KTT Mallo vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the KTT Mallo and the Bsun Ragdoll offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The KTT Mallo is celebrated for its subtlety, featuring a gentle tactile bump that provides just enough feedback to enhance typing accuracy without overwhelming the user. With a medium-light feel and a neutral sound signature, it excels in varied environments, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a balanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch delivers an entirely different sensation; it boasts a smooth travel thanks to its Y3 stem and provides a unique, clacky sound, appealing to users who favor a more fluid and uninterrupted keystroke. Each switch has its merits: the Mallo is perfect for typists who enjoy a tactile feel without excessive noise, while the Ragdoll is suited for those who prioritize smoothness and sound in their typing 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Mallo and Bsun Ragdoll switches contrast distinctly when considering their top housings. The Mallo utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency, allowing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and more resonant sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as its clarity can enhance visual effects. In contrast, the Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, which produces a sound that is deeper and fuller. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb sound better, resulting in a duller roundness in output. Thus, while the Mallo's polycarbonate housing excels in brightness and clarity, the Ragdoll's nylon top offers a more muted acoustic experience.
In terms of bottom housings, both the KTT Mallo and Bsun Ragdoll are equipped with nylon. This creates an interesting parallel, as nylon is recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its absorptive qualities. Since both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, they share similar sound characteristics in that respect. Specifically, the softer nature of nylon will contribute to a rounder and less pronounced bottom-out sound, which can lead to a more consistent tactile experience across both switches. Consequently, while their top housings diverge in material and acoustic output, the shared bottom housing of nylon will yield similar acoustic results.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the KTT Mallo and Bsun Ragdoll switches results in a unique interplay of sound profiles influenced by each housing's characteristics. The Mallo's polycarbonate top will optimize the sound when releasing a key, contributing to a more pronounced auditory feedback, while its nylon bottom will enhance the feel during the keypress, ensuring a fuller experience on bottoming out. On the flip side, the Ragdoll's nylon top will result in a more muted sound upon release, paired with the same nylon bottom that encourages a deep and rounded auditory response. This mix of materials highlights how top and bottom housings can offer contrasting sensory experiences within a unified switch design, creating diverse overall performance traits in the KTT Mallo and Bsun Ragdoll.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Mallo's actuation force is unknown, while the Ragdoll requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out forces, the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Ragdoll's 52 grams. This means that while the Ragdoll features a lighter actuation, both switches are medium-light overall. For users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Ragdoll may be more suitable due to its known actuation force. Conversely, the Mallo provides a heavier bottom-out experience, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. In summary, the Ragdoll is lighter when considering actuation force, while the Mallo is heavier at bottom out.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm highlights the Mallo's more pronounced actuation, making it potentially more suitable for users who enjoy the sensation of deeper presses. In contrast, the Ragdoll's travel distance aligns more closely with the trend of shorter switches, appealing to gamers and those seeking faster response times. While both switches offer distinct feelings during use, the Mallo's shorter actuation may feel more substantial, whereas the Ragdoll could be perceived as more abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for switch responsiveness and key travel depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
The sound profile of the KTT Mallo switch is characterized by a neutral and subdued quality. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and produces a sound that is present but not overwhelming—ideal for users who want a versatile typing experience in various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The mellow auditory signature allows the switch to blend into the background without causing distractions. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is noted for its clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This design generally enhances the acoustic feedback, giving it a more pronounced sound compared to the Mallo. Ultimately, the sound experience of each switch may vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but the Ragdoll likely provides a more noticeable auditory impact.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the KTT Mallo stands out with its feathery lightness and mild tactile feedback. This makes it exceptionally comfortable for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue while still offering a gentle tactile response that stays approachable for most users. The subtle stepped nature of the switch provides a nuanced typing experience without being too aggressive. On the other hand, the BSUN Ragdoll, being a linear switch, typically offers a smooth and uninterrupted travel without any tactile bump. This promotes a satisfying experience for those who prefer a seamless keystroke without the tactile feedback inherent in the Mallo. The different characteristics mean that users will feel a distinct contrast between the tactile responsiveness of the Mallo and the smooth action of the Ragdoll.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and BSUN Ragdoll switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Mallo's neutral and subdued sound with a gentle tactile profile makes it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a subtle experience in diverse typing situations. Conversely, the Ragdoll's clacky sound and smooth actuation will appeal to users looking for a more pronounced auditory experience without tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference, as each offers a unique approach to the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely hinges on your specific needs and preferences regarding typing experience. If you prioritize a tactile bounce that gives you just enough feedback without overwhelming your fingers, the Mallo is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force, coupled with a neutral sound profile and mild touch, makes it perfect for long typing sessions, whether you’re working, gaming, or studying in quiet environments. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother typing experience with a more pronounced clack when you bottom out, the Ragdoll switch could be your go-to. The slight difference in actuation force—only 3 grams lighter—does make it feel equally easy to press, but its linear design will appeal to those who dislike tactile bumps. Ultimately, your decision will reflect whether you desire a subtly engaging tactile experience or a fluid, uninterrupted keystroke.
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