Outemu Silver vs. Bsun Ragdoll

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options arise: the Outemu Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll, both linear switches known for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Outemu Silver is ideal for those who prefer a clean and uninterrupted keystroke, offering a straightforward typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll stands out with its innovative Y3 stem, designed for smooth travel, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound with every press, making it a delightful choice for enthusiasts who enjoy auditory feedback. While both switches cater to users who appreciate linear action, their distinct features present different advantages depending on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your typing style.

By the numbers

Outemu Silver Linear

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silver and Bsun Ragdoll switches, a notable difference emerges in the composition of the top housing. The Silver utilizes a polycarbonate material, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This stiffer plastic not only contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile when typing but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially under RGB lighting, due to its clear nature. In contrast, the Ragdoll employs nylon for its top housing, a material traditionally known for its softer texture. This softness results in a deeper, fuller sound profile; the nylon absorbs more sound, thereby creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Silver's polycarbonate housing promotes clarity and brightness, the Ragdoll's nylon top introduces warmth and richness to the sound.

However, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting parallel arises. Both the Outemu Silver and the Bsun Ragdoll feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This commonality means users can expect a similar impact on the bottom-out sound and feel regardless of the contrasting top housing materials. By utilizing nylon, both switches deliver a deeper and more resonant typing experience at the moment of key press, providing a connected auditory experience that enhances the overall tactile feedback when bottoming out. This synergy between the bottom housings ensures that both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different tonal characteristics defined primarily by their top housings.

In essence, while the Outemu Silver and Bsun Ragdoll differ in the materials used for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles during key releases, they share a similar foundation in their bottom housings. The differing sounds and feels from the top housings will satisfy varied user preferences—whether one favors the clarity of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon—while the consistent nylon bottom housing brings a sense of cohesion and predictability to the tactile experience. Ultimately, these nuanced differences allow users to select switches that best align with their personal typing style and sound preferences, leading to a more tailored user experience.

Weight

The Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel relatively light when triggering a keystroke. However, they differ significantly in their bottom out forces; the Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a firmer feeling upon bottoming out, while the Ragdoll's bottom out force is notably lighter at 52 grams. This difference suggests that typists or gamers who prefer a more substantial and deliberate pressing experience might favor the Outemu Silver due to its heavier bottom out force, whereas those who enjoy a softer touch might lean towards the Ragdoll, allowing for more extended periods of typing without fatigue. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Ragdoll is lighter when it comes to the bottom out force, offering a different tactile experience for users.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Silver having a travel distance of 4 mm and the Ragdoll at 3.8 mm. This makes the Outemu Silver the longer switch by 0.2 mm, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more tactile depth during their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ragdoll, having a shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize quick response times, often preferred by gamers for speedy gameplay. While both switches offer linear action, the shorter travel of the Ragdoll might feel more abrupt and responsive, whereas the Silver provides a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you favor the quick responsiveness of a shorter travel distance or the deeper feel of a longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Outemu Silver linear switch is relatively quiet, making it a suitable choice for environments where you want to minimize noise disruption. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a more distinctive clacky sound profile due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This sound quality can add character to your typing experience, making the Ragdoll a more engaging option for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Silver is known for its smooth, linear travel, providing a consistent resistance from the top to the bottom of the keypress. The Bsun Ragdoll switch also boasts a notably smooth feel, enhanced by its Y3 stem design, which optimizes the travel and minimizes friction. Both switches cater to users who prefer a linear switch experience, ensuring a soft and uninterrupted keystroke with little to no tactile feedback.

Overall, if you're seeking a smooth typing experience, both the Outemu Silver and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches provide excellent options, albeit with different sound qualities. The Silvers are quieter, making them more suitable for shared spaces, while the Ragdolls offer a more auditory experience that some users may prefer. Your choice might ultimately depend on whether you value sound or feel more in your mechanical keyboard experience, but either option will deliver the smooth actuation that is characteristic of linear switches.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch comes down to your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams that provides a bit more resistance during typing, the Outemu Silver may be the better choice, especially if you appreciate a more deliberate keypress that minimizes accidental inputs, which can be particularly beneficial for gaming where precision is crucial. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams, allows for faster key presses and a more responsive feel, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming sessions that require quick reflexes. Additionally, the Ragdoll's Y3 stem promotes smooth travel and contributes to its distinct clacky sound, adding a pleasing auditory element to your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a sturdier feel with the Outemu Silver or a quicker, more fluid action with the Bsun Ragdoll.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Silver Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more