Bsun Olive vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and Bsun Ragdoll present two distinct experiences that cater to different typist preferences. The Bsun Olive is a tactile switch renowned for its pronounced tactile feedback and sharp auditory response, thanks to its all-POM housing and long pole stem that create a satisfying "snappy" feel and resonant sound with every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more engaged typing experience, often favoring the distinctive sensation of tactile switches for gaming or writing. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll stands out as a linear switch, designed for smooth and consistent keystrokes devoid of tactile bumps, facilitated by its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass housing that produces a pleasant clacky sound. This switch appeals to those who seek a fluid typing experience, ideal for rapid input and gaming scenarios where speed and quiet operation are paramount. While both switches offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different users, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Bsun Ragdoll, it is important to note that both models utilize materials with distinct acoustic properties that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Olive features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which is known for producing a unique and pleasing sound. This material lends a deeper and more muted tone, ideal for users who prefer a subdued auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll opts for nylon for its top and bottom housings, a classic choice recognized for generating a fuller, deeper sound. The inherent properties of nylon as a softer plastic allow it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder profile that still resonates with depth.
Despite the differences in materials, there is a commonality in the sound characteristics that both switch designs aim to achieve. Both the POM and nylon housings are engineered to provide a richer auditory experience; however, they vary in how they handle sound propagation. While the POM housing of the Olive creates a more muted sound, the nylon construction of the Ragdoll absorbs sound in a manner that gives it a fuller tone. This means that although the switches are constructed from different materials, both have been designed to enhance the depth of the sound produced when typing, appealing to different user preferences without compromising on sound satisfaction.
In terms of tactile and acoustic response, the qualities brought forth by each material are distributed depending on which housing is being pressed. The Olive's POM construction influences both the bottom-out feel and sound, imparting a unique quality to the typing experience. Similarly, the Ragdoll's nylon materials affect the sound and feel during key release, capturing the essence of a rounder sound profile. Ultimately, while the Bsun Olive and Bsun Ragdoll differ in their fundamental housing materials, both successfully deliver an engaging auditory experience with their specific strengths in sound production, appealing to users based on personal preferences in tactile feedback and sound quality.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit notable differences in their bottom out forces, while their actuation forces are identical. Both switches require an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar experience when triggering a keystroke. However, the Olive has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Ragdoll's 52 grams, making the Ragdoll, with its lighter feel during bottoming out, more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without discomfort. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience or a stronger resistance when bottoming out, the Olive may be the better choice. Ultimately, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Ragdoll offers a lighter typing experience overall, whereas the Olive introduces additional weight at the bottom of the keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Olive has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Ragdoll features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Olive switch offers a shorter, more responsive experience, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Ragdoll’s longer travel distance may appeal to users who favor a more substantial feel during key presses, providing a sense of depth that some may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 BSUN Olive tactile switch produces a resonant, deep sound that is particularly satisfying to many users. The combination of its all-POM housings contributes to this resonance, creating a rich auditory signature upon each key press. This deep sound is attractive to those who appreciate a tactile typing experience, as it enhances the overall feedback of the switch. In contrast, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch generates a clacky sound, primarily due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. While this sound can also be enjoyable for those who prefer linear switches, it’s typically less pronounced than the Olive’s rich tones, showcasing the different auditory profiles of tactile versus linear switches.
In terms of feel, the Olive switch is known for its medium tactile feedback, which is neither too subtle nor overwhelming, making it a quintessential choice for users who want an invigorating typing experience. The pronounced tactile bump is described as sharp and snappy, providing strong feedback with each keypress. This composition can lead to a dynamic sensation that engages the typist more fully. Conversely, the feel of the Ragdoll remains unknown from the provided information. However, linear switches are generally characterized by a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile bumps, appealing to users who favor unencumbered movement.
Overall, choosing between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Olive offers a deep auditory experience coupled with significant tactile feedback, making it suitable for users who enjoy the tactile sensation of typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll provides a different auditory profile with a clacky sound and smoother keystrokes, though its tactile feedback character remains unspecified. Therefore, your choice between these switches will hinge on the unique auditory and tactile qualities you desire in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you enjoy a more tactile typing experience with pronounced feedback, then the Olive switch is your best option. Its medium-heavy actuation force and sharp tactile bump provide a satisfying and invigorating feel, making it an excellent choice for typing and coding where you need to feel each keypress distinctly. The deep sound profile enhances this experience even further, adding an engaging auditory element to your work. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more fluid keystroke for activities like gaming or extended typing sessions where comfort and speed are paramount, the Ragdoll linear switch is ideal. Its medium-light actuation force allows for quicker presses, and the smooth travel minimizes finger fatigue, making it perfect for fast-paced environments. The clacky sound adds a subtle auditory feedback that some users find enjoyable without the tactile distraction. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound or smoothness and ease of use in your typing experience.
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