Gateron Mountain Top vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, Gateron's Mountain Top and the Bsun Ragdoll offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences and environments. The Mountain Top switch shines in professional settings, designed with discretion in mind to facilitate quiet yet responsive typing. This linear switch boasts a light actuation and a balanced sound profile, making it ideal for office environments where noise may be a concern. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch emphasizes a smoother travel experience courtesy of its Y3 stem and features a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that delivers a more pronounced clack. While the Ragdoll may not prioritize silence, it provides tactile feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy a bit more auditory engagement. Both options ultimately cater to distinct user needs: the Mountain Top for those seeking a subtler presence during long work hours, and the Ragdoll for those who relish in a dynamic and lively typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the Bsun Ragdoll, it’s clear that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings, creating a significant overlap in their acoustic and tactile characteristics. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, favored for its ability to absorb sound effectively. This property leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing, which is consistently noted in both switch descriptions. As a result, users looking for a muted and rounded auditory experience can expect similar performance from both switches, as their shared material composition largely dictates their acoustic outputs.
Despite their similar use of nylon, it’s important to consider how the influence of each housing on the overall feel and response of the switches might vary slightly based on their design and construction. While both the Mountain Top and Ragdoll feature nylon top housings that soften the sound of key releases, the bottom housings also contribute to the typing experience. The sound produced when bottoming out a key might feel similarly satisfying in both switches due to the properties of nylon, but nuances in switch design, including spring tension and overall assembly, could still lead to differences in tactile feedback or actuation force.
Ultimately, with both the Gateron Mountain Top and Bsun Ragdoll switches employing nylon for both their top and bottom housings, users can anticipate a comparable sound profile and tactile sensation, creating a synergy in user experience. The uniformity in materials suggests that while individual switch ergonomics may vary subtly, any typist will likely appreciate the shared characteristics inherent to nylon-housed switches. This similarity ensures that whether you choose the Mountain Top or the Ragdoll, you’ll enjoy a similar auditory experience marked by the rich sound qualities that nylon is known to offer.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch present a contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Mountain Top switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who favor extended typing sessions or gaming without substantial finger fatigue. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a more pronounced push feel that some users may find satisfying. As such, while the Mountain Top is the lighter option, the Ragdoll leans towards a medium-light feel. Users looking for a more responsive typing experience might gravitate towards the Mountain Top, while those who appreciate a firmer tactile feedback might prefer the Ragdoll.
Travel distance
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. In comparing these two switches, the Mountain Top offers a shorter travel distance, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking faster response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Ragdoll, with its longer 3.8 mm travel, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their key presses, providing a less abrupt experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more traditional, cushioned feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is designed with sound in mind, catering to those who need a quiet typing experience, particularly in office settings. It produces a sound that is neutral—moderate in both volume and character—allowing users from beginner to advanced levels to feel comfortable whether they are typing at home or in a professional environment. The balance of a subdued sound signature combined with its thoughtful engineering makes it an ideal choice where minimal disruption is desired. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll switch is noted for its clacky sound profile due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This trait suggests a more audible typing experience, potentially less suited for environments where noise levels need to be controlled.
When it comes to feel, the Mountain Top stands out with its bouncy character, providing a pleasant spring-like feedback when keys are pressed. It is easy to actuate and requires minimal force, making it particularly comfortable for long typing sessions. This gentle yet responsive feel ensures that fatigue is kept to a minimum, which is an advantage for users who type extensively throughout the day. The range of adjectives used to describe the Mountain Top, from "mild" to "snappy" and "subtle," speaks to its versatility and overall user-friendliness. Unfortunately, the specific qualities of the Ragdoll switch in terms of feel are not detailed, leaving gaps in comparison.
In summary, if you're seeking a quiet yet responsive switch for a professional or shared space, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch stands out as an excellent choice with its neutral sound profile and comfortable actuation. Meanwhile, the BSUN Ragdoll switch offers a different experience with its clackier sound, likely better suited for scenarios where noise isn’t a concern. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize quietness or a more audible feedback in your typing experience, though both are designed to deliver smooth travel for an enjoyable keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch depends largely on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you find yourself primarily in an office setting or shared workspace, the Mountain Top switch is the ideal option. Its light actuation force of 50 grams, combined with a quieter sound profile, allows for discreet and comfortable typing without disturbing those around you. The bouncy and easy-to-press nature of these switches promotes an effortless, enjoyable typing experience, which can significantly reduce finger fatigue during long hours of work. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a unique and engaging feel, the Ragdoll with its slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams and clacky sound might be more appealing. This switch, known for its smooth travel and distinctive auditory feedback, could enhance your typing experience during gaming or creative tasks where a more expressive sound is welcomed. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to whether you prioritize a quiet, professional typing experience or a livelier, more tactile engagement with each keystroke.
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