Bsun Ragdoll vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, both the BSUN Ragdoll and Durock Sea Glass offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Ragdoll switch, with its Y3 stem design and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, is renowned for its smooth travel and a clacky sound that appeals to those seeking tactile feedback and an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Glass switches shine with their unique blend of materials, providing a typing experience that feels both airy and feathery while maintaining a distinct dryness in sound profile. Their 62g bottom-out force combined with a frictionless mechanism creates an impression of weightlessness, making them an enticing option for those who prefer a seamless and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two linear switches depends on whether you favor the Ragdoll's clacky presence or the Sea Glass’s ethereal touch; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Ragdoll and the Durock Sea Glass switches both utilize nylon in their housing materials, which influences their auditory and tactile feedback during use. The Ragdoll features a classic nylon top and bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the nature of nylon as a softer plastic, which absorbs sound effectively, leading to a rounded auditory experience. Conversely, while the Sea Glass also incorporates nylon, its unique blend with UHMWPE introduces distinct sound characteristics. The top and bottom housing of the Sea Glass is described as providing a brighter sound profile that, although pleasant, diverges from the darker depth characteristic of traditional nylon. Therefore, while both switches share a foundation in nylon, the Sea Glass differentiates itself through its polymer blend, resulting in a sharper auditory experience.
In terms of performance differences, the Ragdoll's consistent use of nylon in both its top and bottom housings leads to a cohesive sound profile, characterized by its deep tones. The switch's overall auditory feedback benefits from the uniform material, ensuring that both the impact of bottoming out and the release sound are well balanced. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass’s dual-material approach means that each housing contributes distinct qualities to the switch’s performance. The bottom housing maintains a brighter sound, potentially reducing the depth but adding an engaging clarity and vibrancy that might appeal to users looking for a more lively typing experience. The split sound characteristics suggest that users of the Sea Glass may find the typing experience more nuanced, as the two materials collaborate to provide a unique auditory profile.
Ultimately, if one is seeking to achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback, one needs to understand how each housing material functions collectively. For the Bsun Ragdoll, the pure use of nylon ensures that the sound is consistently rich and deep. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass offers a blend that, while distinct, can still produce a harmonious typing experience when the unique qualities of both top and bottom housings are appreciated. Each switch, in its own right, is capable of delivering satisfying results, albeit through different auditory means and tactile experiences. By exploring these materials, users can select switches that align more closely with their preferred typing sounds and sensations.
Weight
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the Ragdoll bottoms out at 52 grams, while the Sea Glass reaches a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This difference indicates that users of the Ragdoll might encounter a slightly softer feel upon bottoming out, contributing to a more cushioned typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass, with its higher bottom out force, provides a firmer resistance, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing keys fully. In conclusion, while both switches are equally light in actuation, the Ragdoll presents a lighter overall experience due to its lower bottom out force, making it ideal for long-duration use, while the Sea Glass caters to users who prefer a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch feature identical travel distances of 3.8 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. As a result, both switches will deliver similar tactile experiences in terms of travel, allowing for a consistent feel regardless of the choice between the two. Whether you opt for the Ragdoll or the Sea Glass, the travel distance will not be a distinguishing factor, promoting an equal performance in terms of key actuation depth.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 offers a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which provides a unique auditory experience that many typists appreciate. This clackiness can add character to the typing experience, especially for users who enjoy acoustics as part of their feedback. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch features a uniquely hollow sound signature, contributing to a distinctively airy auditory profile. While the Sea Glass switches emit a sound that leans towards dryness and wispiness, this quality can create an interesting contrast when compared to the fuller, clackier sound of the Ragdolls. Ultimately, both switches deliver engaging sounds, but they cater to different preferences: one for a more pronounced clack and the other for an airy, delicate tone.
When considering feel, the Ragdoll switches are characterized by their smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem, offering a pleasing tactile experience that many users find enjoyable. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass switches take smoothness a step further with their frictionless nature. This results in a fluid travel that feels effortless, combined with mild responsiveness that makes them approachable for a broad range of typing styles. The Sea Glass switches offer a feathery touch, requiring minimal exertion, which is ideal for extensive typing sessions. Overall, while both switches provide comfort, the Sea Glass excels in creating an almost weightless typing experience that might be more appropriate for users seeking less resistance.
In summary, the BSUN Ragdoll and Durock Sea Glass linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences within the same linear switch experience. The Ragdoll offers a clackier sound and smooth travel, while the Sea Glass presents a uniquely hollow tone and a remarkably frictionless feel. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing experience, each switch can enhance your keyboard experience in distinct ways. If you're looking for auditory feedback, the Ragdoll might be the way to go, while the Sea Glass could be ideal for those who prioritize a lightweight and effortless typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, the choice between the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you find yourself favoring a switch that provides a medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Ragdoll is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a typing experience characterized by smooth travel and a distinct clacky sound. Its nylon-fiberglass construction caters well to those who appreciate tactile feedback without overwhelming resistance, making it suitable for both casual typing and gaming sessions where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you’re leaning toward a switch with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 62 grams, the Sea Glass switch will not disappoint, especially if you appreciate a typing experience that feels both weightless and frictionless. Known for its uniquely hollow sound signature and a smooth typing feel that embodies airiness and vibrancy, the Sea Glass is ideal for users who desire a refined and dynamic typing experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize a greater tactile sensation and a more pronounced sound, the Ragdoll is your go-to; conversely, if you value a soft touch and an elegant auditory profile, you’ll likely gravitate towards the Sea Glass switches. Choose based on which qualities resonate more with your typing style and workplace or gaming environment.