Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Bsun Ragdoll

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly impact both typing comfort and overall gaming performance. The Gateron Jupiter Red switches are celebrated for their smooth and uninterrupted keystrokes, characterized by a single-stage spring that provides a medium-heavy actuation force. Those who favor a seamless and consistent typing experience will find these switches particularly appealing, enhanced by high-precision molds and softer backlight effects that add a visually pleasing touch. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switches offer a unique experience with their Y3 stem, which enables smooth travel, complemented by a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound with each keystroke. While the Jupiter Reds favor those seeking a polished and creamy feel, the Ragdolls cater to users who appreciate auditory feedback and a more tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$2.80 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Jupiter Red and Bsun Ragdoll keyboard switches utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, making it an ideal choice for users seeking an enhanced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll uses a nylon top housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and more rounded typing experience. Therefore, those who prefer a bright, resonant sound may favor the Jupiter Red, while users looking for a subdued auditory experience might lean towards the Ragdoll's nylon housing.

In terms of the bottom housing, both the Jupiter Red and the Ragdoll switches utilize nylon, which presents a unified characteristic across both designs. This shared material leads to a similarity in the deeper and fuller sound profile experienced when actuating the switches. The nylon's softer properties help to absorb sound effectively, contributing to a cohesive auditory experience regardless of the differences found in the top housing. Consequently, despite the variance in materials between the houses, users can expect a similar bottom-out feel and sound when pressing either switch, as the bottom housing plays a crucial role in defining the bottoming-out experience.

The distinct combination of materials in the top and bottom housings ultimately influences how each switch feels and sounds. The Jupiter Red’s polycarbonate top emphasizes a higher-pitched resonance when releasing the keys, while the nylon bottom ensures a consistent and deep sound on bottom-out. Conversely, the Ragdoll's nylon top helps to anchor the sound profile with a more muted experience, though the nylon bottom maintains a similitude in terms of feel. Thus, both switches present unique auditory characteristics influenced by their top materials, while sharing the nylon consistency in their bottoms that ensures a rich and deep sound throughout the typing experience.

Weight

The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch present a compelling comparison in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke, making them equally responsive for users who prefer lighter keys for extended typing sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ragdoll's bottom out force is lighter at 52 grams. This indicates that while both switches offer a similar initial feel when typing, the Jupiter Red provides a heavier overall experience when fully bottomed out, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. In contrast, the Ragdoll's lighter bottom out force may be more comfortable for users who prioritize ease during long usage, especially in work or gaming environments. Therefore, the Gateron Jupiter Red is the heavier of the two switches overall, while the Bsun Ragdoll is the lighter option.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Gateron Jupiter Red and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches differ, with the Jupiter Red measuring 4 mm and the Ragdoll at 3.8 mm. While the Jupiter Red offers a more traditional travel distance, ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial key feel, the Ragdoll's shorter travel distance is geared towards those seeking faster response times, which can be advantageous for gamers. The Jupiter Red, being the longer option, provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find comfortable, whereas the Ragdoll may feel more abrupt due to its shorter travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for either a more responsive or a deeper typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offers a neutral auditory profile, striking a balance that caters to a variety of environments, whether they’re casual or professional. With a moderate sound output, these switches are versatile enough for both beginners and seasoned typists, providing a pleasant typing sound without overpowering distractions. The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, on the other hand, is designed to deliver a "clacky" sound attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This distinct acoustic characteristic likely appeals to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing sessions, setting it apart from the more subdued nature of the Jupiter Red.

In terms of feel, the Jupiter Red switches excel with their polished, creamy, and silky characteristics. These descriptors highlight a smooth, refined typing experience that reduces friction and enhances comfort with each keystroke. The Jupiter Red's factory lubrication and quality materials contribute to a gentle yet satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, specific qualitative attributes about the feel of the Ragdoll switch remain unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, the focus on smooth travel through the Y3 stem suggests that users will still experience a level of comfort, albeit possibly overshadowed by the clackiness in sound.

In summary, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch is an excellent choice for those seeking a smooth, muted typing experience with a neutral sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch caters to users who favor a more textured feedback with its clacky sound, although specific nuances in its feel remain undefined. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and while they may provide differing experiences, each has unique qualities that can appeal to various types of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Red and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, consider your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and overall feel. If you appreciate a slightly firmer typing experience with a bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a polished, silky typing sensation, the Jupiter Red would be an excellent choice. Its smooth actuation and neutral sound make it versatile, suitable for both office environments and home use. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a 52-gram bottom-out force, the Ragdoll could be the way to go. Its innovative Y3 stem design provides a smooth keystroke, while the nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to its unique clacky sound profile, appealing to those who seek a more pronounced auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you prioritize a more robust and refined typing experience with the Jupiter Red, or a lighter and more engaging feedback with the Ragdoll.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more