Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll present two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Cream Yellow, known for its tactile feedback, offers a satisfying bump at the actuation point, making it ideal for those who enjoy typing with greater precision and feel. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll is celebrated for its smooth linear action, featuring a Y3 stem that provides seamless key travel and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that adds a unique clacky sound to your keystrokes. This makes the Ragdoll perfect for gamers and typists who favor a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience without the tactile bump. Both switches cater to specific user needs—whether you crave the tactile feedback of the Cream Yellow or the uninterrupted smoothness of the Ragdoll—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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll switches, we find that both utilize nylon as their primary material for both the top and bottom housings. This shared choice of nylon contributes significantly to the acoustic properties of both switches, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, effectively absorbs excess sound and vibrations, which leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a pleasantly muted sound when typing, enhancing the overall ergonomic and acoustic experience.
In addition to their similar sound profiles, the use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings means that the qualities imparted by each housing are harmoniously combined. The bottom housing is particularly important for determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release. Since both the Cream Yellow and Ragdoll use nylon for both housings, the result is a cohesive typing experience where the desirable acoustic characteristics are consistently retained throughout the entire keystroke, whether you’re pressing down or releasing a key.
While both switches utilize the same material, they may differ in terms of design and other internal components, which could subtly influence their overall feel and performance. Despite these potential differences, the shared nylon composition ensures that users can anticipate a similarly rounded and soft sound profile from both the Cream Yellow and Ragdoll switches. This means that irrespective of any nuances, the fundamental typing experience will be comparable, inviting users to enjoy the benefits of nylon as a classic and effective switch housing material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar level of ease when triggering a keystroke. However, the bottom out force varies between the two: the Cream Yellow has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Ragdoll’s bottom out force is significantly lighter at 52 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches require the same force to actuate, the Cream Yellow necessitates a heavier push to fully bottom out, providing a more substantial tactile experience. As a result, users who prefer a softer feel may gravitate towards the Ragdoll switch due to its lighter bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, while those seeking a heavier push feel may favor the Cream Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a noticeable difference to consider. The Cream Yellow features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Ragdoll has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Cream Yellow the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker key presses and more responsive action, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the Ragdoll, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer deeper keystrokes and a more tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on user preference regarding responsiveness versus a hearty depth in keystrokes.
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 Cream Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have notable characteristics, making it somewhat neutral in acoustic performance. This lack of distinct sound means that it typically produces less noise than some other switches, which can be appealing for users looking for a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes to a clacky sound profile. This attribute can give the keyboard a more lively acoustic signature, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate audible feedback while typing, though it should be noted that the overall sound can also vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow switches don't have a distinct tactile bump, which can result in a smoother typing experience. This characteristic potentially aligns it more closely with linear switches, providing a consistent keypress without interruption, ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll switch, being a linear switch as well, prioritizes smooth and uninterrupted travel, enhanced by the Y3 stem design. Users can expect a very consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback, which can facilitate rapid key presses and a more fluid typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll switches provide a linear experience, their sound profiles diverge significantly. The Cream Yellow is more subdued, making it a suitable choice for quieter environments, while the Ragdoll offers a more pronounced clack with its nylon-fiberglass housing. As far as feel is concerned, both switches allow for smooth key travel, but the Cream Yellow offers a more subdued experience without tactile bumps, whereas the Ragdoll emphasizes that smoothness without additional texture. Each switch thus presents unique characteristics appealing to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their auditory and tactile desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch should ultimately reflect your typing preferences and desired use cases. If you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a moderate bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Cream Yellow might suit you well, particularly if you're looking for a balance between typing comfort and a slight tactile response that doesn’t distract from your overall experience. However, if you lean towards a smoother and quieter keystroke with a lighter bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Ragdoll linear switch could be the better option, especially if you enjoy a fast-paced typing experience or gaming where rapid key presses are essential. The Ragdoll switch’s unique Y3 stem also offers a distinct clacky sound that might appeal to those who appreciate auditory feedback without the tactile bump. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value the tactile sensation of a switch or the sleek, silent performance of a linear alternative.