TTC Ice vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between a variety of options, each with its own distinctive characteristics. Two notable options are the TTC Ice and the Bsun Ragdoll switches, both of which fall under the linear category. The TTC Ice is celebrated for its crystal-clear transparent design, delivering a smooth and responsive typing experience paired with a satisfying bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and everyday users alike. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch features a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to its unique clacky sound and smooth travel, providing a different tactile sensation. While both switches offer appealing features for streamlined performance, their individual designs cater to slightly different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the Bsun Ragdoll switches exhibit distinct characteristics in their housing materials, each resulting in different auditory experiences. The Ice utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, crisper sound profile. This quality allows for clarity and resonance, benefitting RGB lighting visibility due to its translucent nature. Conversely, the Ragdoll opts for nylon housings, a classic choice that is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory profile. The differences in material properties inherently influence the types of sounds produced when typing on each switch, with the Ice offering a more pronounced higher pitch and the Ragdoll achieving a rounder tone.
In terms of sound dynamics, the impact of housing materials extends to the tactile feedback during typing. For the TTC Ice switches, the polycarbonate bottom housing significantly contributes to the percussive clarity when bottoming out, while the top housing accentuates the sound on release. This bifurcation of sound attributes allows users to experience the benefits of polycarbonate acoustics throughout the keystroke. Conversely, with the Ragdoll's nylon construction, both the top and bottom housings are contributing to a more muted sound experience that emphasizes a cohesive, rounded feel, which may appeal to users looking for softer acoustics in their typing experience.
Although the materials differ, the result can be similar for users who prioritize aesthetics or specific sound profiles. The transparent polycarbonate of the Ice creates a visual appeal that pairs seamlessly with RGB lighting features, enhancing the overall experience for gamers or those who enjoy vibrant keyboard setups. Meanwhile, although the Bsun Ragdoll's nylon may not offer the same luminous visual effect, it caters to a different aesthetic, focusing on warmth and classic robustness in feel and sound. Therefore, both switches can satisfy contrasting preferences—those seeking sharper, more audible feedback versus those desiring a subdued and rounded sound profile—ultimately showing how diverse materials can still achieve complementary typing experiences.
Weight
The TTC Ice linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar tactile feedback when initiating a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches; the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Ragdoll's is lighter at 52 grams. This means that while both switches feel the same at the point of actuation, the Ice switch requires more force to fully bottom out, providing a more substantial sensation for those who prefer a heavier feel. Therefore, the TTC Ice is the heavier option, making it potentially less suited for marathon typing or gaming sessions, while the Ragdoll, being lighter, may be a better choice for extended use due to less fatigue on the fingers. Ultimately, users looking for a lighter feel would lean towards the Ragdoll, while those wanting a stronger push would prefer the Ice switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Ice linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Ice switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ragdoll switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the TTC Ice switch would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more cushioned and deeper feel when pressing down on keys, the Bsun Ragdoll switch, with its longer travel distance, might better suit your needs. Overall, the Ice switch is the shorter option, providing a swift response, while the Ragdoll switch is the longer one, offering a greater depth for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch offers a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. The clarity of the transparent design may also contribute to its acoustic qualities, creating a pleasant auditory feedback without being overly loud. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is characterized by a distinct clacky sound caused by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This switch provides a different auditory signature that may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound during use, adding personality to the typing experience. However, keep in mind that the sound profile of both switches can be influenced by the keyboard design and the chosen keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice linear switch is recognized for its smooth, responsive feel that provides a seamless actuation experience. The design promotes inconsistency and effortless keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for those who engage in prolonged typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a Y3 stem which is specifically engineered for smooth travel. This design ensures that users experience a reliable keystroke without any tactile interruptions, although the specifics of the Ragdoll's overall tactile experience compared to the Ice are not explicitly defined.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches provide appealing sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the Ice is known for its smoothness and satisfying bottom-out sound, the Ragdoll emphasizes a clacky auditory feedback and equally smooth keystrokes due to its specialized stem. Ultimately, both switches deliver a premium typing experience, and individuals may find that their overall satisfaction will come down to personal preference and specific use cases.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately hinges on your preferences for actuation force, sound, and tactile experience. If you prefer a moderate actuation force combined with a premium typing feedback and a satisfying bottom-out sound, the TTC Ice switch would be an excellent choice. Its crystal-clear transparent design adds an aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for both gaming and daily typing tasks when you desire a smooth, responsive keystroke. Conversely, if you gravitate towards a lighter feel with a clackier sound, you might find the Bsun Ragdoll switch more to your liking. The Ragdoll’s Y3 stem ensures a smooth travel experience, while the nylon-fiberglass bottom housing produces a distinct auditory feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially if you appreciate more tactile and lively sound profiles. Thus, considering these factors will help you decide which switch aligns better with your typing style and preferences.
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