Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches for your gaming or typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are designed for gamers seeking rapid response times, boasting a travel distance of just 3.4mm, allowing for swift actuation that can make a significant difference in competitive play. Their vibrant RGB lighting paired with a medium-high pitch sound profile enhances the visual and auditory experience, making them an excellent value for budget-conscious gamers. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll offers a unique feel with its Y3 stem, designed for smooth travel, coupled with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize typing comfort along with auditory feedback. While both switches present benefits centered around their linear characteristics, they cater to different user preferences. 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
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll use distinctly different materials for their top housings, which fundamentally affects their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched sound when a key is released. This translucency of polycarbonate enhances its aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is considered, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch. In contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, a material that offers a more muted and rounded sound profile due to its softer composition. The deeper tonal quality of the Ragdoll’s nylon top diminishes the sharpness typical of polycarbonate, providing a more subdued auditory experience that appeals to those preferring a softer key release sound.
When examining the bottom housings of the switches, it becomes evident that both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Ragdoll lean towards a nylon material. This consistency results in a similar auditory experience regarding the bottom-out sound; both switches offer a deeper, fuller sound when a key is fully pressed. The use of nylon, known for absorbing sound due to its softer nature, contributes to a rounder acoustic signature that can enhance the overall tactile experience. This commonality implies that users can expect a satisfying bottom-out feel and sound from either switch, as the material used for the bottom housing plays a significant role in these aspects.
While the top housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll diverge, their matching nylon bottom housings create a similar foundation for sound and feel. Consequently, users may find that the switch experience is well-rounded across both models, despite the differences in the top housing's acoustical characteristics. In essence, if you prioritize a sharper sound with the G Pro 3.0 Silver or a rounder sound with the Ragdoll, the common nylon bottom housing ensures a robust and satisfying tactile experience regardless of the switch preference. Thus, while the two switches exhibit contrasting features, the nylon bottom housing provides a harmonizing element that can lead to comparable satisfaction during typing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will provide a similar keystroke experience in terms of triggering a response. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly; the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Ragdoll reaches a slightly higher bottom out force of 52 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 slightly lighter overall compared to the Bsun Ragdoll, which is categorized as medium-light. Users who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel when bottoming out may find the Ragdoll to their liking. Thus, while both switches trigger at the same force, the difference in bottom out forces could influence personal preference based on typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Ragdoll boasts a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. For those who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Silver may appeal more, particularly to gamers who thrive on speed. In contrast, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may deliver a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for its comforting depth. Therefore, if you're seeking a faster response, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the better choice, while the Ragdoll is ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, the G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out with its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky characteristics. These switches create a deep, rich auditory experience that can enhance your overall typing or gaming sessions. The sound is akin to a satisfying "thud" when pressed, providing a more immersive feel, especially during gaming. Conversely, details regarding the sound profile of the Ragdoll switch remain unspecified, leaving uncertainty about how it might compare sonically. That said, one should remember that the keyboard’s material, keycap choice, and assembly can heavily influence how each switch sounds in practice.
In terms of tactile feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches deliver an exceptionally smooth experience characterized by a buttery and creamy sensation. This silky typing experience allows for effortless gliding across the keys, giving users confidence during fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions. The Ragdoll switch, however, does not provide specific information regarding its feel. Consequently, the tactile feedback remains a mystery, making it difficult to gauge how it might stack up against the buttery smoothness of the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches offer a well-rounded experience with their deep sound profile and buttery feel, making them ideal for gamers looking for fast responsiveness alongside auditory satisfaction. While the Ragdoll switch lacks defined qualities in both sound and feel, it may still hold potential depending on its construction, which includes a focus on smooth travel. Ultimately, if you desire a consistent and enjoyable experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver stands as a solid choice, while the Ragdoll's undefined characteristics leave room for further exploration.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily focused on gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is an excellent choice. Its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and shorter travel distance of 3.4mm ensure snappy and responsive keystrokes that can give you an edge in competitive scenarios. Additionally, the satisfying thocky sound profile adds an engaging auditory experience to your gaming sessions, while its buttery feel makes for an enjoyable typing experience as well. On the other hand, if you're seeking a balance between gaming and typing, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its slightly higher bottom-out force of 52 grams, may be more suitable. While it still offers smooth travel, the clacky sound produced by its nylon-fiberglass housing can be appealing for those who enjoy a bit of acoustical feedback while typing. This switch caters to users who appreciate a combination of a tactile response and an engaging auditory experience. Ultimately, consider whether your focus is on competitive gaming or a well-rounded typing experience to make the best choice between these two exceptional switches.
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