Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Bsun Ragdoll represent two distinct options catering to different typing preferences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its tactile experience, offering a refined, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more interactive typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch stands out for its smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem design and its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which produces a distinct clacky sound that many users find appealing in a more fluid typing experience. Choosing the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be ideal for gamers and typists who thrive on tactile feedback and responsiveness, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll caters to users who prefer a seamless, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile resistance. 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
4.00 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
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon as their primary housing material, which indicates a shared foundation in terms of sound profile and performance characteristics. Nylon is renowned for its softer properties compared to harder plastics, allowing for enhanced sound absorption. In both switches, this material contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience while typing. The use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings for these switches ensures that users can expect similarly rich sound profiles, promoting a more rounded and muted typing experience compared to alternatives made from harder materials.
When examining the housing configurations, both switches share identical material compositions for their top and bottom housings. This uniformity means that the sound characteristics will be quite consistent across both models. Since the nylon components absorb sound waves effectively, the overall noise produced upon bottoming out or releasing keys is softer and less jarring. This design choice facilitates a smoother transitional sound when typing, offering an enjoyable tactile sensation for users who appreciate that deeper audio feedback during their activities.
If there were differences in housing materials, they could create variances in sound and feel. For instance, a harder material in the bottom housing could lead to a sharper bottom-out sound, while a lighter top housing might produce a more resonant release sound. However, since both the MX Purple RGB and the Ragdoll feature nylon in both their top and bottom housings, users will experience a seamless auditory experience regardless of the model chosen. In summary, the shared use of nylon in both switches ultimately provides a harmonious typing experience characterized by depth and richness in sound, ensuring similar results regardless of the specific switch in use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there's a notable similarity in their actuation forces. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive when it comes to triggering a keystroke. However, the differences become more apparent when looking at the bottom out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB's bottom out force is unknown, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll features a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light. This means that while the actuation requires the same force, the Ragdoll will provide a heavier feel when fully pressed down, making it potentially more suitable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, those who favor a lighter switch might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, especially for extended typing sessions, while the Bsun Ragdoll may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option, while the Bsun Ragdoll has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference may appeal to different types of users; the MX Purple’s greater depth can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a hearty feel, while the Ragdoll, with its slightly shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers seeking a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, those who prefer faster response times might lean towards the Ragdoll, while enthusiasts of a deeper switch may opt for the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch provides a satisfying auditory feedback due to its refined design, which may produce a subtle yet noticeable sound during actuation, enhancing the typing experience for those who enjoy a bit of acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to a clacky sound profile. This clackiness can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience, although sound perception will ultimately depend on factors such as the keyboard's construction, the material of the keycaps, and any additional dampening elements used.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its short, medium-strength tactile bump, offering a balanced tactile response that is both satisfying and responsive. This makes it a comfortable option for both typists and gamers who appreciate a tactile feedback without being overly pronounced. Conversely, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch, designed with a Y3 stem, provides a smooth travel experience with no tactile bump, allowing for uninterrupted key presses. This seamless feel can appeal to users who prefer a fluid and linear typing experience, particularly in gaming scenarios where quick and repeated key presses are necessary.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, each has its own merits that cater to different user preferences. The MX Purple RGB excels in providing a balanced tactile experience with noticeable sound, making it suitable for those who enjoy a refined typing feel. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll linear switch stands out for its clackiness and smooth actuation, appealing to users who prefer a linear feel and a more pronounced sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference, as both can provide satisfying results based on individual typing styles and sound preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump and appreciate a refined response, the MX Purple RGB is a fantastic choice, especially if you're into gaming or typing tasks where feedback is crucial. The tactile feedback can help improve typing accuracy, making it ideal for those who really enjoy the sensation of each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience without the bump and appreciate a medium-light actuation force, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch would better suit your style. Its smooth travel and clacky sound can make it pleasurable for both gaming and long typing sessions, while the Y3 stem offers a unique feel that many find satisfying. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value tactile feedback and a stronger bottom-out force (MX Purple RGB) or a smooth, linear action with a slightly lighter touch (Bsun Ragdoll). Each switch has its distinct benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and use cases.
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