Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Bsun Ragdoll

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll offer distinct experiences tailored to varying preferences. The Outemu Crystal Brown, characterized as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump during actuation, which can enhance typing accuracy and feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more traditional feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll is a linear switch known for its smooth travel and quiet operation, featuring a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that delivers a satisfying clacky sound without the tactile feedback, appealing to gamers and those who prefer a seamless keystroke experience. While the Crystal Brown excels in promoting touch-based feedback, the Ragdoll shines in fostering fluid key presses, each switch catering to different user needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal Brown and Bsun Ragdoll switches showcase two distinct housing materials: polycarbonate and nylon, respectively. The two switches diverge primarily in their top housings. The Crystal Brown features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances resonance and clarity, making the sound more defined during keyboard use, particularly when RGB lighting is employed. In contrast, the Ragdoll's nylon top housing offers a softer, more subdued sound profile, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The unique properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, absorb more sound and reduce harshness, leading to a more mellow typing experience.

Conversely, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon material. This similarity invites a comparable sound signature for the bottom-out impact when the keys are pressed down. The nylon bottom housing in both models tends to absorb sound, which contributes to the overall deeper and rounder sound profile on bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housing distinguishes the typing experience by creating a unique sound character, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a consistent and satisfying bottom-out feel—a hallmark of classic switch designs.

The contrasting acoustic properties of the top housings illustrate the nuanced ways in which different materials can affect keyboard performance. If one prefers a more vibrant and bright sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the Crystal Brown is the ideal choice. On the other hand, those who favor a warmer and softer feel should opt for the Ragdoll with its nylon top housing. Regardless, the effective combination of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches guarantees a consistently pleasant typing experience, balancing the auditory feedback with tactile satisfaction for users who value both sound and feel in their key presses.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both switches exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, which places them in the medium-light category. This similarity means that users will experience a similar ease of typing or gaming, making both switches suitable for extended use without causing excessive fatigue. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Crystal Brown registering a higher bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Ragdoll’s 52 grams. As a result, the Outemu Crystal Brown provides a slightly firmer response when fully pressed down, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll's marginally lighter bottom out force may appeal to users looking for a slightly softer feel at the end of the keystroke. Overall, while both switches offer a comparable actuation experience, the differences in their bottom out forces could sway users' preferences depending on their typing style.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal Brown tactile 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 means that the Crystal Brown provides a more pronounced keypress experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate the tactile feedback and depth that a longer travel distance offers. In contrast, the shorter 3.8 mm travel of the Ragdoll switch caters to gamers and users who favor quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. While both switches are well-regarded within their respective categories, the Outemu Crystal Brown is the longer option, appealing to those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll is optimal for those who prioritize speed and rapid key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for its subdued and relatively quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for typing in shared spaces where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a more pronounced clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This difference in sound can significantly influence the keyboard experience; while the Crystal Brown offers a more muted auditory feedback suitable for a professional environment, the Ragdoll's resonant characteristics can make typing feel somewhat more lively and engaging. However, it's essential to remember that individual board and keycap selections will also impact the overall sound profile.

When considering the feel of these switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown provides a tactile sensation that can offer perceived feedback during typing, although specific details about its tactile bump are not highlighted. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a Y3 stem designed for smooth travel without any tactile feedback, allowing for an uninterrupted keystroke. This variance makes the Ragdoll better suited for users who prefer a consistent and effortless push throughout the keypress, while the Crystal Brown may cater to those who seek a bit of tactile response to enhance typing precision.

In summary, if you're looking for a balance of quiet operation and tactile feedback, the Outemu Crystal Brown might be your pick. However, if you prefer smoothness and a more pronounced auditory experience, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is likely to appeal to you. Depending on your keycaps and board choices, either switch can offer satisfying results, thus paving the way for a fulfilling typing experience tailored to your preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch should hinge on your typing and gaming preferences. If you find yourself enjoying a tactile feedback while typing or gaming, the Crystal Brown switch, with its 55g bottom-out force, offers a medium-light resistance that helps you feel each keystroke without straining your fingers. This makes it a great option for those who like a bit of a "bump" to enhance accuracy and typing satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keypress experience, the Bsun Ragdoll is your best bet. With its 52g bottom-out force and Y3 stem design, it caters to those who enjoy a linear feel without any tactile resistance, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming where quick key presses are essential. Moreover, the nylon-fiberglass bottom housing of the Ragdoll contributes to a pleasing clack sound, adding an auditory dimension that some users may appreciate. Ultimately, consider the type of feedback you prefer and the activities you'll primarily be using the keyboard for when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more