HMX Perky vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the HMX Perky and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Perky and Bsun Ragdoll both offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences, despite both being linear switches. The HMX Perky is celebrated for its softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience. Its shorter travel distance promotes a more condensed typing feel, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, delivers a smooth travel sensation coupled with a distinctive clacky sound, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. While both switches share a linear mechanism that ensures smooth keystrokes, the Perky leans towards a softer and quicker experience, whereas the Ragdoll emphasizes a tactile auditory response. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Perky and the Bsun Ragdoll keyboards share a significant commonality: both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material is noteworthy as nylon is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound that is duller and rounder compared to harder plastics. This uniformity in the choice of housing material leads to similar acoustic characteristics in both keyboards, providing users with a satisfying typing experience characterized by muted sound levels and a pleasant tactile response.
While both the Perky and the Ragdoll feature nylon for both their top and bottom housings, the impact of these housings on the overall type feel and sound is nuanced. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is fully pressed, while the top housing predominantly affects the sound upon releasing a key. Since both keyboards employ identical housing materials, the typing experience will manifest similarly in both models, with users experiencing a consistent sound profile whether pressing or releasing keys. This shared material also suggests that the overall durability and longevity of the switches could be comparable, ensuring a consistent performance across both keyboard options.
In conclusion, the consistent use of nylon in both the HMX Perky and the Bsun Ragdoll provides a foundation for a remarkably similar typing experience. The advantages of nylon, such as its sound-dampening qualities and ability to yield a full sound profile, are uniformly present in both keyboard designs. As a result, users can expect to achieve comparable acoustic and tactile results, whether they choose the Perky or the Ragdoll. This makes each model appealing, particularly for those who prioritize sound quality and typing comfort in their keyboard selections.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Perky linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Perky features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option suited for users who prefer a softer touch, which can enhance comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ragdoll has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. This slight increase in force provides a firmer feel, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the HMX Perky is the lighter switch compared to the Bsun Ragdoll, making it the preferable choice for users prioritizing ease of use over longer durations.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Perky linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Perky has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Ragdoll features a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that users who favor quicker responses might prefer the Perky for its reduced travel distance, which aligns well with the current trend among gamers seeking faster reaction times. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial and satisfying typing experience may find the Ragdoll's 3.8 mm travel distance to be more appealing, offering a deeper feel. Thus, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference regarding depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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.
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 it comes to sound, the HMX Perky linear switch offers a quieter, more muted experience due to its softer nylon housing. It provides a pleasant aural backdrop that complements its smooth operation while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, likely influenced by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This results in a more pronounced auditory feedback during keystrokes but remains relatively low-key compared to tactile or clicky switches. Sound is impacted by various factors, including the choice of keyboard and keycap material, meaning that the overall acoustic experience can differ depending on individual setups.
In terms of feel, the HMX Perky switch is noted for a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, largely attributed to its shorter travel distance. This results in a compact feel that can be very enjoyable for fast typists looking for efficiency and responsiveness. Conversely, the Ragdoll linear switch boasts a smooth travel due to its Y3 stem, contributing to an excellent gliding sensation. This smoothness enhances the typing experience, making it feel seamless with minimal resistance, catering well to those who value a fluid keystroke.
In summary, both the HMX Perky and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches offer unique qualities that can satisfy different preferences among typists. The Perky’s softer and quieter typing experience contrasts with the Ragdoll’s clacky sound and smooth handling. While the Perky provides a snug and condensed feel, the Ragdoll emphasizes a leisurely yet effortlessly smooth motion. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, but either way, you'll get a solid linear typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Perky linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch with a 50-gram bottom out force that provides a softer, more nuanced typing experience, then the HMX Perky switch could be the right choice for you. Its glittery nylon housing gives you a smooth and pleasant feel while allowing for quicker key presses due to its shorter travel distance. This makes it an excellent option for typists who enjoy rapid, repetitive keystrokes or for gaming where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you desire a slightly firmer feel with a 52-gram bottom out force and a clackier sound profile, the Bsun Ragdoll switch may be more your speed. With its Y3 stem, it delivers a distinctly smooth travel along with a robust nylon-fiberglass housing that adds a tactile enjoyment to each key press. This switch can be ideal for those who appreciate a bit more feedback and sound from their keyboard, contributing to a lively typing experience. Ultimately, the decision should be based on whether you want a lighter, quieter experience with the Perky or a medium-light, more pronounced typing experience with the Ragdoll.
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