Bsun Ragdoll vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that stand out for their unique characteristics are the Bsun Ragdoll and the Outemu Red Panda. The Ragdoll is a linear switch, renowned for its Y3 stem that offers a remarkably smooth travel experience, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. With a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, it also produces a distinct clacky sound, adding an auditory dimension to its performance. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda is a tactile switch that provides a light to medium amount of tactility, delivering a satisfying feedback with every press. Its sound profile is intriguing, featuring a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound combined with a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, appealing to those who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each bring their own unique advantages to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Ragdoll and the Outemu Red Panda switches present a fascinating study in contrast, particularly in terms of sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda incorporates a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's relatively stiffer structure provides a clearer and more resonant audio experience. Therefore, while both switches aim for sound quality in their design, they achieve it through markedly different aesthetic and acoustic principles.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Bsun Ragdoll and the Outemu Red Panda both utilize nylon, highlighting an area of similarity between the two models. Since nylon is a classic switch material that elicits a full sound profile, both switches benefit from this softer plastic in terms of tactile feel and the bottom-out sound when a key is pressed. This commonality suggests that both switches will exhibit similar auditory characteristics at the bottom of the stroke, even if their top housings provide contrasting sound experiences. Thus, the differing materials in the upper housings of both switches create a diverse range of auditory feedback, while the nylon bottoms ensure a unified depth in sound upon actuation.
In practical terms, the combination of these housing materials means that the overall experience of using the Bsun Ragdoll versus the Outemu Red Panda is shaped by their hybrid design. With the Ragdoll’s nylon top muffling sound and the Red Panda’s polycarbonate top enhancing clarity, users can expect different auditory responses during key presses and releases. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ties them together by ensuring a consistent, softer sound profile for bottoming out. In essence, while each switch brings unique elements to the typing experience, the interplay of nylon and polycarbonate in their respective housings leads to distinct yet complementary auditory and tactile outcomes.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, we can observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Ragdoll has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option that many may find more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Red Panda requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium weight switch. For those seeking a lighter feel, the Ragdoll is preferable, allowing for easier long-duration use. Conversely, the Red Panda's heavier actuation and bottom out forces may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches provide unique feels, the Ragdoll offers a softer touch, whereas the Red Panda presents a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Ragdoll features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Ragdoll offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it a better choice for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Red Panda, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers who prefer quicker response times, allowing for faster key actuation. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority, the Outemu Red Panda would be the preferable choice, while the Ragdoll is suited for users who enjoy a deeper typing experience.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
The sound produced by the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch is known for its clacky nature, thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This clackiness delivers a sharper, more pronounced auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying, especially for those who enjoy a more prominent sound with their keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a unique sound profile characterized by a combination of a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched clack at the top-out. The interplay between these two distinct sounds creates an engaging auditory experience, blending depth with a layer of brightness. While both switches provide pleasurable auditory feedback, the Ragdoll leans more towards a straightforward clack, whereas the Red Panda provides a more nuanced sound profile.
When considering feel, the Bsun Ragdoll offers smooth travel due to its Y3 stem, which aids in providing a linear experience that many users appreciate for its consistency and fluidity. It allows for seamless key presses without any interrupts that tactile switches typically provide. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda is designed with light to medium tactility, delivering a gentle bump during actuation that offers feedback without being overly pronounced. This aspect makes the Red Panda more approachable for users who may appreciate a slight tactile sensation without the harsher abruptness that can sometimes accompany more pronounced tactile switches.
In summary, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch excels in its clacky sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for users who prioritize uninterrupted key travel, while the Outemu Red Panda presents a more subtle auditory experience combined with mild tactility, appealing to those who enjoy gentle feedback with their typing. Depending on personal preference, both switches cater to different experiences: if you're keen on sharp auditory feedback and a linear typing action, the Ragdoll will suit you well, while the Red Panda will offer a balanced tactile feel with an engaging sound profile. Each switch provides its user with unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, emphasizing the importance of individual preference in selecting the right switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter typing experience with a smoother key travel and an enjoyable clacky sound, the Ragdoll is the better option for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue, especially if you tend to type quickly or prefer gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile response without a heavy actuation force, the Red Panda could be right up your alley. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, it provides a slight tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience, along with its thocky sound that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you prefer your switches to feel and sound while typing or gaming; choose the Ragdoll for smoothness and clackiness, or the Red Panda for a tactile experience with a rich auditory feedback.