Gateron Glory Red vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Ragdoll present distinct options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force, providing a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, making it an excellent choice for those who favor rapid typing and a gentle touch. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch stands out with its Y3 stem, engineered for fluid travel, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a distinctive clacky sound—ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Both switches embody the characteristics of linear switches, ensuring a consistent keypress without tactile bumps, yet they each offer unique traits that may appeal to different users. Ultimately, selecting the right switch can greatly influence your overall typing experience; 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
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
POK
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red and the Bsun Ragdoll switches are strikingly similar, with both utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic is advantageous for users seeking a more subdued acoustic experience, as the nylon effectively absorbs sound, thereby producing a duller and rounder auditory profile. Given that both switches feature nylon construction, they will likely yield comparable auditory outcomes, enhancing the typing experience through a harmonious integration of sound and feel.
When comparing the specificities of the housings, it’s important to highlight that both switches employ nylon in an identical manner, meaning that any subtle differences in switch performance are likely to stem from other factors such as the switch design, stem configuration, or actuation forces rather than the materials themselves. Because both the Gateron Glory Red and Bsun Ragdoll switches employ nylon in both the top and bottom housings, users can expect a consistent sound quality characterized by minimal noise and a smooth keystroke, regardless of which switch they choose. The uniformity of the nylon material leads to a sense of predictability in the switch's behavior, enhancing user satisfaction for those who prioritize sound dampening.
In practical terms, the impact of the housing on the typing experience can be dissected based on the way each switch is constructed. In both the Glory Red and Ragdoll, the quality of the nylon housing contributes to the overall sound and feel of each switch, with the bottom housing playing a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the release sound. Since both switches are made of the same material, the user experience will likely remain consistent, allowing enthusiasts to select either option without worrying about fundamental disparities in sound or feel. Thus, whether opting for the Gateron Glory Red or the Bsun Ragdoll, users can anticipate a pleasing and harmonious typing experience driven by the classic nylon material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both offer an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a consistent typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, the key difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Ragdoll featuring a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable. This indicates that the Ragdoll switch requires more force to completely bottom out, making it the heavier option overall. Consequently, users who enjoy a softer typing experience may favor the Gateron Glory Red, as it allows for longer typing sessions with less strain. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial feel may opt for the heavier Bsun Ragdoll switch due to its increased bottom out resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Glory Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ragdoll measures at 3.8 mm. This makes the Glory Red the shorter option, ideal for gamers who favor quicker response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance of 3.8 mm provides a more pronounced depth, potentially offering a more satisfying keystroke experience for those who appreciate a greater tactile feedback. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences—whether for speed or comfort—their travel distances highlight the distinct characteristics that can influence a user's keyboard experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 Gateron Glory Red linear switch is noted for its relatively quiet operation, contributing to a more subdued typing experience. This is advantageous in shared workspaces or quiet environments where noise can be disruptive. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch provides a clackier sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which can create a more pronounced acoustic profile. The sound characteristics of both switches can vary based on other factors, such as the type of keyboard they are paired with and the keycaps used, meaning that users may experience unique auditory qualities in different setups.
Regarding feel, the Glory Red switches are celebrated for their smooth keystrokes and a pleasing travel distance, making them ideal for typing and gaming alike. This smoothness allows for a very enjoyable experience overall, contributing to reduced finger fatigue during extended usage. The Ragdoll linear switch, featuring a Y3 stem, also prides itself on smooth travel, ensuring a consistent and pleasurable tactile experience. Both switches aim to offer a seamless feel, but the differing materials and designs might evoke slightly varied sensations in practice.
In conclusion, the Gateron Glory Red and BSUN Ragdoll linear switches both cater to users seeking smooth keystrokes, yet they diverge in sound profile, with the Glory Red being quieter and the Ragdoll delivering a clackier sound. Depending on your preferences for auditory feedback and overall typing experience, choosing between the two will depend on the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and whether you prioritize a subdued or more noticeable typing sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between Gateron Glory Red linear switches and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, your choice will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as the typing experience you seek. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a lighter keystroke, the Gateron Glory Red switch may be the better option for you, as it offers a pleasing travel distance and a delightful, light touch that makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more resistance and the tactile feedback of a medium-light bottom-out force, the Bsun Ragdoll could be the switch for you. Its Y3 stem design contributes to smooth travel, while the nylon-fiberglass housing creates a distinctive clacky sound that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, so consider what matters most to you—lightness and smoothness or medium resistance with a unique sound—before making your final decision.
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