TTC Gold Silver vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite both being linear switches. The TTC Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth keystrokes, thanks to its shortened travel distance, which results in a swift, decisive bottom-out. This not only enhances typing speed but also provides a satisfying tactile sensation with each press, underscored by a subtle yet resonant sound that adds to the overall experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll is recognized for its exceptional smoothness facilitated by the Y3 stem, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that creates a unique clacky sound profile. This switch emphasizes a softer auditory experience while maintaining a consistent linear feel, making it ideal for those who prefer quieter operations without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on priorities such as sound profile and typing feel; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and Bsun Ragdoll switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate’s stiffness lends to clearer and more resonant feedback during typing, enhancing the auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is employed due to its translucency. In contrast, the Ragdoll's top housing is made from nylon, a material that fosters a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic output. Therefore, while both switches have unique top housing materials that yield differing sound characteristics, they both cater to specific aesthetic and acoustic preferences.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the similarity lies in their shared use of nylon, a classic material recognized for its effective sound absorption properties. Both the Gold Silver and Ragdoll utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes significantly to the overall sound profile, particularly during the bottoming-out phase of a keypress. Its softness and acoustic dampening properties ensure that both switches deliver a deep and full sound when pressed. This commonality in bottom housing materials highlights how each switch can still achieve a cohesive auditory experience, despite the differentiation showcased in their top housing configurations.
In the context of the overall performance of each switch, the varying top housing materials lead to unique sound qualities when releasing the keys. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing accentuates a clear and more resonant sound upon release, allowing for an engaging and bright acoustic feedback, while the Ragdoll’s nylon top produces a softer and more subdued tone. However, with both incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent deeper sound profile during the actuation phase across both switches. Thus, while the Gold Silver and Ragdoll provide diverse auditory sensations primarily attributed to their different top housings, the shared nylon bottom construction unites them in delivering a full-bodied typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both switches feature an equal actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a similar resistance when triggering keystrokes, which is advantageous for those who type for extended periods. However, the Ragdoll switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating that it requires more force to fully depress the key compared to the Gold Silver, for which the bottom out force is unspecified. This difference suggests that the Gold Silver switch may feel lighter overall since its bottom out force is unavailable and presumably lower, making it a better option for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ragdoll, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who favor a firmer response from their switches.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Gold Silver the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. Conversely, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a deeper experience, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keypress and might shy away from the abruptness sometimes associated with shorter switches. Therefore, if you value speed and quick actuation, the Gold Silver would be the preferable choice, while if you enjoy a fuller feedback in your keystrokes, the Ragdoll would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch produces a thocky, low-pitched noise that is rich and satisfying with each keystroke. This deep, resonant sound reinforces the switch’s overall precision and responsiveness, making it enjoyable for both casual typing and more serious gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll's sound profile remains less defined at this moment, as specific characteristics of its auditory output are not provided. However, sound variability is common, influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout and keycap material, which means each switch could bring a unique auditory experience depending on how they're implemented.
In terms of feel, the Gold Silver excels with its polished and silky texture, resulting in a remarkably smooth typing experience devoid of friction. The gentle resistance and mild nature of the switch cater to a wide range of users, offering a subtle touch that enhances the overall typing experience. In stark contrast, we have limited information on the feel of the Ragdoll switch. Without detailed descriptors, it's challenging to compare the tactile qualities directly, leaving its smoothness and overall typing experience as an unknown factor.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out for its distinguished sound and exceptional typing feel, making it an appealing choice for typists seeking a satisfying and refined experience. The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch remains somewhat of an enigma in its sound and feel qualities, but personal exploration with keycap and board combinations may reveal pleasant surprises. Ultimately, while the Gold Silver offers a reliable and well-rounded performance, there exists potential for enjoyment within the Ragdoll switch, particularly for those willing to experiment with their setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness and a smooth, polished feel in your typing experience, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent option. Its low bottom-out force and thocky, low-pitched sound signature make it suited for fast-paced typing, while the silky travel ensures that each keystroke feels refined and effortless. This switch is perfect for gamers or typists who value speed and precision, especially in shared spaces where noise levels are a consideration. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-light force and a unique clacky sound, the Bsun Ragdoll may be the better choice. While it may not offer the same slickness as the Gold Silver, its Y3 stem contributes to its distinct feel, which can appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience—be it smoothness and speed or a more pronounced tactile engagement with a different auditory feedback.
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