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Outemu Silent Yellow vs. Bsun Ragdoll

An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll present two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking linear performance. The Outemu Silent Yellow switch is crafted for users who desire a quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those in shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll switch is celebrated for its unique Y3 stem design, which enhances smooth travel while delivering a satisfying clacky sound—a feature that could appeal to those who appreciate auditory feedback during typing. Both switches cater to users looking for linear action, but they each offer unique characteristics that might sway your preference. 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

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

The Outemu Silent Yellow and the Bsun Ragdoll switches present a notable contrast in their top housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Silent Yellow's polycarbonate top housing is designed to produce a sharper and crisper sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll's nylon top housing creates a cast that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer texture absorbs more sound, translating to a duller and rounder sound, ultimately giving each switch a unique auditory experience that varies depending on the housing material employed in the top section.

However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon in the case of both the Silent Yellow and the Ragdoll. This creates a consistent and fuller sound profile, as the nylon absorbs noise effectively, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses. Given that both switches employ the same material for their bottom housings, they will generate similar auditory responses when pressed down, allowing for a consistent bottom-out experience. This shared material will likely provide a comparable sensation during usage, which can appeal to users looking for a reliable and deep typing feel.

Overall, while the Outemu Silent Yellow and Bsun Ragdoll differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate vs. nylon—their similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users will experience a consistent sound profile when the keys are fully pressed. The distinction in top housing materials drives individual auditory characteristics, with the Silent Yellow favoring brightness and clarity, and the Ragdoll leaning towards a warmer, rounder sound. Nevertheless, both switches promise satisfying performance, leveraging their unique materials to cater to different sound and feel preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

The Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch exhibit some similarities, particularly in their actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke. This means that users of either switch can expect a similar ease of activation that is appreciated for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Silent Yellow at 60 grams and the Ragdoll at 52 grams. This makes the Silent Yellow a heavier switch overall, as it requires more force to fully compress than the Ragdoll. Consequently, users who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate toward the Ragdoll for its softer bottoming out experience, while those who enjoy a stronger push might find the Silent Yellow more satisfying.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, the Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ragdoll measures at 3.8 mm. This means that the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a longer travel distance than the Bsun Ragdoll, providing a deeper, more tactile experience when typing. The choice between these switches may depend on personal preference; those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke may prefer the Silent Yellow, while those seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feel might opt for the Ragdoll due to its shorter travel distance. Players accustomed to shorter switches may find the Ragdoll's design particularly advantageous for gaming, as its quicker actuation can enhance performance.

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 Yellow 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 Yellow linear switch tends to produce a muted and subdued profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience. This is ideal for office environments or settings where noise is a concern. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a more pronounced clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This material enhances the acoustic properties of the switch, delivering a satisfying and noticeable sound during keystrokes. However, sound perception can be notably influenced by the keyboard construction and keycaps used, so users may find varying results based on their specific setups.

When examining the feel of these switches, the Silent Yellow is known for its smooth linear action, providing an uninterrupted keypress experience that aligns well with the preferences of typists who favor a seamless response without tactile bumps. This creates a comfortable environment for extended typing sessions, as there are no distractions from a tactile feedback. Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch also emphasizes smooth travel, thanks to its Y3 stem design, which is crafted to ensure fluid motion throughout the keypress. This results in a satisfying and consistent feel, allowing typists to glide from keystroke to keystroke effortlessly.

In conclusion, both switches offer their unique attributes, making them suitable for different typing preferences. The Outemu Silent Yellow excels in low noise levels, benefitting users who prioritize a quieter workspace, while the Bsun Ragdoll provides a more lively sound profile that can enhance the tactile experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback during typing. Ultimately, whether you choose the Silent Yellow for its discreet nature or the Ragdoll for its clacky personality, both switches promise to deliver a smooth feel, ensuring users can enjoy a pleasant typing experience tailored to their specific needs.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, your preferences will guide you toward the most suitable option. If you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams that provides a confident tactile feedback, then the Silent Yellow may be the better choice, especially if minimizing noise is a priority. This switch is ideal for quieter environments, like offices or shared spaces, where discretion is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter feel with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Bsun Ragdoll serves you well. Its Y3 stem design and nylon-fiberglass housing deliver a unique, clacky sound profile and an enjoyable typing sensation, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback while typing. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you lean towards a more muted and solid typing experience with the Silent Yellow or a lively and smoother action with the Ragdoll.

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