Outemu Brown vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll each offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, is often favored for its pronounced feedback, allowing typists to feel a slight bump upon actuation that can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth key travel and quieter operation, thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing which produces a satisfying clacky sound. This makes it a popular option for gamers and individuals who prefer smooth keystrokes without tactile interruptions. Each switch has its unique characteristics catering to varied preferences, offering users the choice between a tactile feel and a smooth linear experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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 Brown and Bsun Ragdoll switches showcase differing materials in their top housing, highlighting a notable contrast in their acoustic profiles. The Outemu Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more pronounced audio feedback during typing. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency allows for effective RGB lighting penetration, contributing to an aesthetically appealing setup. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, which delivers a deeper and more rounded sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a less resonant but fuller audio experience, catering to those who might prefer a quieter and smoother typing sensation.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Outemu Brown and Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon, providing a uniform aspect in their overall sound experience. The use of nylon in both switches results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, as its softer plastic absorbs more sound and creates a more subdued bottom-out feel. This shared material ensures that, regardless of the top housing differences, users will experience a consistent depth and smoothness when pressing down on the keys. The impact of the nylon bottom housing is crucial, as it dictates the action and sound experienced at the point of key press, allowing a sense of harmony between the two switches.
The combination of polycarbonate in the Outemu Brown's top housing and nylon in both of the switches’ bottom housings creates a unique interplay of sound profiles. The crisp and resonant qualities of the polycarbonate top of the Brown switch contrast with the rounded and muted sound from the nylon bottom, offering a dynamic typing experience. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll, with its nylon top housing, provides a consistent roundness throughout the keypress. In essence, while users will receive distinct audio feedback from each switch, the nylon bottom housing establishes a fundamental similarity that influences the tactile response, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for both options.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Outemu Brown features an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll presents a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This means that while the Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, the Ragdoll is easier to press and may allow for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. Therefore, individuals preferring a lighter touch for prolonged use may gravitate towards the Ragdoll, while those valuing the tactile feedback of a heavier switch might find the Outemu Brown more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Brown switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Outemu Brown the longer option, providing a more pronounced feedback with a greater depth on each keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal to those who prefer quicker actuation and a more responsive feel, often favored by gamers looking for rapid input. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness.
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 Brown 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 considering the sound produced by the Outemu Brown tactile switch compared to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Brown is typically known for its balanced acoustics that foot the line between noticeable and discreet, making it a versatile choice for both typing and gaming environments. In contrast, the Ragdoll is noted for its clacky sound profile, which stems from its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This construction not only enhances the audible feedback but also adds a distinctive character to each keystroke, making it a more expressive option for those who enjoy acoustics that stand out.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Brown tactile switch offers a soft, tactile bump that informs the typist of actuation without being overly intrusive. This tactile feedback can provide a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who prefer a blend of tactile sensation and actuation ease. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll switch is characterized by its linear action, which delivers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke from top to bottom without any tactile feedback. This makes the Ragdoll ideal for users who prioritize fluid motion and speed, often favored in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
In summary, the Outemu Brown tactile switch provides a balanced acoustic experience with a tactile feel, while the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is known for its clacky sound and smooth keystrokes. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between tactile feedback or a completely linear experience, with their respective sounds contributing to a different atmosphere in usage. Each switch caters to different needs, whether you prefer the subtler responses of the Brown or the expressive qualities of the Ragdoll.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you lean towards a tactile feedback experience where you can feel a noticeable bump during key presses, especially during typing or programming, the Brown switch may be your best choice with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. This can aid in reducing typing fatigue over long sessions, as the tactile bump can provide an extra layer of confirmation that the key has been actuated. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother, more fluid keystroke for activities such as gaming or rapid typing, the Ragdoll’s 52-gram medium-light bottom out force and linear design will offer a seamless experience without the tactile interruption. The Ragdoll's Y3 stem is engineered for smooth travel, allowing for quicker key presses, which can be beneficial in high-stakes gaming scenarios where speed is of the essence. Ultimately, if you prefer pronounced feedback and a heavier feel, go for the Outemu Brown, but if you're after a soft, quiet typing experience with a focus on smoothness, the Bsun Ragdoll may be the perfect fit for you.
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