Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Ragdoll offer appealing characteristics for different types of users. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly design and smooth typing experience, thanks to a medium-light actuation force that ensures both responsiveness and comfort. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists alike who appreciate aesthetics. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll stands out with its unique Y3 stem that enables fluid key travel coupled with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a distinct clacky sound, appealing to those looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. While both switches cater to linear-switch enthusiasts, their individual qualities make them suitable for diverse preferences and needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Ragdoll switches utilize different top housing materials that distinctly influence their auditory and tactile experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for clearer resonances, making it particularly suitable for setups with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ragdoll employs a nylon top housing that generates a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature tends to absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder acoustic character. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top fosters a more vibrant soundscape, the Ragdoll's nylon top promotes a richer acoustic experience, catering to different auditory preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Moving to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Ragdoll utilize nylon, which provides a uniform auditory experience in this component. Since nylon is a classic choice for switch bottoms, it imbues both switches with a deeper and fuller sound profile during usage. The softness of the nylon material absorbs sound effectively, dampening harshness and contributing to a more comfortable typing or gaming experience. Therefore, in terms of bottom-out sound and feel, the similar material choice leads to a convergence in their performance, enabling users of both switches to enjoy a consistent auditory experience, regardless of the variation in the top housing.
In summary, the contrasts between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Ragdoll in terms of their switch materials create a nuanced difference in sound that is split between the top and bottom housings. While the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its polycarbonate top, offers a crisper sound profile, the Ragdoll's nylon top engages users with a warmer, fuller tone. However, both switches benefit from the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar auditory outcome that enhances the overall typing experience. Users can expect distinctive sound profiles when the keys are pressed down and released, allowing for unique tactile experiences that cater to both preferences in keyboard design and sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we observe notable similarities and a few key differences in their force characteristics. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience similar keystroke activation with either switch, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out forces differ slightly; the G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom-out force of 50 grams, whereas the Ragdoll requires a bit more effort at 52 grams. This indicates that while both switches start with the same light push feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a less forceful resistance when pressed all the way down, making it the lighter option overall. The Bsun Ragdoll, with its slightly heavier bottom-out force, may cater to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch for extended use might favor the G Pro 3.0, while those who enjoy a firmer response may lean toward the Ragdoll.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit different travel distances, with the G Pro 3.0 Red measuring 4 mm and the Ragdoll at 3.8 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Red the longer travel option, offering a more substantial depth that some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. Conversely, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Ragdoll aligns well with the recent trend favoring quicker response times, which is particularly appealing to gamers seeking a more agile key press. While both switches provide relatively smooth linear action, the difference in travel distances indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Red may give a more robust feel, while the Ragdoll could create a more immediate and less abrupt key response. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on user preference for depth versus speed in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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
When considering the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is characterized by a neutral sound, which makes it suitable for various settings, whether at home or in the office. This moderate sound profile allows for a pleasant auditory experience that won't be distracting to others nearby. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is noted to produce a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This difference in sound can greatly influence the overall typing ambiance; if you prefer a switch that maintains a more subdued noise level, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be preferable, while those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback may lean towards the Ragdoll.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a creamy and silky typing experience, contributing to a smooth and effortless keystroke. This switch is designed for comfort, with its mild actuation force making it easy to use over prolonged periods without fatigue. The combination of being polished and creamy allows for a refined sensation, enabling typists to glide their fingers across the keys seamlessly. Unfortunately, the feel of the Ragdoll switch is not explicitly detailed, but the unique materials used in its construction suggest a focus on smooth travel, potentially differing from the buttery experience of the G Pro 3.0 Red.
In summary, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches cater to different tastes, they offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red excels in providing a smooth and balanced typing feel along with a neutral sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking versatility in their keyboard usage. On the other hand, the Ragdoll caters to enthusiasts looking for a more distinct sound profile with potentially different tactile characteristics. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a quieter, more refined experience or a more pronounced auditory aspect in your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a smooth, creamy, and polished typing experience with a light bottom-out force of 50 grams, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. It's particularly well-suited for both typing and gaming, making it a versatile option for newcomers who appreciate vibrant RGB lighting effects and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you desire a slightly firmer feel with a bottom-out force of 52 grams and a unique clacky sound, you may prefer the Ragdoll switch. Its Y3 stem ensures smooth travel, which could enhance your typing enjoyment, especially if you are looking for a switch that stands out in terms of sound. Thus, consider your priorities—whether it be responsiveness and aesthetics or sound and mechanical feedback—when deciding between these two linear switches.
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