HMX Gravel vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Gravel and BSUN Ragdoll both stand out as exceptional linear options, yet they cater to slightly different preferences among enthusiasts. The HMX Gravel is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, delivering a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, which makes for a responsive and effortless typing flow. On the other hand, the BSUN Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem design paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, highlighting a smooth travel experience while producing a distinctive clacky sound that many users find satisfying. While both switches are designed to provide a linear feel, the Gravel aims for a silky-smooth touch, whereas the Ragdoll offers a more audible feedback profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preferences in tactile feedback and sound. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
The HMX Gravel and the Bsun Ragdoll keyboard switches employ distinct materials for their top housings, which have a significant influence on their sound profiles. The Gravel features a polycarbonate top housing known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. In contrast, the Ragdoll uses a nylon top housing, characterized as a classic material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. Consequently, while the Gravel's polycarbonate delivers a clearer and more resonant sound—particularly appealing when RGB lighting is utilized—the Ragdoll's nylon top absorbs more sound, resulting in a mellower auditory effect.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Gravel and the Ragdoll utilize nylon, which enhances the overall sound profile from a different angle. Since nylon is a softer plastic, it tends to absorb sound rather than emitting it, contributing to a rounder and more subdued sound quality. Both switches benefit from this common material on the bottom, leading to similar deeper and fuller bottom-out sound experiences, which is significant when considering how the bottom housing influences the tactile feel during key presses. Thus, despite their differences in top housing materials, both switches achieve a degree of sound consistency through their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing.
In summary, while the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Ragdoll differ in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the Gravel and nylon for the Ragdoll—they converge in their bottom housing choice, which is also nylon. Therefore, both switches provide a unique signing experience by harmonizing the sharper sound characteristics of polycarbonate with the softer qualities of nylon. This combination allows for a range of auditory sensations, where the Gravel offers a brighter tone and the Ragdoll delivers a more rounded sound, yet the resonant properties of nylon in the bottom housing ensure a commonality that leads to deep and satisfying auditory feedback regardless of the top material.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit some similarities but also key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a light and responsive experience for users, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, when comparing their bottom out forces, the Gravel reaches a lower force of 50 grams, while the Ragdoll requires a slightly heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference suggests that while both switches offer a similar initial feel upon actuation, the Ragdoll provides a more substantial pressing experience at the bottom, appealing to those who prefer a heavier push. In summary, for those who prioritize a lighter feel, the Gravel is the better choice, while the Ragdoll caters to users looking for a more robust response at the bottom of the stroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Gravel offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ragdoll has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users of the Gravel switch may experience a more responsive feel, making it ideal for those who prioritize quick key presses, such as gamers. Conversely, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke and a deeper, more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: those looking for quicker responsiveness would benefit from the Gravel, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might favor the Ragdoll.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the HMX Gravel and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, the Gravel's sound is not explicitly detailed, leaving some uncertainty about its auditory characteristics. In contrast, the Ragdoll is noted for its clacky sound, a feature attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This distinction suggests that while the Gravel may provide a more subdued auditory experience, the Ragdoll will offer a more pronounced acoustic presence, allowing for a more engaging typing experience, especially if you enjoy pronounced sounds.
Regarding the feel, the HMX Gravel switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness and refined typing experience, benefiting from a medium-light actuation force that enhances its responsiveness and makes for a more effortless typing journey. On the other hand, the Ragdoll switch also promises smooth travel thanks to its Y3 stem but doesn’t provide as detailed a description about the tactile feedback it offers. Therefore, while both switches aim for a smooth experience, the Gravel emphasizes an effortlessly refined touch, whereas the Ragdoll’s smoothness could vary depending on its interaction with its stem design.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking smooth actuation, but they differ in their auditory profiles, with the Ragdoll providing a noticeable clack compared to the Gravel’s likely more muted sound. The Gravel offers a standout smooth and refined feel, while the Ragdoll's experience, although smooth, might have different tactile nuances due to its specific stem design. Together, these attributes provide valuable insights, allowing users to determine which switch aligns best with their personal typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, your decision should ultimately be guided by your typing preferences and the specific feel you desire from your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a lighter bottom-out force and experience the smoothness and responsiveness during your typing sessions, the Gravel switch is the way to go. Its refined typing feel will enhance your overall experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy prolonged typing without fatigue. Conversely, if you can appreciate a slightly heavier actuation and desire a bit of character in your keystrokes through a clackier sound profile, the Ragdoll switch may suit you better. The combination of the Y3 stem design and nylon-fiberglass housing also contributes to a distinctive tactile experience that can be more engaging during both typing and gaming sessions. By assessing the nuances of each option, you can make an informed decision that ultimately aligns with your personal preferences and enhances your keyboard experience.
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