Bsun Ragdoll vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Ragdoll and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Ragdoll, featuring a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, is celebrated for its smooth travel and satisfying clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback in their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch presents a unique innovation with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out, making it ideal for environments where noise levels are a concern, while still delivering a silky smooth typing feel that avoids the overly polished sensations some users find off-putting. Both switches offer a linear feel, but their sound profiles and tactile characteristics cater to different user preferences. 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
N/A
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
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches exhibit distinct characteristics that shape the overall typing experience, particularly in terms of sound profile. The Bsun Ragdoll utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's relatively soft composition, which absorbs sound waves, resulting in a rounder acoustic tone. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, generating a sharper and more crisp sound profile due to the stiffer nature of the material. This contrast in materials contributes to the typing experience, where the Ragdoll offers a more muted tone and the Semi-Silent Linear delivers a brighter auditory feedback.
While the tops of the switches differ, both the Bsun Ragdoll and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality ensures that both layouts consequently provide a consistent, deeper sound profile when the switch bottoms out, as nylon is effective in dampening sound. Despite the difference in the top housings, this shared bottom housing material aligns their bottom-out feel, allowing for a similar auditory experience when pressed down. The nylon construction absorbs noise effectively, creating a rounded sound for each switch's key actuation, fostering a sense of depth and fullness.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the differences in the top housing materials also influence the switches' compatibility with RGB lighting. The Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with its translucent polycarbonate top housing, enhances the effects of RGB illumination due to its clarity, elevating both visual appeal and versatility. In contrast, the more opaque nylon top of the Bsun Ragdoll may limit light diffusion and vibrancy. By acknowledging the characteristics of both switches, one can understand how the distinct top housing materials impact sound while the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a similar tactile experience at the foundation of the key's press. Ultimately, the combination of these materials results in unique yet complementary typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Ragdoll features a light actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or intensive gaming. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch lacks a specified actuation force, making it difficult to determine how it compares in terms of ease of activation. However, it does have a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, compared to the Ragdoll's 52 grams, which means that while the Ragdoll is overall the lighter switch, the Jwick will provide a more substantial feel when bottoming out. This distinction suggests that users who prefer a lighter and potentially faster response might lean towards the Bsun Ragdoll, while those who appreciate a heavier feel might find the Jwick more appealing. Overall, these characteristics contribute to different typing experiences tailored to user preference.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, the Bsun Ragdoll has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear measures slightly shorter at 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Ragdoll offers a deeper keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and a traditional feel. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with its shorter travel distance, can provide faster response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers looking for quick engagements. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for depth versus responsiveness, with the Ragdoll being the longer option and the Semi-Silent Linear being the shorter.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Ragdoll is characterized by its clacky sound, generated from its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, contributing to a pronounced auditory feedback upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear brings a more refined auditory experience, boasting a subdued sound when pressed along with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound. While it still delivers a clacky bottom-out sound, the overall noise level is less aggressive, making it more suitable for quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Ragdoll offers a smooth travel experience thanks to its Y3 stem, although specific descriptors for its tactile feedback are absent. The Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, is rich in tactile characteristics, providing a mild typing experience with gentle feedback that most users find approachable. It also showcases snappy responsiveness, likely due to its spring design, and a buttery smoothness that enhances the overall keystroke experience. The combination of polished elements creates a refined and fluid typing sensation, making it enjoyable for extended usage.
Overall, both the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch cater to users seeking smooth and satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different sound profiles. The Ragdoll offers a more traditional clacky sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear emphasizes a quieter operation without sacrificing the auditory satisfaction of bottoming out. For newcomers, both switches present viable options depending on personal preferences for noise levels and tactile feel, ensuring that either choice can lead to an enjoyable keyboard experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, your choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch will hinge on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a medium-light feel and a more pronounced clack sound with a dynamic typing experience, the Ragdoll is an excellent option, particularly for users who enjoy a smooth travel with its Y3 stem design. It’s an engaging choice for gaming or for those who simply enjoy a lively keystroke while typing. Alternatively, if you require a more balanced experience with a slightly higher actuation force, the Semi-Silent Linear may be better suited for your needs. Its subtler sound profile—offering a mix of clack and muted tones—makes it ideal for quieter environments, such as open offices or shared spaces where noise levels matter. Furthermore, with its silky smooth touch and slightly snappy response, this switch accommodates a broad range of activities from casual typing to intensive gaming, while ensuring a less intrusive sound signature. In conclusion, consider the environments you’ll be in and how you like to type to make an informed decision.
Mentioned in this article
