Huano Grape Orange vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Huano Grape Orange and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Grape Orange and the Bsun Ragdoll present two compelling options, each catering to different preferences. The Grape Orange switch is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 40g, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience that makes it ideal for long hours of use—perfect for typists who prioritize comfort and ease. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a unique Y3 stem design, delivering a silky travel feel complemented by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound with each keypress. This switch appeals to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, enhancing the tactile experience. While both switches are linear and excel in their own categories, they cater to distinct user preferences—comfort versus auditory sensation. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and the Bsun Ragdoll, a key distinction lies in their top housing materials: the Grape Orange utilizes polycarbonate, while the Ragdoll opts for nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Grape Orange is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer structure. It enhances acoustic clarity, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications because of its translucency. In contrast, the Ragdoll's nylon top housing leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder and duller quality. This material choice underscores a different auditory experience, reflecting the distinct acoustic characteristics attributed to each housing's composition.
However, the bottom housing for both switches reveals a converging similarity, as both the Grape Orange and Ragdoll utilize nylon for this component. This shared attribute means that the switches exhibit similar acoustic profiles in terms of bottoming out; the softer nature of nylon absorbs sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound when keys are pressed down. Thus, while the top housings diverge in their contributions to sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing creates a consistent auditory foundation. Users may notice that while the Grape Orange offers a crisper sound release upon key release, the deeper impact sound remains relatively alike due to the identical bottom housing material.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Huano Grape Orange and Bsun Ragdoll yield significantly different sound profiles upon key release, highlighting the unique characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon. At the same time, the nylon bottom housing unifies their sound experience when pressing the keys. This combination results in a nuanced switch experience; while one offers a bright and clear auditory sensation, the other presents a fuller and warmer tone. Collectively, these material choices exemplify how switch design can tailor user experiences, leading to preferences based on sound engagement and typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Grape Orange has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Ragdoll requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference suggests that while the Grape Orange is more suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, the Ragdoll might appeal to those who enjoy a firmer feel and more substantial feedback while typing. Consequently, typists who value lighter switches for comfort over long periods may opt for the Grape Orange, while those seeking a more robust tactile experience might gravitate toward the Ragdoll, which features slightly heavier forces across the board.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find that the Grape Orange has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ragdoll features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Grape Orange is the shorter switch, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who appreciate quicker response times. Conversely, the Ragdoll, with its greater depth, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. Therefore, if you prefer rapid key presses and a snappier experience, the Grape Orange would be the better option; however, if you value the deeper, more tactile sensation of a longer travel distance, the Ragdoll would be the switch to choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the Huano Grape Orange linear switch is relatively subdued, creating a less prominent acoustical signature that makes it suitable for environments where noise should be kept to a minimum. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, providing a more noticeable auditory feedback with each key press. This distinction in sound quality suggests that the Grape Orange might be better for those prioritizing discretion, while the Ragdoll could appeal to users who enjoy the satisfying pop associated with their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Grape Orange offers an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience thanks to its ultra-low 40g actuation force. This light touch can facilitate a quick and seamless typing rhythm, ideal for those who spend long hours at their keyboard. On the other hand, the Ragdoll linear switch features a Y3 stem designed for smooth travel, which can deliver a plush sensation as you press the keys down. While the Grape Orange leans towards an easy and fatigue-free experience, the Ragdoll ensures a consistent and smooth keystroke that users may find appealing.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences within the linear switch category. If you value a lightweight switch for longer typing sessions, the Huano Grape Orange may be more suitable, whereas if you prefer a more tactile experience accompanied by a pronounced sound, you might lean towards the Bsun Ragdoll. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a quiet, effortless feel or a more engaging sound and smooth travel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Huano Grape Orange and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, your personal typing style and preferences will guide your decision. If you prioritize a light and fluid typing experience, especially for long hours of writing or gaming, the Grape Orange is an excellent choice, given its ultra-low actuation force of 40 grams and overall effortless feel. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy rapid typing and may require less finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more deliberate feel with a bit more resistance, the Ragdoll’s medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams provides a satisfying balance of smoothness and feedback. Its unique Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass housing combine for a slightly clacky sound, which can add a distinctive character to your typing experience. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Grape Orange’s lightness or the Ragdoll’s nuanced feedback, both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different typing styles, ensuring you find a fit that enhances your mechanical keyboard journey.