Bsun Ragdoll vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience, and two compelling options are the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct characteristics. The Bsun Ragdoll is celebrated for its smooth travel, thanks to its Y3 stem, and it features a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a pleasing clacky sound, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g has been meticulously engineered to provide a nearly silent typing experience, akin to the gentle patter of raindrops, making it perfect for environments where noise may be a concern. With a balanced 53g bottom-out force, it caters to typists who favor a light yet satisfying keystroke without the distraction of sound. Both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences—whether you’re drawn to the Ragdoll’s clack or the Whisper of the Sackura. 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
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, one notices a clear distinction in their construction that influences their acoustic performance. Both switches feature a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This similar use of nylon in both models contributes to a sound that is duller and rounder, enhancing the typing experience through sound absorption. The softness of the nylon helps in muting high-pitched sounds, ensuring that both switches deliver a warm auditory feedback when engaged. Therefore, in terms of the top housing, users can expect similar auditory experiences when typing on the Ragdoll and Silent Sakura, characterized by their deep, rich sounds.
However, the differences become apparent when examining the bottom housing of each switch. The Ragdoll utilizes nylon for its bottom housing as well, mirroring the top's material choice and maintaining a consistent sound experience throughout the switch. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing. This choice introduces a different acoustic profile—more defined and crisp—due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. The sharper sound emitted from the Silent Sakura can offer a more pronounced tactile feedback upon bottoming out, while the Ragdoll's nylon bottom reinforces a muted sound experience. Thus, even though both switches deliver similar sound profiles from the top, the HMX Silent Sakura's bottom housing diverges significantly, allowing for a contrasting experience overall.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the construction of each switch influences the final auditory and tactile responses, with nylon yielding uniform sound across both housing types in the Ragdoll, while the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing enhances specific sound characteristics. Consequently, when typing on both switches, users may appreciate the shared qualities of the nylon top that contribute to a rich auditory profile, while experiencing the unique attributes bestowed by the differing bottom housings. This duality in construction not only showcases the engineering choices made by each model but also informs potential users about the differentiating factors that can affect their overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means that typists can expect a similar tactile response required to register a keystroke. This shared actuation force gives both switches a medium-light feel, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly; the Ragdoll features a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a marginally heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. Consequently, while the actuation forces provide a comparable experience in triggering keystrokes, the Ragdoll switch feels a touch softer when fully pressed down compared to the Silent Sakura. Overall, those who prefer a lighter overall feel may lean towards the Ragdoll due to its slightly lower bottom out force, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke experience may opt for the Silent Sakura switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Ragdoll has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 53g measures 4 mm. This makes the Ragdoll the shorter option, appealing to gamers or users seeking a more responsive feel due to its reduced distance. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura, with its longer 4 mm travel, caters to those who prefer a deeper keypress, offering a more traditional experience that some might find more satisfying or less abrupt. Therefore, if you prioritize quick response times for gaming, the Ragdoll would be your best choice, while the Silent Sakura is better suited for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is known for its clacky noise profile, enhancing the auditory experience of typing. The nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to this sound, providing a more pronounced acoustic feedback which many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, creating a sound reminiscent of gentle raindrops. This is ideal for environments where noise reduction is paramount, allowing for a more peaceful typing experience. It’s important to note that the final sound produced by either switch can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is recognized for its smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem design, allowing for fluid keystrokes. This can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable, providing a tactile experience without any significant resistance. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch features a balanced 53g bottom-out force, catering to typists who prefer a lighter touch while still maintaining a satisfying keystroke. Both switches provide a linear experience, resulting in smooth actuation without any tactile bump, yet they differ in the weight consideration of the keystroke, which might affect personal preference.
In conclusion, both the BSUN Ragdoll and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer distinct sound profiles and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Ragdoll switch delivers a more pronounced and clacky sound with a smooth, effortless travel, while the Silent Sakura switch prioritizes a silent operation with a lighter actuation force for a subtle yet satisfying experience. For those seeking auditory feedback versus a serene typing atmosphere, both switches can provide enjoyable experiences within their respective niches.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch depends largely on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a slightly lighter bottom-out force alongside a more tactile sound and feel, the Ragdoll may be your ideal choice. Its medium-light resistance combined with a smooth Y3 stem provides a responsive keystroke that many typists enjoy, particularly for fast-paced tasks or gaming. In contrast, if you're looking for a quieter typing experience while still maintaining a satisfying keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is likely the better option. Its well-balanced 53g bottom-out force, coupled with its whisper-quiet operation, makes it perfect for shared office spaces or environments where minimal noise is a priority. Ultimately, the right switch for you will hinge on whether you lean towards a drier sound and smooth interactions of the Ragdoll, or the serene, nearly noiseless touch of the Silent Sakura.
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