Haimu Orange Sea vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Ragdoll can significantly affect your typing experience, even though both are linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a serene typing environment without the distraction of noise. This switch is particularly well-suited for gamers and typists alike who value both comfort and efficiency in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll offers a unique experience with its Y3 stem that ensures smooth travel and a distinctive clacky sound, appealing to users who enjoy an unmistakable auditory feedback while typing. This switch may attract those who find joy in the sound of their keystrokes and desire a bit of personality in their keyboard setup. Both options have their merits, but choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. However, 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Ragdoll, the most striking difference lies in their top housing compositions. The Orange Sea features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the polycarbonate's translucency allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Ragdoll employs a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer materials like polycarbonate, resulting in a more subdued auditory experience. Therefore, the distinct materials used for the top housings in these switches significantly influence the overall sound profile generated during use.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon. This shared material leads to a more uniform acoustic experience on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Typing on either switch results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon's ability to absorb sound helps create a nicely rounded auditory feedback. Given that both switches have nylon bottom housings, users will experience similar results with diminished impact from the material differences noted in the top housing. Consequently, the bottom housing serves to enhance the sound experience produced by the respective top housing materials, albeit in different ways depending on the combined attributes.
Ultimately, the interaction between these disparate housing materials and their roles contributes to distinct typing experiences. The Orange Sea, with its polycarbonate top allowing for a bright and lively sound, contrasts with the Ragdoll's nylon top which dampens sounds for a richer, more robust auditory landscape. However, both switches share a commonality with their nylon bottom housing, creating a cohesive base note that unifies the typing experience. This combination of materials showcases how varying top and bottom housings can influence the overall feel and sound profile of a switch, allowing for a unique yet complementary sound when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Orange Sea features a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, while the Ragdoll requires a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users may find the Orange Sea switch easier to press, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it reduces the physical strain over time. In terms of bottom out forces, the Orange Sea also has a lighter bottom out force at 45 grams compared to the Ragdoll’s 52 grams. This difference suggests that the Orange Sea provides a less forceful experience when keys are fully pressed down. Overall, the Haimu Orange Sea switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it a preferable choice for those who favor a softer touch, while the Bsun Ragdoll switch offers a slightly heavier resistance for users who seek a more substantial feel during typing.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Orange Sea switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ragdoll switch, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Ragdoll's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced actuation feel and depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference, with the Orange Sea offering a snappier response and the Ragdoll providing a more substantial tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 per 10 switches.
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 Haimu Orange Sea switch is recognized for its neutral sound signature, which contributes to a clean and unobtrusive typing experience. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment while working or gaming. On the other hand, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch features a more pronounced clackiness due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which could introduce a sharper auditory feedback during use. Both switches' sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so while they cater to different auditory preferences, users can achieve similar results depending on their overall setup.
When discussing feel, the Haimu Orange Sea offers an impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses that can be particularly inviting for extended typing sessions. The BSUN Ragdoll linear switch also emphasizes smooth travel with its Y3 stem, but with an added dimension of clackiness, which may contribute to a tactile sensation that some users find satisfying. While the Orange Sea leans toward a more subdued feel perfect for continuous typing, the Ragdoll's characteristics may appeal to those looking for a slight tactile feedback along with fluid key action.
In conclusion, both the Haimu Orange Sea and BSUN Ragdoll linear switches offer distinct experiences to users, characterized by their sound and feel. The Orange Sea's neutral sound and impeccably smooth feel make it a solid choice for those seeking a quiet and comfortable typing experience, while the Ragdoll offers a clackier sound and smooth travel that could be favored by users who enjoy a bit more auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference and usage environment, either switch can provide satisfying results, making both worthwhile options in the expansive landscape of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a lighter touch and an impeccably smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Haimu Orange Sea is a great option for you. This switch is especially suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons where you want minimal fatigue and maximum fluidity in keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance with a medium-light bottom-out force and enjoy a clackier sound profile, the Bsun Ragdoll might be the switch for you. Its Y3 stem provides a smooth travel experience while the nylon-fiberglass housing adds some character to the auditory feedback, making it ideal for both work and play environments where sound is a consideration as well. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what feels best to you, ensuring that your keyboard experience is both enjoyable and tailored to your specific needs.
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