HMX Cheese vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Cheese and Bsun Ragdoll are two standout linear options, each offering unique attributes tailored to different typing preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a pristine typing experience, delivering a lightweight feel that is lighter than 90% of all switches. Its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature contributes to an engaging and lively typing experience that many users enjoy. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch provides a distinct typing experience with its Y3 stem, ensuring smooth travel and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a notably clacky sound. While the Cheese excels in delivering an ultra-light and crisp feel, the Ragdoll stands out for its robust and resonant auditory feedback. Both switches cater to varying preferences in feel and sound, making them worthy contenders for your keyboard of choice. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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-staged spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon for both their top and bottom switch housings, making them identical in terms of material choice. This commonality in housing material results in a similar auditory experience, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The properties of nylon as a softer plastic facilitate sound absorption, which is instrumental in creating a sound that is duller and rounder compared to switches made from harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a consistent sound signature regardless of whether they are typing on the HMX Cheese or the Bsun Ragdoll, contributing to a satisfying and muted keystroke.
While both switches share the same materials, one unique aspect to consider is how the interaction of the top and bottom housings contributes to the overall typing experience. In cases where the top and bottom housings differ, the resulting sound and feel would be a blend of both materials. However, since both the Cheese and Ragdoll are constructed from nylon, the qualities inherent in the nylon will dominate the sensory feedback during operation. The bottom housing of the switches predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will exhibit a more pronounced effect during the release of a keypress. This fluid transition contributes to a cohesive typing experience across the two models.
In summary, the shared use of nylon in both the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Ragdoll ensures that users will encounter similar tactile and auditory feedback when using either of these switches. The nuances in the typing experience primarily arise from the fundamental characteristics of nylon, which shapes the sound profile and feel during both keypress and release actions. This commonality enhances versatility for users who may switch between these two models, allowing them to enjoy a consistent and engaging typing experience that emphasizes the distinctive sound-absorbing qualities of nylon.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Cheese features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions due to the reduced effort required. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Consequently, users who favor a lighter typing experience may prefer the Cheese switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might lean towards the Ragdoll. In summary, with the Cheese switch being lighter overall, it provides a more effortless typing experience compared to the Ragdoll, which offers a slightly stronger push for those who appreciate a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Cheese switch offers a shorter travel distance than the Ragdoll. For users looking for quicker response times, the shorter distance of the Cheese switch may appeal more, aligning with the trend of gamers preferring faster actuation. Conversely, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel, with the Cheese being the more responsive option and the Ragdoll offering a heartier depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.99.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch produces a distinctive aural quality that is characterized by a clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This makes it quite appealing for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a similar clacky sound that is influenced by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This choice of material contributes to its acoustic profile, resulting in a sound that's not only pleasing but also enhances the overall tactile experience. It's essential to remember that the final sound produced by any switch will also depend on the keyboard's construction and the chosen keycaps.
When considering the feel of these switches, the HMX Cheese excels in delivering a notably smooth typing experience, which is a hallmark of its ultra-light design; it is lighter than 90% of most switches on the market. This allows for a highly enjoyable and effortless keystroke, perfect for extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll switch also focuses on smooth travel, thanks to its Y3 stem design. This design aims to provide a frictionless motion throughout the keypress, though it doesn’t explicitly emphasize lightness as the Cheese does. Users of both switches can expect quality in terms of smoothness, but the distinctly ultra-light nature of the Cheese makes it unique in that regard.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches offer their own attractive features that could cater to different preferences. The Cheese provides an unparalleled smoothness and a distinctive clacky sound, along with its ultra-lightweight design contributing to a more effortless keystroke experience. The Ragdoll also presents a nice clack and smooth travel with its nylon-fiberglass housing and Y3 stem. While they share some qualities, notably in their pleasant sound profiles, they diverge in their overall tactile experience, making them both worthy of consideration depending on whether you're seeking a lighter feel or a specific acoustic quality. Ultimately, users will find both options to offer satisfying results, appealing to different typing preferences within the linear switch category.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor an ultra-light typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 46 grams, the Cheese switch is likely your best option. Its unparalleled smoothness, combined with a satisfying clacky, poppy sound signature, makes it perfect for those who enjoy a delightful auditory feedback while typing or gaming at a rapid pace. Moreover, if you prioritize an effortless keystroke, the Cheese will cater to your desire for a light touch, making it ideal for those long typing sessions or fast-paced gaming where speed is essential.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Ragdoll could be your go-to choice. Its medium-light activation strikes a balance between sensitivity and resistance, which can help provide that extra bit of feedback for typing accuracy. The Y3 stem contributes to its smooth travel, coupled with a nylon-fiberglass housing that offers a distinct clacky sound. This makes the Ragdoll suitable for users who appreciate a tactile experience without sacrificing smoothness. In essence, if you seek a more grounded typing feel, the Ragdoll switch will serve you well. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you attach more importance to a feather-light touch and vibrant sound or a well-rounded, balanced experience.
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