Outemu Purple vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Purple and the Bsun Ragdoll each offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Outemu Purple is recognized for its tactile feedback, which provides users with a satisfying bump at the actuation point, enhancing typing accuracy and making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll is a linear switch, celebrated for its smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem and its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which produces a pleasing clacky sound, making it an excellent option for gamers and typists who prefer quieter keystrokes without the interruption of tactile feedback. While the Outemu Purple may appeal to those who appreciate tactile sensations during use, the Bsun Ragdoll might attract users who seek seamless keypresses. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
The Outemu Purple and Bsun Ragdoll feature contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly affects their respective sound profiles. The Purple switch utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material known for its stiffness that contributes to a sharper and crisper auditory experience. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a clear sound that resonates, especially when RGB lighting is integrated into the keyboard, accentuating the translucent nature of the polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll employs a classic nylon top housing, revered for its softer qualities. This softness lends a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon absorbs sound more efficiently than stiffer materials like polycarbonate, resulting in a mellower auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Outemu Purple and Bsun Ragdoll incorporate nylon material. Since nylon is a traditional choice for switch housing, this uniformity means that both switches offer a similar depth and roundness in sound, regardless of the variation in their top housings. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound waves effectively, creating a duller auditory output that enhances the overall typing experience. This consistency across the bottom housing allows users to enjoy a deeper bottom-out sound and feel in both switches, making this aspect a shared feature.
Overall, the key differences between the Outemu Purple and Bsun Ragdoll lie in their top housings, impacting their sound profiles. While the Purple's polycarbonate top facilitates a sharper, more resonant sound, the Ragdoll's nylon top creates a softer, fuller auditory experience. Nevertheless, both switches exhibit a successful integration of nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring a similarly rich depth and sound when typing. Thus, while users may prefer the distinct qualities of either switch, they can expect a united acoustic foundation courtesy of the nylon material in the bottom housings, providing a satisfying tactile experience in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Outemu Purple has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means it requires a moderately heavier push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to activate, especially beneficial for users who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Outemu Purple is unavailable, while the Bsun Ragdoll has a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorized as medium-light. This indicates that the Ragdoll not only activates with less effort but also requires a moderate push to register a bottom out, making it the lighter option overall. If someone is looking for a switch that provides less resistance, the Ragdoll would be the more suitable choice; however, for those who enjoy a firmer feel when typing, the Outemu Purple's higher actuation force could be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Outemu Purple features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Ragdoll has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This 0.2 mm difference highlights the Purple switch's preference for a more traditional, deeper feel, which can provide a more satisfying tactile response while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Ragdoll’s shorter travel distance caters to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for gamers who favor quick reactions. Therefore, if you lean towards a switch that offers a more substantial depth, the Outemu Purple would be the better option, while the Bsun Ragdoll would suit those looking for a more immediate response.
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 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 comparing the sound of the Outemu Purple tactile switch to the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences. The Outemu Purple does not have a distinctly characterized sound profile, which typically means it leans toward a quieter performance. In contrast, the Ragdoll is recognized for its clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound experience will ultimately depend on external factors like the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is recognized for its tactile bump, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy feedback during their keystrokes. The tactile response is intended to provide an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is designed for smooth travel, thanks to its Y3 stem. This smoothness leads to a button feel that is consistent and uninterrupted, appealing to those who prefer a linear typing experience without tactile bumps.
In conclusion, when considering the Outemu Purple and Bsun Ragdoll switches, you can expect distinct experiences in both sound and feel. The Purple offers a more subdued auditory experience with tactile feedback, while the Ragdoll provides a clackier sound coupled with a smooth linear feel. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences—if you're looking for tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Purple may be the way to go, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll is well-suited for those who prioritize smoothness and auditory stimulation in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you're a fan of tactile feedback, enjoy the sensation of a pronounced bump during each keystroke, and appreciate a switch that excels in gameplay scenarios where quick response times are essential, the Outemu Purple may be your ideal pick. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with the added advantage of a clacky sound profile for a more satisfying feedback, the Bsun Ragdoll with its medium-light bottom-out force is likely the better option. Ultimately, consider factors such as your typing style, the noise level you can tolerate, and whether you tend to engage more in gaming or typing tasks. By aligning your choice with these aspects, you can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.