TTC Gold Brown vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between tactile and linear switches can significantly affect your typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown switch is celebrated for its balanced feel, offering a subtle tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overly harsh. This switch strikes a harmonious balance with a moderate actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a bit of texture while typing or gaming, paired with a rounded sound profile that remains relatively quiet. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch boasts a remarkably smooth keystroke thanks to its Y3 stem, which ensures seamless travel from actuation to bottoming out. Its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing produces a clacky sound that can be appealing for those seeking a noisier switch experience. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to individual preference: if you enjoy tactile feedback with a subdued acoustic signature, the Gold Brown is likely the switch for you; however, if you prefer the uninterrupted glide of a linear switch with a lively sound, the Ragdoll may be more to your liking. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and Bsun Ragdoll switches, notable distinctions arise between the top and bottom housings. The Gold Brown switch utilizes a polycarbonate material for its top housing, which enhances the sound profile by producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's stiffer nature that promotes clearer resonance and is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, given its translucency. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll employs nylon for its top housing, a classic switch material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory quality. As such, the Gold Brown's sharper sound versus the Ragdoll's full-bodied sound presents a clear contrast in the user experience, especially when utilizing RGB features.
Both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, indicating a shared quality in the tactile sensation and sound absorption characteristics. With both the Gold Brown and Ragdoll utilizing nylon for this component, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile when bottoming out the switches. This results from nylon's inherent ability to absorb sound and mitigate harshness, offering a more muted auditory experience. Given that both switches maintain this commonality in their bottom housing, the bottom-out feel and overall sound quality during keystrokes will be similarly robust, regardless of the variations in their top housing materials.
In summary, the housing materials of these two switches create a unique sound profile influenced by their respective designs. While the TTC Gold Brown's polycarbonate top enables a bright and clear audio experience, the Bsun Ragdoll's nylon top generates a warmer, more rounded sound. However, both switches converge on the use of nylon at the bottom housing, yielding a consistent and rich tactile sensation. This shared feature ensures that despite their variances, users of either switch can expect an engaging and satisfying bottom-out experience, showcasing how distinct material choices can harmoniously coexist within the same product family.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch with a 55-gram actuation force and a 63-gram bottom out force to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, we see a distinct difference in their weight profiles. The Gold Brown's medium actuation force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a heavier feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Ragdoll's medium-light actuation and bottom out forces make it preferable for extended typing sessions, offering less strain on the fingers. Consequently, if you're looking for a lighter switch for long periods of use, the Ragdoll is the better choice, while the Gold Brown may suit those who enjoy the feel of a heavier keypress. Overall, if you're aiming for a lighter touch and a comfortably responsive design, the Ragdoll would provide the desired results, whereas the Gold Brown would cater to users who favor a more tactile and weighty experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it's clear that there is a difference in this crucial characteristic. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll is slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This means that for those who favor a more traditional and deeper keystroke experience, the Gold Brown may be the better option due to its longer travel distance. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll’s shorter 3.8 mm travel could cater to users looking for a quicker response time, making it a potentially preferable choice for gamers who value rapid key actuations. Thus, while both switches have their own merits, the Gold Brown offers a more pronounced keystroke, whereas the Ragdoll is designed for more immediate responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a rounded and softer sound profile that is notably more subdued compared to more traditional, louder mechanical switches. The neutral sound allows it to fit well in various environments, whether you're working in an office or typing at home, providing a balance that won't disrupt others nearby. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass housing, which can provide an engaging auditory experience but may be less suitable for quiet settings. While the Gold Brown’s sound performance is oriented towards a more muted palette, the Ragdoll stretches toward a more pronounced auditory character, though the choice of board and keycaps can additionally influence both switches' acoustic profiles.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch excels in delivering a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. It encapsulates a gentle tactile bump that does not overpower the overall sensation, making it approachable for all typists. The tactile feedback is accentuated yet remains refined, allowing for fluid and smooth keypresses without any harshness. Conversely, the feel characteristics of the Bsun Ragdoll are largely unknown, leaving room for speculation regarding its smoothness or tactility. However, linear switches typically aim for an uninterrupted keystroke, suggesting a focus on seamless travel that might contrast with the tactile experience of the Gold Brown.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gold Brown stands out for its balanced auditory experience and gentle tactile feedback, making it suitable for a variety of users and environments. In contrast, the Ragdoll's clacky sound hints at a more lively typing session, though its tactile characteristics remain to be fully explored. Ultimately, if you're drawn to a richer auditory feedback experience, the Ragdoll might be your choice, whereas the Gold Brown would serve those seeking a more moderated, balanced encounter.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you wish to cultivate. If you value a balanced feel with a satisfying tactile bump, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium actuation force of 63 grams provides a sense of weightiness that enhances both typing and gaming experiences. This makes it suitable for a variety of settings, whether you’re in a professional environment or at home, as it offers a soft but present sound profile that won't disturb others around you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter keypress, the Bsun Ragdoll with its 52-gram bottom-out force might be the switch for you. The linear design is perfect for those who enjoy a seamless typing experience without the tactile feedback of a bump, making it an ideal option for gaming where quick key presses are essential. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in feel, sound, and the type of work or gaming you engage in.