Cherry MX Black vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the characteristics of various options, particularly linear switches like the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Ragdoll. The Cherry MX Black, renowned for its refined design, benefits from Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a texture that provides a smooth typing experience complemented by a low-pitched, deep sound profile. Its stiff actuation makes it ideal for users who prefer a more deliberate keystroke, perfect for gaming or typing where precision is crucial. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its unique Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, offers a smooth travel experience while producing a distinct clacky sound. This switch caters to users who enjoy a combination of responsiveness and auditory feedback, making it an appealing choice for a dynamic typing experience. Both switches serve different preferences and use cases, influencing whether one seeks a robust tactile performance or a lively auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Black and Bsun Ragdoll both utilize nylon as the material for their top and bottom housings, which is a significant common ground between the two. Nylon is revered in the mechanical keyboard community for its unique acoustic properties, specifically its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This acoustic advantage comes from nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound experience. Both switches, therefore, promise an auditory experience that is rich and satisfying, with the material choice supporting a similar acoustic character regardless of the brand.
When considering the specifics of the MX Black and Ragdoll’s nylon materials, it’s essential to note that they are constructed identically in terms of material type. Since both the top and bottom housings of these switches are made from nylon, they will exhibit comparable sound behavior and tactile feedback. The overall performance, especially in terms of sound profile, will reflect the quality of nylon used in each switch. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of acoustics and feel, leading to a consistent typing experience regardless of individual preferences for either switch.
However, it is important to recognize that the interaction between the top and bottom housings still plays a crucial role in the typing experience. While both the Cherry MX Black and Bsun Ragdoll utilize the same nylon material, differences in design or construction could influence the bottom-out feel and the sound generated when releasing the keys. For instance, if there are variances in the thickness or shape of the housing components, this could lead to subtle differences in sound and feedback when the key is pressed down or released. Overall, while the material properties are consistent between the two switches, the overall typing experience may still present nuanced differences based on their structural design.
Weight
The Cherry MX Black and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches exhibit distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces, which impact user experience based on preference for typing and gaming. The Cherry MX Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer the tactile feedback of a stronger push. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, appealing to users who favor a medium-light feel for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Consequently, users can expect less fatigue with the Ragdoll switch, while those opting for the MX Black may appreciate the added resistance that provides a more pronounced keystroke feedback. Overall, these switches cater to different user preferences in weight and feel, with the MX Black being heavier and the Ragdoll switch offering a lighter alternative.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the MX Black boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This slight variation highlights the MX Black's more traditional and deeper travel, which may appeal to users who favor a more substantial and hearty feel when typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Ragdoll aligns with modern preferences, particularly among gamers who seek quicker responsiveness. Therefore, if you prioritize depth and a more tactile experience, the Cherry MX Black is the better choice. However, if you prefer a quicker response and a more abrupt actuation, the Bsun Ragdoll would be more suitable. Overall, the MX Black provides a longer travel experience compared to the Ragdoll, catering to different user preferences.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Black switch is well-regarded for its low-pitched profile, delivering a deeper and mellower tone that resonates when typing. This characteristic can create an inviting and classic auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a subdued sound while they work or game. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch is noted for its clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. While the specific sound profile of the Ragdoll is not exhaustively detailed, its clacky nature suggests a higher-pitched resonance compared to the deeper bass of the MX Black, making the auditory experience distinct between the two.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Black presents a textured and stiff typing experience. Users will notice a pronounced resistance when pressing down the keys, requiring a deliberate application of force to actuate or bottom out. This tactile nature may appeal to typists who enjoy a more robust feedback in their keystrokes. Unfortunately, the feel of the Ragdoll switch is not specified, so we cannot make a direct comparison. However, the smooth travel hinted at by its design could suggest a different tactile experience, potentially offering a contrast to the more textured feel of the MX Black.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black switch provides a deep, low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel that many enthusiasts cherish, the Bsun Ragdoll's clacky sound introduces a different auditory dimension, though its tactile qualities remain unspecified. Users seeking a low, bass-heavy typing experience may lean towards the MX Blacks, while those who enjoy a more lively sound may find the Ragdolls appealing. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct preferences, and understanding their qualities can help newcomers choose a switch that suits their typing style and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between Cherry MX Black and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and application needs. If you prefer a heavy switch with a distinct tactile feel, the Cherry MX Black is the way to go. Its 80-gram actuation force provides resistance that can help prevent accidental keystrokes, making it a solid choice for gamers or anyone who types with intensity. The textured and stiff response, combined with the low-pitched sound profile, not only offers an engaging tactile experience but also produces a muted auditory feedback that's less disruptive in shared spaces.
On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter touch for more fluid typing, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of just 52 grams, it enables quick and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions where speed and comfort are paramount. Its smooth travel paired with a clacky sound contributes to a lively typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value weighty, deliberate keystrokes or a light, swift typing style—both switches have their unique strengths tailored to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
