Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between various options to suit their unique preferences and needs. Two popular linear switches that cater to different performance aspects are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll. The MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response and low spring resistance, making it a favorite among gamers who thrive on minimal latency and quick action. Its textured, thocky feel enhances the typing experience, providing a solid foundation that many players appreciate during intense sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem configuration and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, delivering a smoother travel experience with a delightful clacky sound that many casual typists and gamers enjoy. While the Speed Silver excels in speed, the Ragdoll captures attention with its unique auditory feedback and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that works for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll switches share a notable similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, valued for its ability to deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer plastic nature, which is adept at absorbing sound more effectively than its harder plastic counterparts. Consequently, both the MX Speed Silver and Ragdoll produce a duller and rounder sound when the switches are activated, making the auditory experience of typing on either switch quite satisfying.
Despite their shared nylon housing, the experience of typing on each switch might still vary slightly due to other design factors, such as the switch actuation mechanism or the tactile feedback profile. As claimed for both models, the nylon composition in both the top and bottom housings will significantly influence the feel and auditory response during key presses. While the materials might be the same, the overall nuances in feel and sound may differ based on the specific thickness or design details of the housings. Ultimately, if users prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback, they may find comparable outcomes when using either the Cherry MX Speed Silver or the Bsun Ragdoll due to the identical nylon construction.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing also plays a crucial role in shaping the overall feel and sound during typing. In both switches, the top nylon housing impacts the sound produced as one releases a key, while the bottom nylon housing influences the bottom-out sound and overall key feel when pressed down. Given the identical materials employed in both switches, users can expect a unified performance in terms of sound dampening and overall typing experience. Thus, while there may be subtle variations in design and nuance, the underlying principles of sound absorption and ergonomic feedback remain consistent between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and Bsun Ragdoll, ensuring satisfying outcomes for users across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar sensitivity when triggering keystrokes on either switch. However, the key distinction lies in their bottom out forces: the Cherry MX Speed Silver lacks a specified bottom out force, while the Bsun Ragdoll features a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that the Ragdoll switch provides a more pronounced resistance as it reaches the end of its travel, offering a heavier feel compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver, which may feel lighter overall during prolonged use. While the similar actuation forces suggest the potential for equivalent typing experiences, the differing bottom out forces create contrasting tactile sensations that cater to different user preferences in typing or gaming scenarios.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in travel distance indicates that the MX Speed Silver switch is the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate feel when pressing keys. Conversely, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer, as it offers a sense of depth and feedback. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the MX Speed Silver would be the better choice, while the Bsun Ragdoll is suited for those who value a more traditional and deeper actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch offers a sound profile characterized as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep, rich auditory feedback that many find satisfying. This gives a sense of heft and quality to each keystroke, akin to the deep thud that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch are not explicitly detailed, leaving its auditory presence somewhat open to interpretation. Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound experience is largely influenced by the specific keyboard build and keycap materials used, which can equalize or accentuate the individual switch properties.
When it comes to feel, the MX Speed Silver switch is noted for being textured, providing noticeable friction during key presses. This can enhance the tactile sensation for some users, giving them confidence in their actuation. However, the feel of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch isn’t defined, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. Some may prefer the immediate, smooth experience of the Ragdoll, assuming it possesses a consistently smooth and frictionless action typical of linear switches.
In summary, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch shines with its distinct thocky and low-pitched sound coupled with a textured feel that integrates feedback into each keystroke, making it an exceptional choice for gamers seeking speed and satisfaction. The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, while not as clearly defined in sound and feel, is also positioned as a potential contender, particularly due to its focus on smooth travel and quality materials. For individuals who prioritize audible and tactile feedback, the MX Speed Silver may be preferable, whereas the Ragdoll could cater to those seeking a more nuanced yet equally rewarding typing experience. Ultimately, if one enjoys the outlined qualities of the MX Speed Silver, they may find similar satisfaction in the Ragdoll, albeit with unknown characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches ultimately hinges upon your primary use case and personal preferences. If you are an avid gamer who values speed and quick response times, the MX Speed Silver is an excellent option due to its rapid actuation and low spring resistance, which can significantly enhance your gaming performance. Its textured feel and thocky sound add a level of satisfaction to every keystroke, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate tactile feedback in their gaming setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a more balanced typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force and a smooth, clacky sound, the Ragdoll is a commendable alternative. Its design caters well to mix-use scenarios, delivering a pleasant typing experience that is less aggressive than the Speed Silver, thus making it suitable for extended typing sessions or casual gaming. Ultimately, consider how you plan to use your keyboard and what sensations you enjoy, as both switches offer unique advantages that cater to different user experiences.
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