Outemu Black vs. Bsun Ragdoll

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing various options, such as the Outemu Black and the Bsun Ragdoll, both of which are linear switches. The Outemu Black, while often overlooked, is appreciated for its consistency and straightforward operation, appealing to gamers and typists looking for a reliable feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll stands out with its unique Y3 stem design, which ensures smooth key travel paired with a distinctive clacky sound thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing; this makes it a favorite among users who desire both performance and auditory feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Outemu Black offers a more traditional linear experience, while the Bsun Ragdoll adds an element of personality. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Outemu Black Linear

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Black switches and the Bsun Ragdoll switches, a clear distinction arises in their top housings. The Outemu Black features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This characteristic allows the sound generated when typing to resonate more clearly, which can enhance the auditory experience, especially when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes the lighting more vibrant. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, which, being a softer material, lends a deeper and fuller sound to the typing experience. The nylon’s capacity to absorb sound leads to a duller and rounder acoustic profile, which can be more comfortable for users seeking a more muted auditory feedback while typing.

Both switches share a common material for their bottom housing: nylon. This similarity means that regardless of the differences in the top housing, both switches will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile from the bottom. The nylon's inherent properties ensure that as you bottom out the key, the sound produced is rich and rounded, which can create a satisfying typing experience. This shared material allows both the Outemu Black and the Bsun Ragdoll switches to generate similar sounds during the bottoming-out phase, thus creating a consistent experience in that regard. However, the composite sound profile created will differ based on the combination of each switch's top and bottom housing materials.

When considering the overall sound and feel of these switches, the contrasting top housings will lead to unique user experiences despite the shared nylon bottom. Users will perceive a sharper and more resonant sound when pressing the Outemu Black switches, especially during the release of a key, while the Ragdoll's softer top housing will provide a smoother, more subdued sound. In this way, the choice between these two switch types largely depends on individual preference: whether one desires the electric clarity of polycarbonate or the comforting warmth of nylon. Ultimately, while the nylon bottoms ensure both switches deliver a satisfying tactile experience, it is the differences in top housing material that distinguish each switch's overall auditory signature.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Black linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces that reflects their intended usage. The Outemu Black has a considerably heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it suitable for typists and gamers who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, ideal for users seeking a more comfortable typing experience during extended sessions. Consequently, the Ragdoll's lighter specifications make it more suitable for those who type for longer periods without fatigue, while the heavier Black switch caters to users who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback. Overall, the Outemu Black is the heavier option, while the Bsun Ragdoll is the lighter choice.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Outemu Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Ragdoll a better choice for those who prefer a quicker response time, as shorter travel distances are often favored, particularly by gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Black's greater travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, offering a heartier feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, if you are inclined towards responsiveness and speed, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance would suit you better, whereas the Outemu Black's 4 mm distance might be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Black linear switch is characterized by a sound that is relatively muted and smooth, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is renowned for its clacky sound profile, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which adds a distinct acoustic element to each keypress. It's important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's build quality and the type of keycaps used, meaning that personal setups could lead to different auditory experiences.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Black linear switch is known for its consistent smoothness throughout the keypress with a slightly heavier spring weight, which some users find offers a satisfying resistance. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features the Y3 stem, which is designed to give a smooth travel experience that contributes to a more fluid typing sensation. Both switches cater to users who prefer linear switches but deliver different tactile responses that might appeal to varying personal preferences.

In summary, while the Outemu Black linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with a smooth feel and consistent resistance, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is notable for its clacky sound and fluid travel contributed by its unique stem design. Those looking for a quiet and stable typing surface might gravitate toward the Outemu Blacks, while those who enjoy a bit more acoustic feedback without compromising on smoothness may find the Ragdoll ideally suited to their needs. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate the best choice based on these qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a firmer keypress and enjoy the tactile feedback that comes with a heavier bottoming-out force of 82 grams, the Outemu Black might be your best choice, especially if you engage in aggressive typing or gaming scenarios where precision is critical. On the other hand, if you value a smoother, lighter typing experience with a bottom-out force of just 52 grams, the Bsun Ragdoll will likely suit you better, particularly if you favor a fluid key travel that can enhance your typing speed and comfort for prolonged use. The Ragdoll's unique Y3 stem design and nylon-fiberglass housing also contribute to a satisfying sound and feel, making it appealing for those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without being overly aggressive. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you seek the robust feel of the Outemu Black or the smooth, enjoyable typing experience that the Bsun Ragdoll offers.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Black Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more