Huano Elf vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can greatly influence your overall typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Elf and the Bsun Ragdoll, both of which are linear switches. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing that enhances acoustics, delivering a deep sound signature paired with a medium-light feel that many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll features a Y3 stem, known for its exceptionally smooth travel, and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to a distinct clacky sound. While the Elf caters to those who appreciate a richer auditory experience with a balanced tactile sensation, the Ragdoll appeals to users who prioritize a softer keystroke combined with an engaging auditory feedback. Ultimately, the decision rests on your preferences for sound and feel, but 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Elf and the Bsun Ragdoll, a distinct difference emerges between their top housings. The Elf utilizes a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, which is renowned for its smoothness, durability, and strength. With a coefficient of friction of 0.04, POK provides a slightly slicker feel than the Ragdoll's nylon top housing, which has a higher friction coefficient of 0.03. While both types of materials promote longevity, POK excels in wear resistance, being 14 times stronger than POM and providing superior shock resistance compared to both Nylon and POM. This results in a unique tactile experience during typing, characterized by smooth, clacky sounds that offer a different auditory and physical feedback compared to the Ragdoll's softer nylon top.
In contrast, both the Huano Elf and Bsun Ragdoll share a commonality in their bottom housing, as they both utilize nylon. This consistency in material choice significantly affects the sound profile produced by both switches. Nylon, known for its softness, absorbs greater sound frequencies due to its pliable nature. Consequently, both switches exhibit a deeper and fuller sound that provides a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Since the bottom housing heavily influences the bottom-out feel and sound, the use of nylon allows users of both switches to enjoy similar acoustic characteristics, diverging from the POK top's sharper notes.
Overall, while the Elf and Ragdoll switches diverge in their top housing materials, they converge on the bottom housing with the use of nylon. This blend creates a unique experience depending on which aspect of the switch users prioritize. For the Huano Elf, the POK material at the top enhances smoothness and durability, while the nylon bottom enriches the auditory experience. Conversely, the Ragdoll allows for an entirely nylon experience, in both top and bottom housings, resulting in a softer typing experience overall. This duality in material choice accentuates the differentiating factors between the switches while establishing a cohesive auditory output attributed to the shared properties of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the key difference lies in their actuation forces and the available information on their bottom out forces. The Elf has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams, while the Ragdoll requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. This indicates that the Elf may be more suitable for users who prefer a switch that enables prolonged use with less effort, making it ideal for extensive typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ragdoll, with its heavier actuation force, provides a more substantial feel, catering to those who favor a stronger push. While the bottom out force of the Elf is unknown, the Ragdoll's bottom out force is specified at 52 grams, which is considered medium-light. Therefore, users seeking a lighter typing experience should opt for the Huano Elf, while those who desire a bit more resistance and a heavier feel should consider the Bsun Ragdoll.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Elf switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ragdoll switch travels slightly farther at 3.8 mm. Consequently, for gamers or users who value rapid response times and more reactive typing experiences, the shorter travel distance of the Elf may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a deeper feel, the longer travel distance of the Ragdoll could be advantageous. Overall, whether you opt for the Elf or the Ragdoll will depend on your personal preference for typing depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature attributed to its POK top housing, which is designed to enhance acoustics. This results in a rich auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offers a clackier sound profile, thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contributes to its distinct acoustic properties. While both switches provide unique auditory experiences, the differences in sound signature stem from their distinct constructions and designs.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch provides a medium-light resistance, resulting in a typing experience that balances ease of use with tactile feedback. This makes it approachable for those who may be new to mechanical keyboards. The Ragdoll switch, featuring a Y3 stem, is noted for its smooth travel, which can lend a sense of fluidity to each keystroke. The differing feelings between the two switches cater to varying preferences, with the Elf emphasizing a balanced, lighter touch, while the Ragdoll prioritizes a smoother action.
In summary, the Huano Elf linear switch is great for those seeking a satisfying typing experience with a deep sound and light tactile feedback, while the Bsun Ragdoll offers a clackier sound paired with smooth keystrokes. Depending on what auditory and tactile qualities you prioritize, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, and you'll likely find similar results in regard to sound and feel within their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, your choice should hinge on your personal preferences and typing style. If you seek a lighter feel with an enhanced acoustic profile, the Elf switch may be the optimal choice for you. It offers a medium-light feel due to its unique design, resulting in a deep sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. This makes it particularly appealing for those who prioritize quiet but satisfying keystrokes while typing or gaming for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer tactile experience with more resistance, the Ragdoll switch would be more suited to your needs. It provides a medium-light bottom-out force and is known for its smooth travel and a clacky sound profile, making it a joy for gamers and typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you favor the Elf’s acoustic richness and lightweight feel or the Ragdoll's balanced resistance and satisfying clack.
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