Bsun Bumblebee Linear vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choices can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll, both linear switches that cater to different preferences. The Bumblebee Linear is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing feel and a distinctive bright sound profile, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a seamless keystroke and a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch features a Y3 stem that ensures equally smooth travel, but it also incorporates a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, contributing to a clackier sound that some users may find appealing for both typing and gaming scenarios. Choosing between these two involves considering what matters most to you—whether it’s the exceptionally smooth action of the Bumblebee or the vibrant auditory experience of the Ragdoll. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence their respective acoustic profiles. The Bumblebee Linear features a POM top housing, known for producing a unique and deeper sound that is relatively muted. In contrast, the Ragdoll is constructed with a classic nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder tone. The use of POM in the Bumblebee Linear offers a distinct auditory experience, while the nylon of the Ragdoll contributes to a more traditional sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate. Thus, while both switches aim for a rich sound, the material choice for the top housing creates contrasting results between the two.
Examining the bottom housings, both the Bumblebee Linear and Ragdoll utilize nylon, providing them with a uniformity in sound absorption characteristics. Nylon is inherently softer than POM, which allows both switches to produce a deeper and more rounded sound profile, especially at the bottom-out point. This consistency in material choice contributes to a harmonious auditory experience across both switches, as the nylon's ability to absorb sound helps to mitigate unwanted noise while typing. Thus, in terms of bottom housing, the Ragdoll and Bumblebee Linear achieve similar sound characteristics, which is essential for those who prefer a satisfying acoustic response while typing.
In essence, the combination of different top housing materials with similar bottom housings leads to nuanced differences in performance between the Bumblebee Linear and the Ragdoll. The POM top of the Bumblebee Linear creates a more muted sound upon key release, while the nylon top of the Ragdoll enhances the overall fullness of the sound profile. Nevertheless, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and richness during key presses. For users seeking a specific type of sound experience, the choice between these two will ultimately hinge on the preference for the top housing material, but both switches promise a satisfying auditory experience rooted in similar foundational characteristics.
Weight
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll Linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience similar keystrokes in terms of the force required to initiate a keypress. However, the Bumblebee has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Ragdoll’s 52 grams, indicating that the Bumblebee may provide a marginally softer landing when the key is fully pressed down. This difference might appeal to users looking for a light, quick response in their typing or gaming sessions, while the Ragdoll's heavier bottom out force could offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Bumblebee is the lighter option overall thanks to its lower bottom out force, making it more suitable for extended use. In contrast, the Ragdoll holds a slightly heavier disposition, catering to those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Bumblebee Linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find that the Bumblebee Linear features a distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ragdoll measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This makes the Bumblebee the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may cater to users who prefer a more substantial keystroke experience, providing a deeper feel with each press. Consequently, individuals looking for a more responsive typing experience may gravitate towards the Bumblebee, while those who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their switches might opt for the Ragdoll.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Bumblebee Linear comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 Bumblebee Linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, which contributes to a lively auditory experience while typing. This brightness suggests a sharper, more resonant tone compared to many other linear switches. On the other hand, the Ragdoll switch produces a clacky sound, likely due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This clackiness can add a distinct character to the typing experience, making it feel more pronounced compared to the smoother, more subdued auditory feedback of the Bumblebee.
When it comes to feel, the Bumblebee Linear switch is renowned for providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is a crucial element for users seeking effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch, featuring a Y3 stem, also emphasizes smooth travel, suggesting a comfortable and enjoyable typing sensation akin to that of the Bumblebee. This commonality in smoothness implies that both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience, although the Ragdoll may introduce a slightly different tactile response due to its unique construction.
Overall, both the Bumblebee Linear and Ragdoll linear switches offer engaging typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Bumblebee’s bright sound and smooth typing may appeal to those who prioritize a cleaner auditory experience, while the Ragdoll’s clacky sound coupled with smooth travel can attract users looking for a bit of auditory flair along with a comfortable keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between them may come down to personal preference in sound and the desired level of tactile feedback, but users can expect an enjoyable typing experience from either switch.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Bsun Bumblebee Linear and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter keypress with a smooth and bright sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the Bumblebee Linear is an excellent choice. Its 50-gram bottom out force makes it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a less strenuous typing feel, allowing for quick and fluid keystrokes—ideal for fast typists and gamers alike who thrive on speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you desire a slightly firmer keypress with a distinct clacky sound, the Ragdoll switch might be the better option for you. With its 52-gram bottom out force, it offers a medium-light typing experience that provides a bit more feedback, making it suitable for users who want a balance between tactile responsiveness and smooth travel, thanks to its Y3 stem combined with a durable nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value lightness and smoothness or prefer a little more resistance coupled with a unique auditory feedback.
Mentioned in this article
