Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll stand out as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence, delivering a unique typing experience characterized by a higher-pitched clacky sound and a pleasantly bouncy feel. This switch caters to those who appreciate a polished touch and resonant sound profile without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, offers remarkably smooth travel and a distinct clacky sound that may appeal to users looking for superior tactile feedback. While both switches fall into the linear category, their design differences translate to varied auditory and physical sensations, making each switch worth considering based on personal preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll exhibit significant differences in their housing materials, which directly influence their acoustic profiles and tactile feedback. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp and crisp sound characteristics. This is attributed to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which allows for a clearer resonance when the key is pressed. The translucence of the polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate dynamic lighting effects on their keyboards. In contrast, the Ragdoll employs nylon for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience when typing.
Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which adds an interesting layer of similarity between the two. The nylon bottom housing in both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Ragdoll equally contributes to a deeper sound profile. The qualities of the bottom housing are predominantly felt during the bottoming-out phase, as it has a more significant impact on the resistance and feel when the key presses down fully. Here, the Ragdoll's nylon bottom match the G Pro 3.0 Yellow’s bottom characteristics, both reinforcing the deep and full sound that defines the typing experience. As a result, both switches share a common auditory foundation due to this similarity in bottom housing material.
When comparing the overall experiences provided by these two switches, the contrasting top housings create a dichotomy in sound profiles. Users of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow can expect a more piercing and sharp sound upon releasing keys, attributable to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Ragdoll will provide a warmer and subdued sound when main actions are engaged. The unique properties of the materials result in profoundly different acoustic experiences—one leaning towards brightness and clarity, and the other towards warmth and softness. Thus, while there is overlap in the bottom housing material, it is the distinct characteristics of the top housings that set these two switches apart, resulting in notable differences in user experience despite the shared aspects of nylon.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch, whereas the Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires more effort to actuate and bottom out compared to the Ragdoll. The lighter force of the Ragdoll may appeal to users looking for a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended periods of use without fatigue. Conversely, enthusiasts who prefer a more substantial feel during typing may favor the heavier G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Ultimately, this comparison highlights how the choice between these two switches can significantly affect the overall typing and gaming experience based on individual preferences for force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more pronounced keypress, appealing to users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Ragdoll's shorter travel distance may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, which can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. While both switches fall within the realm of linear switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more substantial travel distance, making it ideal for those who appreciate a fuller key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow as the longer option and the Ragdoll as the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is characterized by a higher-pitched clacky sound that exudes both sharpness and clarity. This resonant quality contributes to an immersive typing experience, making each keystroke feel crisp and pronounced. In contrast, while specific details about the sound profile of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch are not provided in the information, it is noted to emit a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. Therefore, while both switches feature a clacky sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its distinctive higher-pitched resonance, which sets it apart.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow boasts a polished, sleek typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the switch minimizes friction, allowing for effortless key travel and a bouncy typing sensation that many users find appealing. On the other hand, although the Bsun Ragdoll’s feel is not described in detail, it features a Y3 stem designed for smooth travel, suggesting a focus on providing a seamless keystroke experience. While both switches likely offer a smooth typing experience, the specific nuances in their tactile feedback remain unclear.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches exhibit clacky sound profiles, with the former providing a distinctive high-pitched quality. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its polished feel, enhancing the overall typing experience, while the Ragdoll emphasizes smooth travel through its Y3 stem. While you can expect satisfying results from each switch, the specific auditory and tactile characteristics will vary, making the G Pro 3.0 Yellow stand out in its clarity and refined feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the BSUN Ragdoll linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel and enjoy a higher-pitched, resonant sound while typing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is likely your best option. Its polished finish ensures a smooth typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and heavy typing sessions where you prefer a bit of bounce. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch, favoring a softer actuation with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Ragdoll linear switch will serve you well. It offers a smooth travel experience with its Y3 stem, coupled with a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, perfect for those who enjoy a more casual typing experience or want a quieter yet still engaging auditory response. Ultimately, both switches shine in their respective categories, making it essential to consider your specific needs when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
