TTC Gold Red vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options. The TTC Gold Red and the Bsun Ragdoll are both notable linear switches that cater to different preferences, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Gold Red is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, balancing a light-medium level of resistance that culminates in a delightful tactile response. Its low-pitched, thocky sound profile strikes a harmonious tone, providing a subtle yet polished auditory experience without being overly pronounced. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll employs a Y3 stem design for an exceptionally smooth keystroke, while its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing produces a distinctive clacky sound that appeals to users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences; the Gold Red for those who value a refined, understated experience, and the Ragdoll for users who prefer a more vibrant acoustic profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
The TTC Gold Red and Bsun Ragdoll differ significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which profoundly influences their overall sound profiles. The Gold Red's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a plastic known for its stiffness, which contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate especially appealing for users who prioritize clarity and resonance, particularly when incorporating RGB lighting effects due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and less pronounced acoustic experience. Thus, while both switches utilize high-quality materials, their respective top housings are optimized for different auditory experiences.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, there is a noteworthy similarity that impacts their sound profiles. Both the Gold Red and the Ragdoll feature a nylon bottom housing, which is celebrated in the keyboard community for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Here, the softer nylon material serves to absorb sound, contributing to a duller yet richer acoustic texture. In this instance, both switches offer a comparable aural experience from the bottom housing, meaning that even though their top housings are different, their foundational sound characteristics align due to the shared material in the lower portion of the switch.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gold Red’s housing offers a balanced sound experience characterized by crispness when typing, while the Ragdoll’s all-nylon build provides a more subdued auditory sensation. These contrasts are pivotal: the Gold Red is catered toward users who appreciate clarity and brightness, particularly in combination with RGB aesthetics, whereas the Ragdoll attracts those who prefer a warmer, fuller acoustics. Consequently, if a user values a blend of both experiences in their typing, the choice between the two will revolve around their preference for either the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the warm depth of nylon. Therefore, even with differing materials, both switches can achieve parallel results depending on which attributes the user seeks in their typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence the typing experience. The Gold Red features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more suitable choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming as it reduces the strain on fingers. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, leaning towards a medium-light feel that some users may find offers a more substantial typing experience. This difference highlights the Ragdoll's preference for those who enjoy a bit more resistance in their keystrokes. While both switches are relatively light compared to heavier options and promise a swift response in keystrokes, the TTC Gold Red provides an advantage for those prioritizing a softer touch, making it ideal for long-term use or casual gaming. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on user preference for actuation weight and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The TTC Gold Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which is on the longer end of the spectrum and provides a more substantial feel with a depth that some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll features a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, especially in gaming scenarios where rapid key presses can significantly enhance performance. Consequently, if you prefer a more responsive experience with a slight touch, the Ragdoll would be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a fuller depth in your keystrokes, the Gold Red's 4 mm travel distance will better suit your needs. In summary, the Gold Red offers the longer travel distance, while the Ragdoll provides a more compact option, catering to different preferences in keypad feedback and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch presents a charming auditory profile. Characterized as thocky, it offers a satisfying deep thud upon key press, which many enthusiasts find appealing. Its low-pitched tone adds a bass-heavy warmth, making it pleasant without being overly intrusive. This neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various environments, whether you're working in an office or enjoying a gaming session at home. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch are less defined in the provided information, leaving its acoustic qualities somewhat of a mystery.
Regarding feel, the Gold Red switch shines with its light-medium resistance, providing a buttery smooth typing experience that is marked by its mild and silky characteristics. The subtle resistance lends itself well to extended typing sessions, while the polished finish reduces friction for effortless key travel. This combination of traits makes the Gold Red suitable for both novice and experienced typists alike. The tactile sensations of the BSUN Ragdoll, however, are not specified, so we cannot draw comparisons in this area.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch boasts a well-rounded sound profile and an exceptionally smooth feel catered to a wide audience, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch remains less defined based on the available information. If you're seeking a reliable switch that offers a balance of auditory satisfaction and a gentle typing experience, the Gold Red might be the better choice. However, for those intrigued by the Ragdoll, exploring its specifics may yield unique qualities that could also please the senses. Ultimately, both switches could provide enjoyable typing experiences, but the Gold Red leans towards a more established reputation among enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, your personal preferences and typing habits play a crucial role. If you value a lighter actuation and a smooth, buttery typing experience with a touch of personality through its snappy sound profile, the Gold Red would be your ideal choice. This switch is excellent for those who prefer a less resistant keystroke and might enjoy long typing sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for both casual gaming and office work. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a slightly more pronounced resistance with a satisfying clacky sound, the Ragdoll is worth considering. Its medium-light bottom-out force combined with the Y3 stem's smooth travel would be more suitable for users who enjoy a balance of tactile feedback and sound, perhaps making it a better fit for gaming or for those who appreciate a bit more auditory feedback while typing. Therefore, your selection should align with whether you prefer a light, silky feel or a more textured, clacky experience during your keyboard interactions. Ultimately, both switches cater to slightly different preferences, so reflect on what aspects are most important for your typing or gaming experience.
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