Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll present two distinct typing experiences catering to different preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Brown is a tactile switch, designed to provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it ideal for typists who appreciate feedback with each keystroke and value precision in their typing tasks. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll is a linear switch known for its smooth travel and quiet operation, thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which produces a clacky sound that many gamers and silent typists find appealing for a more fluid and uninterrupted keypress experience. While both switches offer unique advantages—tactility for the Dustproof Brown and smoothness for the Ragdoll—personal preferences will play a significant role in determining the best fit for an individual's typing style. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When analyzing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch and the Bsun Ragdoll switch, one can identify both similarities and contrasts that influence their overall performance and sound profiles. The Dustproof Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its clarity, stiffness, and crisp sound profile. This material enhances the brightness of the sound, making it particularly suitable for setups involving RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, which is more traditional in the realm of mechanical switches. Nylon's softer characteristics provide a deeper, rounder sound, which absorbs more sound vibrations compared to polycarbonate. Consequently, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown may produce a sharper auditory experience, the Ragdoll offers a more subdued and fuller sound, appealing to different preferences among typists and gamers.
Both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a sense of uniformity to the sound experience they offer. The nylon material in both cases is characterized by its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper bottom-out sound when key presses are completed. This shared feature means that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience when using either switch with regard to the bottom-out sound. The common nylon material contributes to a more muted sound profile, which offers a level of consistency for those who favor a rounded and softer auditory feedback.
Overall, the combination of the varying top housing materials between the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Bsun Ragdoll leads to distinct aural experiences, while the shared nylon bottom housing fosters a connection between the two. Each switch's unique character is influenced by the materials utilized: the polycarbonate top of the Dustproof Brown creates a clear and resonant sound on release, whereas the nylon top of the Ragdoll contributes to a more subdued acoustic signature. Ultimately, users may prefer one switch over the other based on their desire for a bright or deep sound profile, while the enhanced resonance of the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver quality typing feedback intrinsically linked by their shared material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we see notable differences in their bottom out forces, while their actuation forces are identical. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting that they would provide a similar keystroke feel for users, making them suitable for long typing sessions without as much strain. However, the Dustproof Brown switch features a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Ragdoll’s 52 grams, making the Ragdoll the lighter option overall. This difference in bottom out force means that while both switches are easy to actuate, the Outemu Dustproof Brown will feel more substantial when bottoming out, which might appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll is ideal for users looking for a lighter feel and less forceful bottoming out, making it great for prolonged use or gaming. Thus, while both actuation forces are the same, the overall feel of the two switches diverges significantly due to their bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof 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 if you're looking for a switch that offers a deeper, more tactile feedback during key presses, the Dustproof Brown with its 4 mm travel distance may be more appealing. In contrast, the Ragdoll’s 3.8 mm travel distance is better suited for those who prefer quicker actuation and a more rapid response, which is often favored by gamers. Overall, the Dustproof Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more robust typing experience, whereas the Ragdoll's shorter distance offers a snappier feel.
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 Dustproof 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch does not have a well-defined acoustic characteristic, leaving its auditory profile somewhat ambiguous when compared to other switches. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is noted for its clacky sound, attributed to its design with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This difference highlights how sound can vary significantly between switches, even if the overall noise level can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Dustproof Brown lacks a specific description of its tactile qualities, which makes it difficult to assess its tactile feedback. However, the Bsun Ragdoll is characterized by its smooth travel, thanks to its Y3 stem, which typically gives a consistently smooth keystroke without the tactile bump found in other switch types. This stark contrast in feel emphasizes the difference between tactile and linear switches, where one offers a noticeable feedback while the other prioritizes a sleek, uninterrupted activation.
In summary, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks a well-defined reputation, making it challenging to provide a thorough comparison in terms of sound and feel, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is recognized for its clacky sound and smooth keystroke. For those who appreciate a tactile experience, the Dustproof Brown might be less compelling, but users inclined towards smoothness and acoustic engagement may find the Ragdoll a more suitable choice for their typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your typing and gaming preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a tactile feel, the Dustproof Brown is an excellent option, particularly for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during typing. It offers a unique experience for touch typists who appreciate the sensation of each keystroke, making it a suitable choice for both casual creators and gamers seeking a bit more resistance. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter, smoother keystroke with quick travel and speed in mind, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch may be the way to go. This switch is perfect for fast-paced gaming, where rapid keystrokes are paramount, and the clacky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element to your experience. In summary, choose the Dustproof Brown for a tactile experience with more resistance or the Ragdoll for a smoother, lighter action that caters to speed and agility. Your choice should reflect your style and the tasks you engage in most frequently.