Cherry MX Red vs. Bsun Ragdoll

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style, and two popular linear options—Cherry MX Red and Bsun Ragdoll—offer distinct experiences to consider. The Cherry MX Red is a classic switch, renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience characterized by a thocky texture and low-pitched auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch features a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, resulting in a smooth travel and a clacky sound that some users may find more pleasurable. While the MX Red is appreciated for its feedback and satisfying depth, the Ragdoll appeals to those who prioritize a fluid keystroke and a unique auditory signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Cherry MX Red Linear

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials utilized in the Cherry MX Red and Bsun Ragdoll switches are remarkably similar, as both switches feature nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is well-recognized in the switch community for its ability to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer properties. Typing on either switch will produce a sound that is notably rounder and more subdued than switches made of harder plastics. The consistent use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience a similar auditory feedback when engaged in typing activities, leading to an overall comparable experience in terms of sound and feel.

In exploring the bottom housing of both switches, the similarities continue to contribute to the auditory characteristics of the overall switch. Again, the nylon material employed contributes to a more pleasant sound profile that absorbs noise effectively. This softer material allows for a certain degree of dampening, which results in a less harsh bottom-out sound during keystrokes. Consequently, users of both the MX Red and Ragdoll can expect a consistent performance in terms of acoustics, as commonalities in material will lead to the same type of sound experience. Ultimately, anyone familiar with the Cherry MX Red will appreciate similar acoustic qualities when typing on the Bsun Ragdoll.

Despite the structural similarities provided by the nylon materials, there may be slight differences in how the switches feel when bottoming out or releasing a key. Each switch may have its own unique design and construction quirks that can slightly modify the user experience. However, since both switches leverage the same housing material, the core qualities relating to sound dampening and user perception remain intact. In essence, enthusiasts can expect satisfactory consistency between the Cherry MX Red and Bsun Ragdoll switches, especially in terms of sound profiles and tactile feedback, regardless of subtle differences in individual switch design.

Weight

The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit noteworthy similarities in their actuation forces, as both require 45 grams of pressure to register a keystroke. This means that users of either switch will experience a consistent typing feel when pressing keys. However, a significant contrast arises when examining the bottom out force: while the MX Red's bottom out force is unknown, the Ragdoll switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference in bottom out force suggests that the Ragdoll switch will provide a slightly heavier and more substantial feeling when fully pressed down. Consequently, the Cherry MX Red is the lighter option overall, which caters well to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Ragdoll, with its higher bottom out force, may appeal to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience or prefer the feedback of a stronger push feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Cherry MX Red stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll measures slightly shorter at 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm signifies that the MX Red offers a more pronounced keystroke depth, which some users appreciate for a more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users who favor quicker response times during high-paced activities. Those who prefer a more shallow keystroke might find the Ragdoll's distance more comfortable, while those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke might lean towards the MX Red. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus speed in response.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched characteristics. The deep "thud" it produces provides a satisfying auditory experience, making each keystroke feel impactful and robust. This richness in sound can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Ragdoll switch is less defined, described as "clacky" due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which may not offer the same depth as the MX Red. However, the specific qualities of its sound are not detailed, leaving some room for subjective interpretation based on other factors like the keyboard build and keycaps used.

Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Red is noted for its textured experience, characterized by a noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can appeal to users who enjoy a tactile response while typing, as it adds an extra dimension to the overall interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, the feel of the Bsun Ragdoll switch is not specified, leaving its tactile characteristics unknown. Thus, while the MX Red offers a distinct typing sensation, the lack of data on the Ragdoll's feel creates uncertainty for potential users.

In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch excels with its rich sound and textured feel, the Bsun Ragdoll's auditory and tactile qualities remain ambiguous. If you're looking for a solid, impactful typing experience with a satisfying sound, the MX Red is a reliable choice. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll may appeal to those looking for a clacky sound, but without further information on its tactile attributes, it's difficult to ascertain how it might compare in feel. Ultimately, both switches could lead to enjoyable typing experiences, but the MX Red is more clearly defined in its auditory and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing between the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch depends significantly on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a classic, smooth typing experience with a slightly heavier feel and enjoy a deeper, richer auditory profile, the Cherry MX Red is an excellent choice. Its thocky and low-pitched sound makes it particularly satisfying for those who appreciate a robust auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light actuation force with a more pronounced auditory character, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch could be the ideal option for you. Its unique Y3 stem design offers a fluid keystroke experience while its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to a clacky sound that's sure to stand out. Ultimately, consider what aspects you value more—whether it’s sound, tactile feel, or actuation force—to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.

Mentioned in this article

Cherry MX Red Linear

$5.90

$4.00 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more