Bsun Ragdoll vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options to suit their typing style. The BSUN Ragdoll, known for its Y3 stem design, offers an engaging typing experience characterized by smooth travel and a distinct clackiness thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This switch appeals to users who enjoy a tactile, audible feedback that can enhance the joy of typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red caters to those seeking a quieter, more discreet typing experience. With a buttery and polished feel, the Silent Red switches provide a muted sound profile ideal for office environments or shared living spaces, allowing for uninterrupted concentration. While both switches fall under the linear category and promise a smooth typing experience, their unique sound signatures and tactile qualities make them suitable for different preferences and settings. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the TTC Silent Red switches exhibit notable differences, particularly in their top housings. The Bsun Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer plastic composition that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red employs a polycarbonate top housing that is stiffer, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound. This inherent rigidity allows for a clearer audio experience, making each keystroke distinctly audible. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when paired with RGB lighting, leading to a more vibrant illumination compared to the Ragdoll's nylon top.
Interestingly, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, as they both utilize nylon. Nylon's properties afford the switches a similar auditory profile when pressing down on the keys. This shared bottom housing leads to a deeper and rounder sound when the key bottoms out, ensuring consistency in the tactile experience across both switches. The bottom housing impacts the sound and feel more significantly as the user engages with the switch, meaning that despite the differences in top housing, the nylon bottom ensures a familiar and cohesive typing experience.
In summary, while the Bsun Ragdoll and TTC Silent Red switches differ markedly in their top housing materials, they converge when it comes to the composition of their bottom housings. This combination of nylon in both cases factors heavily into the overall auditory experience, with the bottom housing imparting a deeper sound profile that is consistent across both designs. Consequently, while typists will notice divergent sound characteristics in the top housing, the common nylon bottom housing ensures a uniformity in feel and deeper tonal resonance, allowing users to strike a balance between clarity and richness in their keystrokes.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we find some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for a similar typing experience when it comes to initiating keystrokes, making them ideal for those who prefer lighter switches for long typing sessions or gaming. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Ragdoll has a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that the Ragdoll switch is lighter overall, facilitating a smoother and less tiring experience during extended use. In contrast, the Silent Red, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer a stronger tactile response. Thus, while both switches provide a similar actuation feel, their bottom out forces cater to different preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Ragdoll features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Ragdoll the longer option, offering a more pronounced depth when pressed. For users who favor a deeper key feel, the Ragdoll might be more appealing, whereas gamers or those seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel of the Silent Red. Although both switches fall within a relatively close range, the difference in travel distance could influence personal preference based on the desired 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 characteristics of the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Ragdoll is known to produce a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which can add a lively auditory element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Red features a muted sound profile that significantly minimizes the noise typical of mechanical keyboard switches. This makes the Silent Red a more suitable choice for settings where quiet operation is paramount, such as offices or shared living spaces. Although both switches offer their distinct auditory experiences, one can expect a more pronounced sound with the Ragdoll and a significantly softer, quieter experience with the Silent Red—though the overall sound will still be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Ragdoll linear switch is recognized for its smooth travel due to the Y3 stem design, which allows for a seamless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red is described as providing a buttery, mild, and polished sensation. This combination results in a smooth and fluid typing interaction, coupled with a gentle typing experience that is less aggressive than some other switches. While the Ragdoll emphasizes smoothness, the Silent Red enhances comfort with its padded bottom-out feel, creating a refined touch that is approachable for most users. This combination leads to a distinct typing experience where the Ragdoll evokes a more straightforward linear feel, and the Silent Red offers a softer, more cushioned response.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Ragdoll and TTC Silent Red switches differ in sound and feel, both provide appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Ragdoll showcases a more pronounced and lively sound, alongside a smooth but direct keystroke feel, while the Silent Red offers a muted experience paired with a buttery and cushioned touch. Depending on your priorities—whether it be a more audible typing experience or a silent, plush one—both switches promise to deliver satisfying results while catering to various typing environments and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you are drawn to a lighter actuation force and enjoy a subtle clack during your keystrokes, the Ragdoll switch may be an excellent fit. It offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams and is designed with a unique Y3 stem that provides smooth travel, perfect for those who appreciate a bit more feedback in their typing experience. However, if you prioritize a quieter operation, especially in a shared workspace or living area, the TTC Silent Red switch should be your go-to. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a buttery and polished feel, providing a plush typing experience while maintaining a muted sound profile that minimizes disturbances. Thus, your ultimate choice should reflect not only your preference for sound and feel but also the context in which you’ll be using the keyboard.
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