroke. On the other hand, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, the absence of a defined click means it does not possess the same lively auditory signature. This difference highlights that while the Brother provides a pronounced and vivid sound, the Ragdoll offers a more subdued noise level, catering to users who prefer a quieter typing environment.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother excels with its lightweight design, requiring only 37g of actuation force. This makes it notably easy to press, promoting a comfortable and responsive typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long sessions. The tactile feedback is well-defined but not overwhelming, allowing for an engaging yet manageable typing dynamic. The Brother’s stepped tactile characteristic gives it a nuanced feel, providing a sense of two-stage travel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel cues. Meanwhile, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is characterized by its smooth travel, yet no specific details are available about its tactile characteristics, making it challenging to compare directly.
Overall, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Brother excels with its crispy, pronounced sound and tactile feedback that’s both satisfying and responsive, making it ideal for users who enjoy a clicky interface. Conversely, the Ragdoll offers a smooth and quiet experience without the distinctive click, suitable for those who prefer a linear feel with less auditory distraction. Therefore, your choice should align with whether you prioritize sound and feedback or a silent and fluid keystroke.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you are someone who values tactile feedback and an audible click while typing, the Brother switch is an excellent option. Its lightweight actuation force of 37 grams makes it effortless to use, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions, while the satisfying crunchy sound adds an engaging auditory element that many clicky switch enthusiasts crave. The distinct tactile bump ensures you can feel each keystroke without being overly pronounced, making it suitable for both typing and gaming scenarios where feedback is critical.
On the other hand, if your priority is a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with minimal distraction from sound, then the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 52 grams, it offers a slightly more robust feel compared to the Brother while ensuring a quieter operation, which can be beneficial in shared workspaces or for late-night typing. The Ragdoll’s Y3 stem allows for fluid keystrokes, perfect for those who type quickly and prefer a smooth touch without any tactile feedback interfering with their rhythm. In summary, choose the Brother if you appreciate tactile feedback and sound, or the Ragdoll if you favor a smooth and quieter typing experience.
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