Dareu Master vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Dareu Master and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Master and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Dareu Master is celebrated for its medium weight and polished feel, delivering a distinctive clacky sound signature that appeals to those who appreciate tactile feedback combined with smooth operation. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a Y3 stem, designed for smooth travel, and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that also produces a clacky sound, making it an excellent option for users seeking a balance between performance and auditory satisfaction. Each switch offers a blend of characteristics that can enhance your typing or gaming experience, whether you’re looking for a finely-tuned switch or a smooth and robust feel. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Dareu Master and Bsun Ragdoll both utilize specialized materials for their switch housings that significantly influence their acoustic characteristics. The Master's top and bottom housings are made of POM, known for creating a deep and unique sound profile that is relatively muted. This softer and more flexible material tends to absorb sound, contributing to a subtle yet pleasing auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ragdoll employs nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is a classic choice in switch materials, offering a similarly rich and full sound profile. Its semi-soft composition aids in sound absorption, resulting in a duller, rounder acoustic that enhances the overall typing experience.
In comparing the two, the key difference lies in the materials themselves—POM versus nylon. While both materials are designed to yield deep, muted sound profiles, POM tends to create a slightly more unique and refined sound when compared to nylon. The absorption properties of nylon generate a softer acoustics quality that may feel more familiar to long-time mechanical keyboard users. In practice, this means that both switches will produce deep tones, but the texture of the sound may slightly differ, with the POM housing leaning towards a more sophisticated sound and the nylon offering a classic touch.
Ultimately, despite their material differences, both the Dareu Master and Bsun Ragdoll switches will deliver similar results in terms of sound profile due to their shared emphasis on deeper acoustic characteristics. The combination of each switch's housing will distinctly affect the typing experience, with the POM's muted quality complementing the nylon's rounded output. Therefore, while the sound may be nuanced differently based on the housing material, both switches cater to users seeking a satisfying auditory feedback and feel under the fingers, ensuring that both designs are quite competent in delivering a pleasurable typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Dareu Master linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch reveals interesting differences in their bottom out forces while their actuation forces remain the same. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will provide a similar feel when it comes to initiating a keystroke—ideal for typists and gamers seeking a lightweight experience for extended sessions. However, the Bsun Ragdoll switch has a defined bottom out force of 52 grams, making it the heavier option overall since the bottom out force for the Dareu Master switch is unavailable. This indicates that while both switches offer comparable actuation experiences, the Ragdoll will deliver a more substantial typing feel when fully pressed down, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, if you favor a lighter touch, the Dareu Master may be the better choice, whereas users seeking a bit more resistance when bottoming out should lean towards the Bsun Ragdoll.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Dareu Master linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Master has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Ragdoll features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm signifies that the Ragdoll offers a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, providing a more deliberate actuation. Conversely, the shorter 3.4 mm travel distance of the Master aligns with the preferences of gamers seeking quicker response times and a snappier experience. Ultimately, those who favor responsiveness would gravitate towards the Dareu Master, whereas users who enjoy a heartier depth in their keystrokes might opt for the Bsun Ragdoll.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Master has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Master for $4.76.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Dareu Master switch and the Bsun Ragdoll switch, the Master is characterized by its clacky sound, producing a sharp, bright, and percussive noise upon actuation. This auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, as it adds an engaging auditory layer to each keystroke. In contrast, while the exact sound qualities of the Ragdoll haven’t been detailed, it features a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing which suggests it may also produce a pleasant sound, potentially leaning towards clarity similar to that of the Master. However, without specific descriptors or evaluations from users, a precise comparison on sound cannot be established.
Regarding feel, the Master switch is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience that's approachable for most users. The smooth operation is attributed to the refined finish and possibly factory lubing, resulting in a reduced friction experience that encourages fluid key travel. In contrast, the feel qualities of the Ragdoll switch are unknown, so it's difficult to determine how it may contrast with the Master. Whether it has similar smoothness or offers a different tactile sensation remains to be seen.
In conclusion, while the Dareu Master switch stands out with its distinctive clacky sound, mild yet polished feel, the Bsun Ragdoll switch's characteristics in terms of sound and feel remain unspecified. If you're seeking a reliable and engaging typing experience, you can expect similar results from the Master. However, the Ragdoll may attract attention if it possesses its unique qualities once explored further.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Dareu Master linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and desired experience. If you favor a switch that offers a classic clacky sound signature, smooth operation, and a mild feel, then the Dareu Master would be a suitable choice. Its medium weight provides a balanced typing experience, making it approachable for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a switch that features a smooth travel and a clackier audio feedback, the Bsun Ragdoll could be the better option, especially if you enjoy the unique feel of its Y3 stem and the potential benefits of the nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. Additionally, the medium-light force of the Ragdoll might appeal to those who prefer less resistance when typing. In essence, consider the characteristics that matter most to you, whether they be sound, feel, or actuation force, and make your choice accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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