Outemu Milk Blue vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between distinctly different options, such as the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll. The Outemu Milk Blue is a clicky switch renowned for its tactile feedback, providing an audible "click" that many typists find satisfying and enjoyable, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll is classified as a linear switch, known for its smooth keystroke thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass housing, delivering a softer typing experience that is particularly appealing for gamers and those who prefer quieter operations. While the Milk Blue offers a dynamic and engaging sound signature, the Ragdoll focuses on smoothness and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.20 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 Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Ragdoll in terms of their housing materials, a notable distinction can be observed in the composition of their top housings. The Milk Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, which tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile owing to the stiff nature of polycarbonate. This rigidity enables it to create a clearer and more resonant sound, especially appealing for users who appreciate brightness in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer properties that deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a result, the Milk Blue's polycarbonate housing would be better suited for instances where clarity and brightness are desired, while the Ragdoll would excel in delivering a smoother, more muted auditory experience.
Both the Milk Blue and the Ragdoll share a common feature in their bottom housings, as they are both made from nylon. This consistency provides them with a similarity in acoustic properties and feel under the fingers. Nylon's softness plays a key role in both types of switches, as it absorbs sound effectively, leading to a dulled and rounded sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to the fuller, deeper sound that typists often favor for a satisfying feedback experience. Thus, while the top housings diverge in material and accompanying sound profile, the shared nylon bottom housing balances the two switches in terms of sound absorption and richness.
In essence, the combined effects of the distinct top housings alongside the shared nylon bottom housings result in unique auditory experiences when typing on each switch. The Milk Blue's polycarbonate top contributes to a clear and resonant sound when key release occurs, while the nylon bottom maintains a full sound throughout. Conversely, the Ragdoll's nylon top allows for a more subdued sound, complemented by the same nylon bottom that enhances the richness and absorbs excess sound. Even with the differences in top housing materials, the commonality in nylon for the bottom ensures that both switches retain a deeper sound profile during activation, allowing for a cohesive experience provided by their complementary materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Milk Blue switch features an actuation force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Bsun Ragdoll's actuation force of 45 grams, making the Ragdoll a lighter option. However, the bottom out force for the Milk Blue is unknown, while the Ragdoll has a measurable bottom out force of 52 grams. This indicates that once the Ragdoll is fully pressed down, it requires more force to reach the bottom compared to the Milk Blue's uncertain value. While the lighter actuation force of the Ragdoll may cater to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience for extended periods, the Milk Blue's heavier actuation might appeal to those seeking a more substantial feel. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter switch overall, the Bsun Ragdoll is the better choice, especially if you're prone to long typing sessions or gaming. Without the complete bottom out data for the Milk Blue, it's difficult to fully align its characteristics with the Ragdoll.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Milk Blue has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll measures at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the Milk Blue provides a longer travel distance, which allows for a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses. This can be appealing to those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes, as a longer travel distance may feel more satisfying and deliberate. On the other hand, the Ragdoll's shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm caters to those seeking quick responsiveness, a feature often favored by gamers for faster reaction times. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Milk Blue offers a slightly more substantial feel, whereas the Ragdoll's linear switch can deliver quicker keystrokes. Choosing between the two largely depends on personal preference for either a deeper, more tactile experience or a quicker, more responsive 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 Milk Blue 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
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch produces a distinct auditory experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. While specific characteristics of the sound are not detailed, clicky switches like the Milk Blue are typically characterized by a pronounced, sharp click on actuation that can contribute to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is known for its clacky sound, a result of its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing combined with the smooth travel of its Y3 stem. This subtle auditory feedback may appeal to users who prefer a less intrusive, yet still noticeable, sound profile compared to the more pronounced click of the Milk Blue.
When it comes to feel, the Milk Blue’s qualities are not explicitly defined, but clicky switches generally provide tactile feedback with a definite actuation point that many typists enjoy for precision and tactile satisfaction. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is all about smoothness, thanks to its specialized stem design, which allows for uninterrupted key travel. This lack of a tactile bump means that users can experience consistent keystrokes without the additional sensation that clicky switches offer, catering to those who prefer a seamless pressing experience.
In summary, if you are looking for a pronounced auditory feedback with a tactile feel, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch might be the ideal choice for you. Conversely, the smooth and clacky nature of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch will appeal to those who prefer quiet elegance in their keystrokes, making for a different yet satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your personal preference regarding sound and feel will influence your choice, and both switches can deliver unique experiences suited to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback when typing, the Milk Blue is an excellent option, as clicky switches often provide a satisfying sound that can enhance the typing experience and signal actuation. However, if you prefer a smoother keypress without the distraction of clicks or noise, especially for gaming or quiet office environments, the Ragdoll's linear mechanism with its smooth travel will serve you better. Moreover, the Ragdoll's medium-light bottom-out force can help in quick repetitive keystrokes, making it a good choice for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions. Therefore, consider the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard and your typing style, as the Milk Blue can be vibrant and fun, while the Ragdoll is tailored for those who value a fluid and silent experience.