Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Bsun Ragdoll

Overview

When evaluating mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll both present unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron Ink Yellow is particularly favored for its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience that strikes a balance between the feel of a laptop keyboard and that of a traditional mechanical keyboard. Its characteristic smoothness coupled with a pleasant clackiness makes it an appealing option for those who appreciate tactile feedback without compromising on speed. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll showcases a Y3 stem designed for exceptionally smooth travel, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to its distinctive clacky sound. While the Ink Yellow leans towards a polished and mild typing experience, the Ragdoll emphasizes a more pronounced auditory feedback. Choosing between these two switches depends largely on whether you prioritize smoothness and typing speed or a more expressive auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Yellow and Bsun Ragdoll switches present two distinct approaches to housing materials, which greatly influence their sound profiles and overall user experience. The Gateron Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for both its top and bottom housings, allowing for a consistent sound signature that is characterized by a pointed, high-pitched, and somewhat clacky auditory output. This blend effectively delivers a thin yet satisfying noise that is often sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate the sharper tonal quality. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll opts for traditional nylon for its top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile associated with the softer plastic material. The acoustic properties of nylon allow it to absorb more sound, producing a duller and rounder effect that caters to those who prefer a more muted soundscape.

When comparing the top housings specifically, the Ink Yellow's proprietary blend creates a sound that is more pronounced and bright, which can enhance the tactile feedback when releasing a key. This bright profile helps maintain the energetic clackiness that many users enjoy, while the Ragdoll's nylon top housing dampens this sound, creating a mellow experience that may feel more subdued to some. This difference in acoustic properties not only emphasizes the sound characteristics but can also influence the typing experience itself, as the transition from bottoming out to releasing the key will yield noticeably different auditory responses depending on the material used.

Similarly, the bottom housings of these switches illustrate a clear distinction in how material choice impacts overall performance. The Ink Yellow's INK blend ensures that the bottom-out thud is correspondingly sharp and clearer, amplifying the overall clacky sensation preferred by those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll's nylon bottom housing contributes to a softer landing, resulting in a more cushioned and less aggressive sound profile when a key is pressed down completely. In this way, while both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, their differing material compositions lead to distinct sonic outcomes. However, if users value the sharper sound profile of the Ink Yellow, they may find that experimenting with nylon housings can soften the auditory effects while still maintaining a joyful typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ink Yellow features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a lighter design with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This means that for users who favor a lighter touch, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Ragdoll switch would be the more suitable choice, allowing for less finger fatigue over time. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial pushing feel might gravitate towards the Ink Yellow, which offers a heavier actuation and bottom out experience. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, with the Ragdoll being the lighter option and the Ink Yellow being the heavier choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in feel and responsiveness. The Ink Yellow boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter of the two options, while the Ragdoll has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which offers a more pronounced depth with each press. This slight difference may appeal to gamers who favor quicker response times, as the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow can facilitate fast-paced gameplay. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tactile experience and a greater sense of depth when activating your keys, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial key press feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron Ink Yellow and BSUN Ragdoll linear switches, the Ink Yellow exhibits a neutral and clacky sound profile. Its clacky nature means it produces a crisp and percussive response that can be quite satisfying during typing. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a more professional setting, as its moderate sound levels can suit both casual and concentrated typing sessions. On the other hand, the specific sound profile of the Ragdoll is less detailed; however, it features a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which may contribute to a clacker or slightly different auditory experience. Thus, while the Ink Yellow's sound is more defined and recognized, the Ragdoll may still provide a pleasant auditory feedback but in an unspecified manner.

Focusing on the feel, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. Its mildness suggests a gentler actuation that is approachable for all users, from novices to experts, creating a comfortable typing session without overwhelming tactile sensations. Its polished quality further enhances the smoothness of the keypress, reducing friction, which can significantly improve typing efficiency and enjoyment. In contrast, the feel characteristics of the Ragdoll are not explicitly described, leaving some uncertainty regarding its tactile experience. Nonetheless, the Ink Yellow’s carefully considered attributes ensure a consistently refined interaction that may be appealing to many.

In summary, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is well-documented regarding its sound and feel, providing a smooth, mild, and clacky typing experience, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch remains less clearly defined in these aspects. The Ink Yellow is noted for its refined characteristics and suitability for various typing environments, while the Ragdoll’s qualities need further insight for a thorough comparison. For those opting for either switch, the Ink Yellow provides a dependable auditory and tactile experience, while the Ragdoll may still deliver a respectable alternative, albeit with less specific information available.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you're someone who enjoys a more substantial feel and a typing experience that sits comfortably between a laptop and a traditional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow is your go-to choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams offers a satisfying resistance, complemented by a smooth and polished feel that many find appealing for long typing sessions. The neutral and clacky sound profile is versatile, making it suitable whether you're working from home or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch, want a quicker key actuation, and enjoy gaming or casual typing where rapid keystrokes are essential, the Ragdoll, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, would be more appropriate. Its Y3 stem design ensures a smooth and efficient key travel, which can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, consider your typing habits, environmental noise preferences, and the level of tactile feedback you desire when making your choice between these two intriguing switches.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more