TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll present two compelling yet distinct options for users seeking a linear switch experience. The TTC Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, providing an effortlessly smooth typing experience that caters to a broad spectrum of preferences. It boasts a neutral sound profile that suits various environments, whether you're deep in an intense gaming session, engaged in focused office work, or enjoying casual typing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll shines for its unique design featuring a Y3 stem, which facilitates a smooth travel experience, complemented by a nylon-fiberglass housing that adds a distinct clacky sound to each keystroke. While the Gold Red Pro leans towards a more muted auditory performance, the Ragdoll offers a lively acoustic characteristic that enhances the typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths, making them appealing for different types of users. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll exhibit significant differences, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness and translucency. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, making it especially suitable for RGB lighting applications. In contrast, the Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb sound rather than reflect it. Consequently, the Ragdoll's top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, creating a more muted auditory experience. This fundamental difference in the top housing material not only affects the sound profile but also the overall aesthetic when incorporating lighting effects.
While the top housings differ, both the Gold Red Pro and the Ragdoll share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This similarity allows for certain acoustic qualities to remain consistent between the two switches. Nylon's ability to absorb sound results in a deeper, rounder sound profile that is noted in both models. When pressed, users experience a similar feel and sound due to the nylon bottom housing, which plays a pivotal role in the switch's bottom-out sound and overall tactile feedback. This shared characteristic ensures that, despite the varied experiences during key release, the fundamental typing experience during actuation remains pleasant and consistent.
In summary, while the Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Ragdoll utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings—polycarbonate for a crisp sound versus nylon for a fuller sound—their bottom housings unify their auditory characteristics. Although the top housing significantly influences the sound emitted during the release of the key, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches project a rich and satisfying acoustic profile when actuated. This balance in materials highlights a unique interplay between the sharper, more vibrant effects of the Gold Red Pro and the warmer, rounder tones of the Ragdoll, allowing users to choose a switch that aligns with their personal preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch present a comparison of actuation forces that reflects their intended user experiences. The Gold Red Pro requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Ragdoll's actuation force is slightly heavier at 45 grams. This slight difference suggests that the Ragdoll may provide a more substantial typing feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile experience. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its bottoming out feel. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a defined bottom out force of 52 grams, described as medium-light, indicating that it requires a more considerable force to achieve a full key press compared to the Gold Red Pro. Therefore, while the Gold Red Pro is the lighter option with its lower actuation force, the Ragdoll's heavier actuation and known bottom out force cater to those who prefer a sturdier typing experience. For users prioritizing longer typing sessions, the lighter Gold Red Pro may be more suitable, whereas those seeking a more substantial feel would benefit from the Ragdoll.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.8 mm, indicating that they have identical distances from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity means that users can expect comparable results in terms of key response and feel when using either switch. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will perform similarly during typing and gaming, offering a consistent experience across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch stands out with a neutral sound signature, characterized as thocky and low-pitched. This means it produces a soft "thud" upon actuation, creating a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud. This versatility makes it suitable for any environment, whether you're at home or in a crowded office setting. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is noted for its clacky sound, although specifics about its sound profile in relation to the Gold Red Pro aren't provided. Therefore, if sound is a primary concern, it's recommended to consider the surroundings in which the switches will be used, as the Ragdoll might introduce more noticeable sound variations.
Regarding feel, the Gold Red Pro offers an exceptionally polished and silky typing experience, making it a joy to type on. With its mild and subtle characteristics, users can expect a gentle resistance that eases the transition between key presses, allowing for a smooth flow during both fast and slow typing. On the other hand, details about the feel of the Ragdoll switch remain absent, leaving its typing experience somewhat of an unknown. This could be a deciding factor for users looking for consistency in their tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a polished, neutral, and versatile option for a wide range of typing activities. While the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch does provide a distinct clacky sound, its overall characteristics lack detailed subjective qualities for a complete comparison. If sound and feel are paramount, the Gold Red Pro is the safer choice, particularly if you value a smooth and balanced typing experience. The qualities of the Gold Red Pro may yield more familiar results for the average user, while the Ragdoll may be better suited for those seeking a different auditory experience despite its unclear tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, consider your specific typing and gaming needs. If you prioritize a smooth, polished, and versatile experience, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent choice. It caters well to a variety of environments, offering a mild feel that's pleasant for long typing sessions, along with a neutral sound signature that won't disturb those around you. This makes it ideal for office settings or casual use at home where versatility is key. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slight tactile feedback and a unique auditory experience, the Bsun Ragdoll could be preferable, especially since its medium-light bottom-out force allows for comfortable typing without feeling too heavy. The Ragdoll's Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass construction contribute to a distinct sound profile, which can be appealing if you appreciate a clacky sound and a slightly different typing feel. Choosing the Gold Red Pro will serve you well in more formal environments, whereas the Ragdoll may shine in more relaxed or personal settings where sound and feel take precedence. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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