Outemu Dustproof Purple vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Purple and the Bsun Ragdoll can significantly affect your typing experience. The Dustproof Purple is a tactile switch that offers a noticeable bump during actuation, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy feedback while typing, aiding in both typing accuracy and gaming responsiveness. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll is a linear switch praised for its smooth travel and unique Y3 stem design, which provides a quieter and more fluid keypress, appealing to gamers and typists who prefer an uninterrupted typing experience without the tactile feedback. While the Dustproof Purple excels in creating a tactile sensation, the Ragdoll's construction with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing delivers a distinctive clacky sound that adds character to each keystroke. Both switches have their unique advantages, with the Dustproof Purple being ideal for those who enjoy feedback and the Ragdoll catering to users who prefer a smooth keypress. 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
55g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Bsun Ragdoll, it's evident that they differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Dustproof Purple features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. This makes it particularly suitable for those who favor a higher-pitched auditory experience and enhances the visual aspect of RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound. The characteristics of nylon lead to a rounder auditory experience, contrasting sharply with the Dustproof Purple’s crisper tonal qualities.
However, both switches share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality means that when typing on either switch, the lower housing's influence predominates in the bottom-out sound and feel. This results in a uniform deep and full auditory experience from the bottom half of the switches, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Given that both switches rely on nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect a similar foundation for sound absorption and tactile feedback when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Bsun Ragdoll deliver unique auditory experiences due to the divergence in their top housing materials. While the Dustproof Purple offers a high-pitched and vibrant sound profile set off by its polycarbonate top, the Ragdoll’s nylon top brings forth a mellower sound signature. Nonetheless, the outcome of both switches in terms of the overall typing experience remains comparable due to their identical bottom housing material, which ensures that the deeper, rounder sound profile remains a constant between the two. This combination of differing top housings and equivalent bottom materials allows for a rich diversity in sound character while maintaining an essential similarity in tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are noteworthy differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Dustproof Purple switch features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, appealing to users who prefer a softer feel that allows for extended typing sessions or gaming. Thus, the Dustproof Purple can be considered the heavier option, while the Ragdoll is the lighter choice. Despite the differences in actuation and bottom out forces, users who prefer a more tactile response may gravitate toward the Dustproof Purple, while those seeking a smoother and lighter press would likely opt for the Ragdoll.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Purple 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 when pressing the Dustproof Purple, the key travels further, offering a more pronounced feeling with each keystroke. In contrast, the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance allows for quicker actuation, making it a preferable choice for gamers seeking faster response times. While both switches cater to different user preferences, those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may favor the Outemu Dustproof Purple, whereas users who prioritize responsiveness might opt for the Bsun Ragdoll. Overall, the Dustproof Purple offers a longer travel distance compared to the Ragdoll, which is notably shorter.
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 Purple 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 Dustproof Purple switch does not have a specific sound profile outlined, which leaves its auditory character somewhat ambiguous. The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, however, is noted for its clacky sound, attributed to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This distinct auditory feedback can enhance typing satisfaction for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience. Given that sound can be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, users may still achieve a comparable auditory profile with the Dustproof Purple by pairing it with the right components.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Dustproof Purple lacks detailed description, making it challenging to assess how tactile or smooth it might be during use. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is designed for smooth travel, providing a fluid typing experience that is characteristic of linear switches. Users who prefer a seamless keystroke will likely appreciate the Ragdoll's functionality. The absence of specific feelings for the Dustproof Purple means that users might find the experience distinctively different unless they discover personal preferences over time.
In conclusion, the Outemu Dustproof Purple and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches present different auditory and tactile experiences, with the latter having a defined clacky sound and a smooth feel. While the Dustproof Purple lacks specific qualities for sound and feel, users may still find satisfactory results depending on their keyboard and keycap choices. By understanding the subjective qualities of each switch, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can better navigate their options and select the switch that best aligns with their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a bit more resistance while typing and prefer a tactile feedback sensation with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Outemu Dustproof Purple would be a beneficial choice. This switch will provide you with a noticeable "bump" during actuation, which can enhance your typing accuracy, particularly for those who enjoy a more deliberate keystroke. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother feel with less resistance, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch would be ideal. With its lighter bottom-out force and a Y3 stem that ensures fluid key travel, this switch is perfect for fast-paced typists or gamers seeking speed and responsiveness without the tactile feedback. Additionally, the Ragdoll’s nylon-fiberglass housing offers a distinct clacky sound that some users may find appealing, especially in a more casual or fun setting. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a tactile response and slightly harder actuation or a smooth, quiet typing experience.