Durock Mamba vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Durock Mamba and the Bsun Ragdoll offer two compelling yet distinct options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Durock Mamba, inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant, is celebrated for its smooth, gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience, providing a typing feel that is both neutral and slightly thocky, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a polished, satisfying sound while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a Y3 stem designed for seamless travel, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a more clacky sound. While the Mamba may be favored for its refined auditory qualities, the Ragdoll appeals to those who seek a more pronounced and distinctive sound with each keystroke. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience and sound profile, making them unique in their own right. 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
60g
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
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and Bsun Ragdoll switches showcase distinct characteristics that shape their auditory and tactile responses. The Mamba features a unique top housing blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, contributing to a brighter yet pleasant sound profile. In contrast, the Ragdoll utilizes a classic nylon material for its top housing, which produces a deeper and rounder sound. This difference exemplifies how each material affects the sound experience. The Mamba’s combination allows for a sharper auditory experience, while the Ragdoll's softer nylon delivers a warmer tone, highlighting the divergent approaches the two designs embrace in producing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon-based materials, but they differ in their specific compositions. The Mamba's POM bottom housing is noted for its deeper and relatively muted sound, which stands in contrast to the Ragdoll's nylon bottom housing that similarly offers a fuller sound profile. Both materials, while varying, contribute to a satisfying typing experience, with each switch's bottom housing playing a significant role in defining the bottom-out sound and feel. The similarities in sound absorption qualities suggest that users might experience comparable sound dampening effects, enhancing the overall typing experience regardless of the switch choice.
Ultimately, while the Durock Mamba and Bsun Ragdoll switches differ in specific housing materials, their complementary designs can lead to similar results in sound quality and user experience. The nuanced balance of each switch's top and bottom housings plays a vital role in how sound is projected when typing. Users can achieve varied auditory experiences depending on their preferences for sharper versus deeper sounds; however, both switches maintain an overall pleasant sound profile, showcasing how thoughtful material selection can create desirable results even when employing different approaches.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Mamba switch has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is classified as medium. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light. Consequently, users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Ragdoll, as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Mamba's heavier bottom out force may appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, while the actuation force of the Mamba remains unspecified, its heavier bottom out force distinguishes it from the Ragdoll, making the latter the lighter option geared towards comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Mamba linear switch measures 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm means that the Mamba offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Ragdoll. For gamers or individuals who prioritize rapid response times and a snappier feel, the Durock Mamba may be the preferred choice due to its more responsive nature. Conversely, those who favor a more traditional typing experience with a deeper keystroke may appreciate the Bsun Ragdoll's longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced feedback. Therefore, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for either a brisk, efficient touch or a more substantial typing sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 Durock Mamba linear switch offers a unique auditory experience characterized by both neutrality and a thocky quality. This means it strikes a balance between being versatile enough for varied environments—making it suitable for both beginner and advanced users—and providing a satisfying, deeper sound that evokes a sense of satisfaction when typing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch lacks specific sound descriptors, but the inclusion of nylon-fiberglass in its construction suggests a different auditory profile, potentially leaning towards a clacky sound. However, without further descriptors, the exact sound qualities of the Ragdoll remain less defined compared to the Mamba.
In terms of feel, the Durock Mamba is characterized by a mild sensation combined with a polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a gentle, approachable touch that is easy to adapt to for anyone, regardless of typing skill. The smooth key travel offered by the polished finish enhances the overall feel, ensuring reduced friction that leads to effortless typing. As for the Ragdoll, details about its tactile attributes are unknown; thus, it's difficult to compare its feel directly against the Mamba. However, should the Ragdoll feature similarly smooth key travel like the Mamba, users might experience a comparable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a combination of a neutral yet thocky sound alongside a mild and polished feel, the characteristics of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch remain somewhat ambiguous, especially regarding sound and feel. If the Ragdoll does possess smoothness in its key travel, it might serve as a comparable option to the Mamba in terms of the overall typing experience. Ultimately, for those seeking rich auditory feedback and a gentle touch, the Mamba stands out, whereas the Ragdoll's unique attributes warrant further exploration to determine whether it meets similar benchmarks.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in terms of typing sensation, sound profile, and force required for actuation. If you favor a smoother typing experience with a slightly firmer press, the Mamba, with its 60g bottom-out force, offers a rich auditory experience characterized by a creamy, thocky sound that can be very satisfying for typing and gaming alike. Its mild and polished feel caters well to both beginners and seasoned typists, making it a versatile choice for various settings—be it at home or in a professional environment. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52g, the Ragdoll may be more suitable. Known for its smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem and a subtler auditory profile that leans toward a clacky sound, the Ragdoll can provide a unique typing experience that some users find more engaging and playful. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your typing style, noise preferences, and whether you lean towards a more substantial feel with the Mamba or a breezier approach with the Ragdoll.
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