Outemu Blue vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue 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 Outemu Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Blue switch is a clicky switch known for its audible feedback, which many typists find satisfying and helps improve typing accuracy by providing tactile confirmation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch is a linear switch designed for a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bump or click, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While the Blue switch is celebrated for its engaging sound and crisp feedback, the Ragdoll switch excels with its fluid motion and minimal resistance. 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll switches exhibit a stark contrast in their top housing materials, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Outemu Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the key is released, making it particularly favorable for those who enjoy an enthusiastic auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and designed to absorb sound better. This results in a deeper and fuller sound that is more muted than the Outemu Blue. The differences in their top housings clearly illustrate how the choice of material can shape the overall acoustic experience of a switch.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, they surprisingly share the same material: nylon. This commonality means that both the Outemu Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll will produce a similar deeper and rounder sound profile when keys are pressed. The nylon material in the bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, softening the impact produced when bottoming out. Therefore, while the sound when releasing a key differs significantly between the two variants due to their top housings, the bottom-out sound will be more aligned, providing a cohesive auditory experience whenever these switches are engaged.
In summary, while the Outemu Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll differ in their top housing materials—resulting in distinct sound profiles—the use of nylon bottom housings leads to a unified acoustic quality when the keys are pressed. The polycarbonate top of the Outemu Blue produces a bright, resonant sound, while the nylon top of the Ragdoll delivers a more subdued tone, showcasing how housing materials can influence both typing experiences. However, the reliance on nylon for the bottom housing means that, irrespective of the differences in design, users will find a similar satisfaction in the sound quality associated with the key presses across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Outemu Blue has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Bsun Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making the Ragdoll easier to press and potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions. However, the Ragdoll has a bottom out force of 52 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more force to press down fully compared to the Blue, for which the bottom out force is unknown. As a result, typists and gamers seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the heavier Outemu Blue, while those preferring a lighter touch would likely favor the Bsun Ragdoll. Overall, the Ragdoll offers a medium-light feel, while the Blue's actuation force provides a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
The Outemu Blue clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Blue switch the longer option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more satisfying and deliberate keystroke that provides a greater sense of depth when typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance aligns with the recent trend toward shorter key presses, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who seek quicker actuation times. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: those who appreciate a robust tactile feedback may lean towards the Outemu Blue, while those favoring speed and a more agile feel might opt for the Bsun Ragdoll.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Blue switch is recognized for its distinctive, sharp click that provides auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it popular among typists and gamers who appreciate a more tactile audio experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is known for its unique clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. However, sound characteristics can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard design and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch offers a tactile bump followed by a pronounced click, which provides a satisfying and responsive typing experience. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy feeling the actuation point as they type. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a smooth travel due to its Y3 stem, which makes it feel effortless and provides a fluid keystroke without any tactile feedback. This difference in feel caters to different preferences—some may prefer the tactile response of the Blue, while others may favor the smoothness of the Ragdoll.
Overall, choosing between the Outemu Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Blue offers a clicky and tactile experience perfect for those who enjoy audible feedback, while the Ragdoll provides a smooth and quiet option ideal for users seeking a more subdued typing experience. Each switch presents its unique qualities, ensuring that there are options available to suit various typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced click sound that can enhance your typing experience, the Outemu Blue is the way to go. Its unique auditory feedback makes it particularly satisfying for typists who enjoy that classic mechanical keyboard feel, especially when engaging in tasks that require precision like coding or writing. However, if you prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience, especially for gaming or fast-paced work where rapid key presses are essential, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch would be a better fit. With its Y3 stem for seamless travel and a medium-light bottom-out force, it provides a fluid experience devoid of distractions from audible clicks. Ultimately, the right choice depends on whether you prioritize a tactile auditory experience or a smooth and silent keystroke.
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