HMX EMO vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX EMO 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 choice between the HMX EMO and the Bsun Ragdoll offers a delightful exploration of linear switch characteristics. The HMX EMO is renowned for its lively and clacky feel, boasting a feather-light 46g bottom-out force that provides an effortless and bouncy typing experience, enhanced by its exceptional factory lubrication. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a responsive and satisfying keypress without the weight. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll stands out with its Y3 stem, promising smooth travel and a distinctive clacky sound thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This switch is perfect for users who appreciate a mix of acoustic feedback during typing and smooth actuation, creating a unique tactile experience. Both switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch spectrum, making the decision highly dependent on personal taste. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
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
Polycarbonate
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-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX EMO and Bsun Ragdoll feature distinctive housing materials that significantly shape the acoustics and overall typing experience of their respective switches. The EMO utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This outcome results from polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition, which enhances the sound's clarity and resonance. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications, allowing the illumination to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Ragdoll opts for a nylon top housing, which is known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the EMO focuses on a sharper sound with enhanced visual aesthetics for lighting effects, the Ragdoll prioritizes a warmer, more enveloping acoustic feel.
When examining the bottom housings, both the EMO and Ragdoll utilize nylon, leading to some similarities in performance. The nylon bottom housing helps to create a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. This shared characteristic means that both switches will exhibit a consistent lower-end sound quality, regardless of the differences in their top housings. Therefore, while the tactile feedback and sound profile may differ during a key press and release due to the upper layered materials, you can still expect a rich, deep response from the bottom housing common to both models.
The combined effect of these differing top and bottom housings shows how each switch type balances various qualities to create a unique typing experience. For the HMX EMO, the polycarbonate top housing offers a sharp and resonant sound upon release, while the nylon bottom housing emphasizes a full-bodied sound during a key press. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll's soft, rounded top housing eases into a softer sound that complements the nylon bottom housing’s enclosure. Ultimately, while the two switches offer contrasting experiences due to their top housing materials, the nylon bottom housing connects their sound profiles, ensuring that users can find satisfaction across both offerings.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The EMO switch features an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, categorizing it as a light option ideal for prolonged use, making it great for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, positioning it in the medium-light range. This additional weight could provide users with a more substantial typing feel, catering to those who prefer a stronger push-back. Thus, while the EMO is the lighter option, offering a more effortless typing experience, the Ragdoll provides a heavier alternative for those who appreciate added resistance in their switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it is clear that the two switches differ in this aspect. The EMO features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, whereas the Ragdoll has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This places the EMO in the category of shorter travel distances, which can be advantageous for users seeking faster response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Ragdoll, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced feel and depth when pressing a key. Ultimately, while both switches provide their unique characteristics, the EMO offers a quicker actuation, whereas the Ragdoll allows for a more substantial keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO for $2.79.
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 HMX EMO switch delivers a lively, clacky auditory experience that enhances the overall typing satisfaction. This characteristic is complemented by its construction, which allows for a crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is also noted for producing a clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing and Y3 stem design. However, it's important to consider that the sound can heavily depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps, which may slightly alter the auditory characteristics of both switches.
When it comes to feel, the HMX EMO switch stands out with its very light 46g bottom-out force, creating a bouncy and effortless typing experience that many users find satisfying. The exceptional factory lubrication further enhances this smooth motion, allowing for a seamless transition between keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is recognized for its smooth travel due to the Y3 stem, offering a comfortable and fluid typing experience. While both switches promise a pleasant tactile sensation, the EMO’s lighter actuation force may lend itself to a more playful and responsive feel, whereas the Ragdoll provides a consistent, smooth action without the additional bounce.
In conclusion, both the HMX EMO and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches showcase desirable qualities that cater to different user preferences. The EMO excels with its lightweight, bouncy feel and lively sound, while the Ragdoll emphasizes a smooth travel and similarly clacky auditory profile. Ultimately, both switches offer engaging typing experiences, so newcomers may choose based on their preferences for sound and feel, as either choice is likely to provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX EMO linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, consider your typing style and sound preference. If you prefer a more feather-light feel with a lively, bouncy typing experience, the HMX EMO would be an ideal choice, particularly if you often type rapidly or enjoy a lighter keypress that minimizes finger fatigue. Its exceptionally smooth action, complemented by factory lubrication, provides a consistently satisfying performance, making it great for prolonged use or gaming sessions where quick response times are crucial. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bit more resistance and a pleasant, clacky sound profile, the Bsun Ragdoll is likely a better fit. Its medium-light 52g bottom-out force strikes a balance between comfort and control, making it suitable for users who appreciate a tad more feedback with their keystrokes. The Ragdoll’s Y3 stem ensures smooth travel, perfect for those who navigate their keyboard with purpose and prefer a slightly more tactile experience without losing the linear benefits. Overall, your decision should hinge on your preference for actuation force, sound, and the typing feel that enhances your daily use.
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