Bsun Ragdoll vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the BSUN Ragdoll and the Huano Sakura linear switches, both embody unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in keyboard feel and sound. The Ragdoll switch stands out with its Y3 stem, providing an exceptionally smooth travel experience and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a distinct clacky sound, appealing to users who enjoy audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Sakura switch is designed for those who prioritize comfort during longer typing sessions, featuring a feather-light touch and medium acoustics that minimize finger fatigue without sacrificing responsiveness. Each switch offers its own distinct advantages: the Ragdoll for its engaging tactile sound and satisfying keystrokes, and the Sakura for its lightweight feel that fosters endurance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the Huano Sakura switches, there are both similarities and differences that define their overall performance. The top housing of the Ragdoll is constructed from nylon, a classic material renowned for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller typing experience. This softer plastic dampens vibrations, yielding a sound profile that is described as dull and round. In contrast, the Sakura features a POK (polyketone) top housing. While POK is also designed to promote a smooth typing experience, it possesses a slightly higher coefficient of friction, resulting in a clackier sound that may appeal to users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback. Therefore, while the nylon housing of the Ragdoll excels in sound absorption, the POK material of the Sakura supports a more resonant and crisp typing interaction.
Both switches utilize nylon for the bottom housing, making a strong case for their sound characteristics. Here, the nylon material in both the Ragdoll and Sakura contributes to that fuller sound profile, driving home the notion that despite the differences in the top housings, the bottom housings share common ground. This shared construction means that both switches will offer a similar tactile sensation upon bottoming out, reinforcing the aspects of sound dampening and softness inherent to nylon. Therefore, even with the contrasting top housing materials, users may still expect a cohesive typing experience in terms of feel and acoustics due to the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Ultimately, the impact of switch performance hinges on how the individual characteristics of the housing materials interact. The Ragdoll's nylon top brings out a soft, muffled typing experience, while the Sakura's POK top injects a smoother and slightly clackier quality. With both featuring a nylon bottom housing, they maintain a baseline of sound absorption that overlaps. This intriguing combination means that while user preferences may sway toward either the deep tone of the Ragdoll or the articulate feedback of the Sakura, the underlying texture of the experience remains consistent across both models. Hence, the selection between the two would be primarily driven by the users' preferences for top housing performance rather than significant disparities in their total sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch present a noticeable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Ragdoll features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. In comparison, the Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Sakura is significantly easier to press down, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, perfect for extended use in office environments or during long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Ragdoll's slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force offer a more substantial feel, appealing to users who like a stronger push while typing. Thus, the Ragdoll can be categorized as the heavier switch, while the Sakura is the lighter option. Overall, those looking for similar results in terms of typing experience must weigh their preference for lighter versus heavier switches, with each fulfilling different user needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, the Ragdoll features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Sakura measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Ragdoll switch offers a deeper feel, which may be favored by users who appreciate a more substantial key press. Conversely, the Sakura's shorter travel distance can provide a faster response time, appealing to gamers and those seeking quicker actuation. While both switches are closer to the more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference: if you favor a more responsive experience, the Sakura is the better option, whereas those who enjoy a hearty depth should lean towards the Ragdoll.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a distinct clacky tone, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This provides a unique auditory experience that many users might find enjoyable, especially in a casual or gaming environment. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura linear switch is characterized by medium acoustics, offering a more subdued sound profile. This softer acoustic quality can lend itself better to longer typing sessions, minimizing distractions and allowing for a more focused work environment. While both switches produce unique sounds, the Ragdoll's more pronounced clackiness might stand out against the Sakura's softer notes, though it's essential to consider how the choice of board and keycaps can influence these acoustic characteristics.
Regarding feel, the Ragdoll switch is designed with a Y3 stem that provides very smooth travel, catering to those who enjoy a seamless keystroke experience. This high level of smoothness is especially appealing for fast-paced gaming and rapid typing. Conversely, the Huano Sakura switch boasts a feather-light touch, making it particularly accessible for long periods of use without fatigue. This light actuation force combined with a smooth travel can enhance the typing experience, encouraging a gentle and fast typing style. Despite their different approaches to feel, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences, whether one values smoothness or a lighter touch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Ragdoll and Huano Sakura linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Ragdoll's clacky sound and smooth feel may appeal to users who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience, while the Sakura’s feather-light actuation and medium acoustics are likely to attract those who prioritize comfort and extended typing sessions. Depending on your needs, you may find satisfaction in either switch; you just need to choose one that aligns with your typing style and acoustic preference, bearing in mind that external factors can also substantially influence your overall experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are specific factors that can guide your choice. If you prefer a moderately weighted keypress with a tactile feedback that still allows for swift actuation, the Ragdoll, with its bottom out force of 52 grams, may be more suitable for you. Its Y3 stem provides a smooth travel experience and its nylon-fiberglass housing produces a clacky sound that can add an engaging auditory element to your typing. This switch is ideal if you're looking for a balance between comfort and responsiveness, especially in situations where you enjoy both typing and gaming. Conversely, if you favor a lighter touch and a switch more suited for prolonged typing without fatigue, the Sakura’s 45-gram bottom out force and more subdued acoustics may better cater to your needs. Its feather-light touch is perfect if you frequently engage in long writing sessions, allowing for a comfortable experience that minimizes strain on your fingers. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prioritize a snappier and slightly more audible typing experience with the Ragdoll or a softer, quieter feel with the Sakura for extended use.
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