KTT Pine vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the KTT Pine and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, users often seek the perfect balance between feel and sound, and two compelling options are the KTT Pine and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switches. The KTT Pine, with its translucent forest green housing, is celebrated for its medium-heavy feel and buttery smooth actuation, offering an effortless typing experience enhanced by a polished, factory-lubed finish that minimizes friction. This switch is characterized by its bassy, low-pitched tones, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a deeper sound profile without compromising on performance. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll features a Y3 stem that ensures smooth key travel, while its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing delivers a distinctive clacky sound, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a little auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of feel and sound, providing unique experiences for their users. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Pine and Bsun Ragdoll switches utilize different materials for their housings, which results in distinct sonic characteristics that reflect their respective designs. The Pine features polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, which lends itself to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances the clarity and resonance of sounds produced during keystrokes, making it especially effective especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This results in a more vibrant and dynamic auditory experience, appealing to users who appreciate a distinct sound and visual display.
Conversely, the Bsun Ragdoll employs nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material renowned for its classic appeal in switch design. Nylon's softer composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound waves, thereby creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. The differences between nylon and polycarbonate become particularly evident in the feel and sound when typing: the Ragdoll’s auditory feedback is more subdued, emphasizing a smooth, comfortable typing experience, while the Pine caters to those who prefer a livelier sound. Despite these contrasts, both materials fulfill their specific purposes in creating a unique typing environment for different user preferences.
In scenarios where the top and bottom housings of a switch differ, the interplay of materials significantly influences the overall sound and feel. In the case of the KTT Pine, its uniform polycarbonate housing ensures a consistent high-pitched auditory profile throughout both the upstroke and bottom-out sound. Meanwhile, with the Bsun Ragdoll, typing dynamics are influenced more by the nylon's ability to soften the auditory impact, reflecting how the top housing mitigates some of the sharper sounds produced by the bottom housing. In essence, while both switches create enjoyable typing experiences, the materials used dictate how sound is perceived, allowing each to cater to distinct user preferences in both auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
The KTT Pine linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar effort required to trigger a keystroke with either switch. However, when it comes to the bottom out forces, the Ragdoll has a lighter feel at 52 grams compared to the Pine's 58 grams. This difference suggests that while the initial keystroke feels the same, the overall typing experience can be distinct; the Pine's heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial tactile sensation for users who prefer a firmer feedback, whereas the Ragdoll's lighter bottom out force might allow for more comfort and ease during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In summary, while both switches share the same actuation force, the KTT Pine is heavier overall due to its higher bottom out force, making the Bsun Ragdoll the lighter option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Pine linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, it is evident that they differ, with the Pine switch featuring a travel distance of 4 mm and the Ragdoll switch measuring at 3.8 mm. This means that the Pine switch has a longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a heartier feel when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Ragdoll switch's shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive experience, making it a more suitable option for gamers seeking quicker key presses and faster response times. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the KTT Pine is the better choice for users who value depth, whereas the Bsun Ragdoll caters to those who prefer a more abrupt, rapid activation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 KTT Pine linear switches are characterized by their bassy and low-pitched tones, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This combination results in a fuller sound profile that many find satisfying, especially when typing. The sound produced is reminiscent of the warm depth associated with bass tones, which can enhance the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a clacky sound owing to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. While the specifics of this clack are not detailed, it suggests that the Ragdoll may lean towards a more pronounced auditory feedback, differing from the Pine’s deeper tones.
In terms of feel, the KTT Pine switches are renowned for their buttery and creamy smoothness, delivering an effortless keystroke experience. This reflects a well-crafted design that minimizes friction, allowing for a truly seamless typing sensation. Users often describe the feeling as gliding their fingers effortlessly across the keys, leading to a consistent tactile experience that enhances typing comfort. On the other hand, the feel of the Ragdoll switches isn’t specified, which leaves an unknown aspect about their tactile characteristics and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the KTT Pine switches offer a bassy sound and a wonderfully smooth typing experience, the Bsun Ragdoll switches bring a distinct clackiness that contrasts with the Pine’s richer sound profile. The Pine's emphasis on buttery smoothness sets a high bar for tactile enjoyment, while the Ragdoll's unique sound profile introduces a different auditory feedback. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you may find that while the Pine delivers a cohesive, rich typing experience, the Ragdoll may appeal to those looking for a more pronounced auditory response. Ultimately, your choice will rely on whether you prioritize a silky typing sensation or the engaging sound of clackiness.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the KTT Pine linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a slightly heavier feel and a richer sound profile that delivers a deeper, bassy resonance, the KTT Pine would be your best bet. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 58 grams and buttery smooth keystrokes make it ideal for users who appreciate a luxurious and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Bsun Ragdoll might be more suited for you. Its focus on a clacky sound along with its smooth travel makes it a great choice for those who enjoy a lighter, more agile switch for faster typing or gaming. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style, sound preference, and overall comfort to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.