Outemu Gold vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Ragdoll offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Gold, a clicky switch, delivers tactile feedback and an audible click with each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for typists seeking a satisfying sound and feel that enhances their typing rhythm. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll is a linear switch designed for a smooth and quiet keystroke experience, featuring a Y3 stem that minimizes resistance throughout the actuation, making it perfect for gamers or those who prefer a more seamless typing experience. While the Gold is celebrated for its engaging clickiness, the Ragdoll is known for its muted efficiency and clean keypresses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. 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
1.80 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Gold and Bsun Ragdoll switches, a notable distinction arises in the composition of their top housings. The Outemu Gold utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that delivers a clear and resonant auditory experience. This quality stems from polycarbonate's increased stiffness, which enhances sound clarity, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll opts for nylon as its top housing material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound vibrations, resulting in a rounder and richer auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials sets the tone for how each switch handles sound, with the Outemu Gold leaning toward brightness while the Ragdoll focuses on warmth.
The bottom housing of both switches, however, presents an interesting point of comparison, as both the Outemu Gold and Bsun Ragdoll utilize nylon material. This similarity means that they will elicit comparable typing sensations characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer properties effectively dampen vibrations, ensuring that the sound produced when bottoming out is more subdued and round compared to switches made with harder materials. Consequently, while the top housings create distinct sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing results in a consistent typing experience between the two switches, providing a unique blend of tactile feedback that enriches the overall performance.
Ultimately, the combined experience of both models showcases how the top and bottom housings interact to create a comprehensive typing experience. The Outemu Gold's polycarbonate top housing cultivates a vibrant auditory expression when keys are released, while its nylon bottom housing provides a comforting roundness when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll's nylon top housing shapes a deeper sound profile throughout typing. Even though each switch has its unique character driven by the differences in top housing materials, the commonalities found in the nylon bottom housing ensures that users will still experience a satisfying tactile response and completion of the masterpiece of sound and feel blended in both switches.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offer comparable actuation forces, with both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a similar typing experience when it comes to the effort needed to initiate a keypress. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly: the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Bsun Ragdoll is lighter at 52 grams. This makes the Ragdoll a better option for those who prefer a lighter overall feel, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Outemu Gold may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the actuation forces are the same, the difference in bottom out forces indicates that the Outemu Gold is the heavier switch and the Bsun Ragdoll is the lighter one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Gold switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll switch features a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. The Outemu Gold's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile and deeper keypress, providing a satisfying feedback that some typists and gamers enjoy. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its 3.8 mm distance, is more aligned with contemporary gaming preferences, where shorter travel distances are favored for quicker response times. This means that if you prioritize rapid activation and a more responsive typing experience, the Ragdoll would be the better choice. In summary, the Outemu Gold offers a longer travel distance suited for those who appreciate a deeper feel, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll presents a shorter travel distance for those who prefer faster action.
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 Gold 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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Gold clicky switch to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it is important to note that the Gold lacks a definitive audio identity, which can make it versatile and suitable for environments where noise could be a concern. In contrast, the Ragdoll is known for its clacky sound, a result of its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which can deliver a satisfying auditory feedback during use. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound experience will also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold's characteristics are not specifically noted, but clicky switches typically provide tactile feedback that can enhance typing precision. The Ragdoll, featuring a Y3 stem, is designed for smooth key travel, providing a linear experience that minimizes resistance throughout the keystroke. This results in a seamless actuation that many users find satisfying, especially for rapid typing or gaming.
In summary, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a defined sound profile and lacks specific feel characteristics, it can still offer a reliable typing experience. The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, on the other hand, is recognized for its pleasant clacky sound and smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a linear typing experience. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you enjoy tactile feedback and a clicky sound that enhances your typing experience, the Outemu Gold may be the better option for you, especially if you appreciate the satisfying resistance that comes with its medium bottom out force of 60 grams. This switch is particularly suited for typists who revel in the auditory feedback of clicking sounds and prefer a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother, quieter experience that is ideal for both gaming and typing, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch with its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams could be your go-to choice. The Ragdoll’s Y3 stem ensures a silky key travel and is designed to minimize noise, making it perfect for late-night gaming sessions or office environments where discretion is key. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prioritize the satisfying acoustics and tactile feel of the Gold or the smooth, stealthy operation of the Ragdoll in your daily use.
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