PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Ragdoll offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Jacaranda, crafted by KTT, is celebrated for its gentle bottom-out weight of 43.5g, which allows for extended typing sessions without finger fatigue. Its acoustic profile leans toward the clacky side, providing a crisp and resonant feedback with every keystroke, while its extended 22mm spring enhances bounciness, making for an engaging and dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll is characterized by its smooth travel, thanks to its Y3 stem, combined with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to its clacky sound. Both switches cater to those who appreciate the responsive nature of linear switches, yet they differ in terms of tactile feedback and auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Jacaranda and the Ragdoll will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Ragdoll exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles. The Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, leading to a sound that is characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is attributed to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. Conversely, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference arises from nylon's softer composition, which tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience.
On the bottom housing front, both the Jacaranda and Ragdoll utilize nylon, creating a shared foundation in terms of acoustic characteristics. The nylon bottom housing contributes a more profound and subdued sound profile to both switches, enabling users to experience a duller yet richer bottom-out sound. As the bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel and sound when the key is pressed down, the presence of nylon in both switches means that any comparison of bottom-out experiences between the two will be similar. This shared material ensures that users will feel a comparable response when activating the switch, regardless of the disparities in their top housings.
The interplay between the two housing materials is critical in understanding the overall sound and feel of each switch. While the Jacaranda's polycarbonate top housing offers a clearer and brighter sound when keys are released, the nylon bottom housing balances this with a rich and deep response during the key press. The Ragdoll, with both top and bottom nylon housings, maintains a consistent sound quality throughout its operation, resulting in a cohesive auditory experience. Ultimately, the contrasting top materials yield distinctive acoustic properties, but the nylon bottom housings create a commonality that results in similar sound profiles during key presses for both switches, especially when considering the full cycle of key activation.
Weight
When comparing the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Jacaranda features a lighter actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke experience. This means that for users seeking a lighter switch for comfort during prolonged use, the Jacaranda is the better choice, whereas the Ragdoll will appeal to those who prefer a firmer resistance. Overall, if you choose the Jacaranda, you'll appreciate the ease of typing, while the Ragdoll can provide a more tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a distinct difference between the two. The Jacaranda features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ragdoll measures a longer 3.8 mm. This means that the Jacaranda offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for users who favor quick key presses, such as gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and hearty feel, which could be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, whether one desires the briskness of a shorter distance or the satisfyingly deeper feel of a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 it comes to sound, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a distinctly clacky profile, characterized by a crisp and bright tone that produces snappy auditory feedback upon each keystroke. This high-pitched and resonant quality gives the typing experience a lively and engaging atmosphere, making it suitable for those who prefer a more vibrant sound while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is noted for its construction that includes a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which likely contributes to a clacky sound as well, though the specific tonal qualities are not detailed. Both switches can potentially produce a satisfying auditory experience, but the Jacaranda's sound signature seems to be particularly pronounced and appealing to those who enjoy sharper auditory cues.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch excels with its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience with minimal resistance throughout the keypress. This enhanced smoothness contributes to a pleasant tactile sensation that many users appreciate, especially during prolonged typing sessions. Conversely, the feel of the Ragdoll switch is not specifically described, leaving its textual experience somewhat ambiguous. Users looking for a smooth typing experience will certainly enjoy the Jacaranda, while the Ragdoll's feel remains a mystery until further information is revealed.
To summarize, both the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches have their own unique attributes that contribute to a satisfying typing experience. The Jacaranda stands out with its lively and pronounced sound profile alongside a silky smooth feel, making it an enticing option for typists who enjoy auditory feedback and tactile pleasure. While the Ragdoll may share some clackiness in sound, its unspecified characteristics leave potential users eager for more insights. Overall, both switches could deliver enjoyable results, but the Jacaranda provides a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a distinctly bouncy feel, the Jacaranda is an excellent choice, thanks to its lower bottom-out force of 45 grams and an extended 22mm spring that enhances the tactile experience. Its clacky and resonant sound signature also makes it appealing if you enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a slightly firmer switch that still promotes smooth keystrokes, the Ragdoll, with its medium-light 52 grams of actuation force, will suit you well. While the Ragdoll may not have the same bouncy sensation as the Jacaranda, it offers solid performance with a reliable build quality, making it a suitable option for both casual and avid typists seeking a more stable feel. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you in your typing experience.
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