Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Silent Ocean and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches present intriguing options for different typing experiences. The Outemu Silent Ocean is celebrated for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subdued tactile environment whether in an office or during late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch offers a unique combination of smooth key travel and a distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing—perfect for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Both switches categorize as linear switches, meaning they exhibit no tactile bump or click, keeping keystrokes smooth and uninterrupted. 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
1.60 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 Silent Ocean and the Bsun Ragdoll, one immediate distinction is evident in their top housing materials. The Silent Ocean employs polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This hardness enhances the clarity and resonance that can be achieved during typing, especially beneficial under RGB lighting conditions due to its translucency. Conversely, the Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer, more absorbent qualities that lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, the result is a more muted auditory experience, impacting the overall typing sensation.
As for the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which retains the same qualities across the two models. This commonality in material results in a deep and round sound profile when the keys bottom out, regardless of the differences in their upper housings. The nylon absorbs sound effectively, ensuring that the overall auditory experience remains cohesive and pleasant for users of both switches during actuation. This shared component means that while the top housing contributes distinctively to the immediate sound profile, the bottom housing’s effect is uniform, resulting in a satisfying bottom-out feel in both cases.
In combination, the different characteristics of the top and bottom housings affect the overall sound and feedback experienced when typing. The sharpness and clarity delivered by the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top are juxtaposed by the depth provided by its nylon bottom, yielding a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Ragdoll delivers a more consistently rounded auditory profile with its nylon top and bottom combination. Thus, while users can expect similar bottom-out sensations due to shared nylon materials, the distinctive qualities of their top housings enable them to elicit very different sound profiles, catering to varied preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly: the Silent Ocean has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which indicates a heavier resistance when fully pressed down, while the Ragdoll features a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This difference means that while both switches feel similar during the actuation phase, the Silent Ocean offers a more substantial feel when bottoming out, which may appeal to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Ragdoll’s lighter bottom out force can reduce fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, making it a favorable choice for those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming. Therefore, the Silent Ocean is categorized as having a medium-heavy weight, while the Ragdoll is considered medium-light.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The longer travel distance of the Silent Ocean may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile experience when typing, providing a sense of depth. Meanwhile, the shorter travel distance of the Ragdoll aligns with the preferences of gamers who favor quicker response times and more immediate feedback from their keys. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Ragdoll is the preferred choice, but for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press, the Silent Ocean would be more suitable.
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 Silent Ocean 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 Silent Ocean linear switch is known for its subtle acoustic profile, which may provide a more subdued typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch stands out with a clacky sound that stems from its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. It's important to note that the overall sound a switch produces can be influenced by the keyboard it’s paired with and the type of keycaps used, so both switches may resonate differently depending on the setup.
When we examine the feel of these switches, the Silent Ocean offers a smooth typing experience characterized by consistent key travel, making it pleasant and comfortable for extended use. Meanwhile, the Ragdoll features a Y3 stem that contributes to a smooth key travel as well, but the clackiness in sound may create a slightly different tactile experience when typing. Both switches seem to prioritize a clean linear feel, but the unique materials may impart distinct nuances in how they respond under your fingers.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Ocean and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches both aim for a smooth typing experience, they diverge in their acoustic qualities. The Silent Ocean provides a quieter, more discreet option, whereas the Ragdoll emits a more pronounced clacky sound. Ultimately, your ideal choice may depend on whether you prioritize a muted auditory experience or enjoy the lively engagement of a more audible switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams that can provide a more substantial and controlled feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean may be your best choice. Its silent characteristics make it ideal for quiet environments—like offices or shared spaces—where noise can be a distraction. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Bsun Ragdoll might suit your needs better. Its smooth travel and unique Y3 stem can enhance rapid typing, making it a fantastic option for gamers or those who enjoy a little extra tactility. Additionally, the Ragdoll's clacky sound adds an engaging auditory element for typists who appreciate feedback while typing. In summary, consider the nature of your work environment and your personal typing style to determine which switch will provide the most satisfying experience for you.