Cherry MX Silent Red vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially among linear options like the Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Ragdoll. The MX Silent Red, revered for its silent operation, embodies the classic feel of the beloved MX Red switches while offering a quieter typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who work in noise-sensitive environments or simply prefer a muted auditory feedback. It maintains a slightly heftier feel, providing a satisfying tactile experience without disrupting the surroundings. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll is designed for enthusiasts who appreciate smooth key travel and a distinctive clacky sound. Its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contribute to an engaging typing sensation, appealing to gamers and typists alike who crave audio feedback as part of their experience. While both switches have their unique advantages, deciding between them ultimately depends on individual typing preferences and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red and Bsun Ragdoll switches utilize nylon as their housing material, resulting in a consistent sound profile across both switches. As described, nylon is a favored choice for switch construction due to its properties, which contribute to a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Being a relatively softer plastic, nylon excels at sound absorption, thereby minimizing the sharpness of sounds typically generated by harder plastics. With both switches utilizing nylon for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a similarly rounded and muted sound signature when typing on either switch, enhancing the overall tactile experience.
While both switches share the same material composition, the impact of the housing on the key feedback and sound can differ slightly based on their structural design and how each housing interacts with the switch mechanism. For instance, the Cherry MX Silent Red is designed with specific actuation mechanics that could alter how the nylon housing responds during a key press. However, since both switches employ nylon in their construction, they achieve a comparable depth of sound and tactile response, making them suitable for users who prefer quieter key presses with less auditory distraction.
Ultimately, the similarities in housing materials lead to predictable performance results when typing on both the Cherry MX Silent Red and Bsun Ragdoll. With nylon being a constant across both switches, users can expect a dulled sound effect thanks to the material's intrinsic characteristics. In scenarios where the top and bottom housings could differ in their design, it would lead to distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. Nevertheless, the consistent use of nylon in both switches assures similar auditory experiences, catering especially to those seeking a rich typing experience with minimized keystroke noise.
Weight
The Cherry MX Silent Red and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches present some interesting similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, which means users will experience a similar tactile response when pressing the keys—a beneficial characteristic for those seeking a light touch for extended typing sessions. However, the Bsun Ragdoll stands out with a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more force to press the key all the way down compared to the MX Silent Red, for which the bottom out force is unavailable. As a result, the Ragdoll provides a more substantial feel upon bottoming out, appealing to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Bsun Ragdoll is the heavier option due to its slightly stronger bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who enjoy a firmer key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Ragdoll offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Consequently, if you prioritize quick response times, the MX Silent Red would be the more favorable option due to its shorter travel distance, which can provide a more immediate reaction for gaming purposes. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced key press feel, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may suit your preferences better, offering a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, while both switches are close in travel distances, the MX Silent Red is the shorter option, making it preferable for those who favor responsiveness, whereas the Ragdoll offers a slight edge in depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Silent Red linear switch stands out for its unique acoustic profile, producing a muted and low-pitched sound that is softer compared to typical mechanical switches. This suited for environments where noise is a concern, while still giving off a satisfying "thock" with each keystroke that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch tends to be characterized by a clackier sound due to its nylon-fiberglass housing. However, specific auditory characteristics of the Ragdoll are unknown in this comparison.
When it comes to feel, the MX Silent Red offers a notably textured experience, allowing users to detect a slight friction as they press the keys. This textured feedback can be desirable to some, adding a tactile dimension to the typing experience. On the other hand, while the feel of the Ragdoll is not explicitly defined, the absence of texture may suggest a smoother operation, catering to those who prefer a friction-free keystroke.
Overall, while the Cherry MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a tactile feel, the Bsun Ragdoll’s auditory profile leans toward a clackier sound that remains unknown in its tactile feedback. If you prioritize silence with satisfying feedback, the Silent Red may be your best choice, but if you prefer a more pronounced sound signature without details on texture, the Ragdoll could still be appealing. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the choice ultimately hinge on your specific typing needs and environmental considerations.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between Cherry MX Silent Red and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches, you should consider your specific needs and environment. If you're often typing in a shared space or any noise-sensitive environment, the Cherry MX Silent Red is your best bet; its muted sound profile ensures a discreet typing experience without sacrificing the satisfaction of linear keypresses. Additionally, its textured feel offers a unique typing sensation that may appeal to those who enjoy a bit of feedback from their keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a more stable and slightly heavier feel while typing, the Bsun Ragdoll with its 52 grams of bottom-out force may provide the tactile engagement you seek. Its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing lends a clacky quality to your keystrokes, which some users find enjoyable, especially in a more private setting where noise isn't an issue. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize quiet performance with the MX Silent Red or a more pronounced and engaging auditory experience with the Ragdoll.
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