Gateron Ink Red vs. Bsun Ragdoll

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Ragdoll present compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear feel. The Gateron Ink Red is celebrated for its lighter actuation force, making it an ideal option for those who favor a more gentle typing experience. With its notably smooth keystrokes and a crispy, clacky sound profile, the Ink Red delivers an effortless typing sensation that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll offers its own unique characteristics with its Y3 stem design, which ensures smooth travel and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to its clacky sound. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, the Ink Red leans towards a more polished and mild typing feel, while the Ragdoll brings a robust yet smooth experience to the forefront. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When considering the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Ragdoll switches, a distinctive contrast emerges. The Ink Red utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top and bottom housings, which produces a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile that is defined as thin yet satisfying. This blend results in a sound experience that is both pointed and crisp, enhancing the auditory feedback that many key enthusiasts seek. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features nylon as its housing material, which is known for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder and more muted auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material choice significantly shapes the overall acoustic signature of each switch.

Both switches exhibit a unique interplay between the top and bottom housing, directly influencing the typing experience. In the case of the Ink Red, the high-pitched sound profile dominates due to the properties of the INK blend. Consequently, the bottom housing’s contributions are significant but are overshadowed by the lighter, more defined acoustics of the top housing. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's nylon housing for both top and bottom switches cohesively contributes to its fuller sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound minimizes the excess resonance and enhances the depth of the sound, which provides a different aesthetic and auditory feedback when typing.

Ultimately, despite the differences in materials employed, users may achieve similar results in terms of feel and sound profile, albeit in contrasting manners. The Gateron Ink Red, with its crisp and clacky tone propelled by a specialized plastic blend, might resonate well with users looking for pronounced feedback. Meanwhile, the Bsun Ragdoll offers a smoother and more subdued acoustic experience that could appeal to those preferring a deeper sound. By recognizing the characteristics of each housing material's interaction within the switch, users can select a switch that aligns with their typing preferences, ensuring satisfaction tailored to individual auditory and tactile experiences.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both share an actuation force of 45 grams, which positions them in the same realm for initiating a keystroke. However, they diverge in terms of bottom out force; the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, whereas the Ragdoll measures 52 grams. This means that while both switches require the same amount of force to actuate, the Ink Red provides a heavier tactile experience upon bottoming out. For users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions, the Ragdoll is the better choice, offering a softer landing compared to the sturdier feel of the Ink Red. Ultimately, those who appreciate a more substantial push may lean toward the Gateron Ink Red, while lighter switch enthusiasts will find the Bsun Ragdoll more suitable.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find that the Ink Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll measures a shorter 3.8 mm. The difference between these two switches highlights the preferences of users: the Ink Red offers a more traditional depth, which some may find provides a more satisfying tactile feedback during typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel distance of the Ragdoll may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. Ultimately, those who gravitate toward a deeper key feel may prefer the Ink Red, while those who prioritize speed and responsiveness may opt for the Ragdoll due to its slightly reduced travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Ink Red switch has a unique profile characterized as both crispy and clacky, with a hint of chirpiness that adds a distinct acoustic signature to each keystroke. This makes it a versatile option for both typing and gaming, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that can be enjoyed in both quiet environments and busy settings. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Ragdoll switch, while not explicitly detailed, is generally facilitated by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This material choice is expected to provide a clacky sound, though precise descriptors of its acoustic qualities remain unknown. Overall, both switches are likely to produce engaging sound experiences, but the Ink Reds offer a clearer and more defined feedback.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Red excels with descriptors such as silky, mild, and polished. This means that users can expect an exceptionally smooth typing experience, with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. The refined feel makes these switches approachable for newcomers while also providing a satisfying experience for seasoned typists. Meanwhile, details regarding the feel of the Ragdoll switch are not available. This leaves an uncertainty about its specific tactile qualities, making it challenging to compare directly with the well-defined characteristics of the Ink Red.

In summary, both the Gateron Ink Red and Bsun Ragdoll switches present their unique attributes that cater to different preferences. The Ink Red stands out in its sound, offering a crisp yet clacky experience alongside a silky-smooth typing feel that is hard to match. While the Ragdoll's sound and feel remain somewhat uncertain, its design suggests it could provide a clacky auditory experience. Ultimately, newcomers can expect different experiences from these switches, with the Ink Red offering a more predictable and refined performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you have a lighter touch or prefer a smoother, effortless typing experience, the Ink Red is likely the better choice for you, thanks to its silky feel and clacky sound profile. This switch, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, caters well to users who appreciate a polished experience without feeling overly heavy. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter activation force and a unique acoustic experience, the Ragdoll's lower 52-gram force and Y3 stem will likely resonate with you. While the Ragdoll may not have extensive descriptions of its feel, it emphasizes smooth travel, an appealing quality for those seeking a quieter, more subtle typing experience. Ultimately, whether you lean toward the smoother and more satisfying typing of the Ink Reds or the lighter and distinct characteristics of the Ragdolls, both switches offer excellent options for your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more