Dareu Dream vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Dream and the Bsun Ragdoll are two compelling options. The Dareu Dream is celebrated for its lightweight feel and affordability, making it an ideal choice for keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize both comfort and budget-friendliness. Its easy-to-press design offers a satisfying clacky sound that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem that ensures exceptionally smooth key travel, while its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to its signature clacky sound, appealing to users who favor a responsive and engaging typing experience. While both switches offer a linear feel that eschews tactile bumps, each brings unique characteristics to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Dareu Dream and the Bsun Ragdoll present distinct sonic characteristics due to their differing top housing materials. The Dareu Dream boasts a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This rigidity enables a more resonant sound, especially beneficial for users that value clarity, particularly in an RGB lighting setup where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances illumination effects. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a sound profile that is duller and rounder. Consequently, the experience of typing on the Dareu Dream tends to offer a more precise auditory feedback, while the Bsun Ragdoll may provide a more subdued but satisfying auditory experience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, a significant similarity arises. Both the Dareu Dream and Bsun Ragdoll feature nylon bottom housings, reinforcing the classic attributes that nylon brings to switch design. This commonality results in a deeper sound profile characterized by a sound-absorbing quality that delivers a rounder typing experience. Since the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches share a similar tactile feedback when pressed down, which contributes to a consistent experience across both models despite their differing top housing materials.
Ultimately, the sound profiles of these switches are split between their top and bottom housings, highlighting the importance of material choice in switch design. While the Dareu Dream's polycarbonate top allows for a crisper release sound, the nylon bottom provides a fulfilling depth to the overall typing experience. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll's nylon top softens the attack while still enhancing the sound characteristics with its nylon bottom. Together, they demonstrate how varying materials contribute to distinct auditory experiences, yet both switches can deliver enjoyable typing results through the shared properties of nylon in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Dream switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort to engage. However, its bottom out force remains unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating a heavier feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. This bottom out force of the Ragdoll provides a definitive tactile feedback when pressed all the way down. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter and potentially more comfortable option for extended use, the Dareu Dream may be the better choice. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer push with feedback, the Bsun Ragdoll is likely to satisfy that preference. Overall, while the Dream is lighter in actuation force, the Ragdoll offers a heavier and more defined bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find notable differences that cater to diverse preferences among users. The Dareu Dream has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, which offers a more substantial keypress feel that many may appreciate for its depth. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, appealing to those seeking quicker response times, particularly favored by gamers. While both switches aim to enhance the typing or gaming experience, the Dream's 4 mm travel provides a more pronounced tactile experience, whereas the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm distance allows for a snappier response. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer the hearty depth of a longer travel or the responsiveness of a shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Dream has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dream for $3.76.
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 Dareu Dream switches produce a clacky sound characterized by a sharp and snappy quality, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback with each key press. This can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy an audible confirmation of their actions. The BSUN Ragdoll linear switch does not have a specified sound profile in this context, but it incorporates a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing which may contribute to differing acoustic qualities. Therefore, while the Dream provides a distinctly clacky sound, we cannot definitively characterize the Ragdoll’s sound without further information.
When assessing the feel of the switches, the Dream linear switch is noted for its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal force for activation, making typing feel effortless and significantly reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. The smoothness and light actuation allow for a gentle typing experience, while its mild characteristics make it approachable for a wide range of users. Conversely, the feel of the Ragdoll linear switch is currently unspecified, leaving a gap in direct comparison for this aspect. However, it’s plausible that the Ragdoll may share some characteristics typical of linear switches.
In summary, the Dareu Dream switch stands out with its clacky sound and an easy-to-press feel that caters to both affordability and quality, making it suitable for typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll’s specifics on sound and feel remain unclear, which would be crucial for making a complete evaluation. If you're seeking a quality linear switch with audible feedback, the Dream is a strong contender, while the Ragdoll's performance would require more information to fully assess its standing in comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Dareu Dream linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch hinges largely on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter keypress that allows for quick and effortless typing, perhaps for long sessions of writing or gaming, the Dream switch offers an easy-to-press feel with minimal resistance while delivering a clacky sound that could enhance your auditory experience. Its appealing price point makes it an excellent option for newcomers seeking quality without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more feedback in your typing experience and prefer a switch that balances a medium-light bottom-out force with smooth travel, the Ragdoll might be your ideal choice. Its unique Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass construction provide a different tactile sensation, although it leans towards a more neutral sound profile compared to the Dream. Ultimately, whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both, understanding the characteristics of each switch will guide you in choosing the right one to enhance your typing enjoyment.
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