Bsun Ragdoll vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Ragdoll and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer compelling options for enthusiasts, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Ragdoll switch is celebrated for its smooth travel and a distinctive clacky sound, thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This makes it particularly appealing for typists who appreciate a tactile yet unhindered keystroke experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is engineered with gamers in mind; it boasts a light actuation force and shortened travel distance, ensuring swift key presses that are crucial in high-stakes gaming environments. Additionally, the V3 Silver Pro offers a polished, creamy feel with a satisfying bassy sound that can enhance the gaming experience. While both switches are linear and provide smooth keystrokes, their designs evoke different user experiences based on their intended purposes. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, a distinct contrast emerges between their top housings. The Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This material effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a more muted acoustic experience that many users find appealing for its warm tonal qualities. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing is characterized by its stiffer structure, which delivers a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Polycarbonate's resilience and ability to produce a clear, resonant sound profile cater well to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the experience of RGB lighting, making it a visually engaging option.
The bottom housings of both switches present a different narrative, as they share the same material: nylon. Both the Ragdoll and the V3 Silver Pro utilize a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is adept at absorbing sound, the bottom-out feel and sound of the key presses will exhibit similar qualities across both models. This uniformity in the bottom housing ensures that users of either switch will experience a comfortable, consistent feel when bottoming out their keys, regardless of the upper housing differences. In terms of acoustic properties, this shared nylon bottom means that both switches provide a solid and warm foundation to the typing experience.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings determines the overall sound experience of each switch. The softer nylon bottom housing for both the Ragdoll and the V3 Silver Pro ensures a similar key feel and auditory feedback when the keys are pressed down, while the contrasting top materials create distinct sound profiles upon release. This division allows the Ragdoll to offer a remarkably deep and subdued sound while the V3 Silver Pro thrives on the clarity and crispness afforded by its polycarbonate top. By leveraging the characteristics of the nylon bottom and varying the top housing material, both switches cater to different preferences, yet both can yield satisfying results due to their thoughtfully engineered combinations.
Weight
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch exhibit differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to varying user preferences. The Ragdoll requires 45 grams of force for actuation and has a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the Akko V3 Silver Pro. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feel with a medium-light switch might gravitate towards the Bsun Ragdoll. Ultimately, while both switches provide distinct benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, the Ragdoll is heavier than the V3 Silver Pro, making it a better choice for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, the Ragdoll stands out with its longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the V3 Silver Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the shorter 3.3 mm distance of the V3 Silver Pro may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation and can enhance performance in fast-paced scenarios. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial keypress and a deeper feel might favor the Ragdoll, which offers a more pronounced travel distance. Overall, if you value responsiveness, the V3 Silver Pro would be the better choice, but if you lean towards a more traditional typing experience with depth, the Ragdoll would suit your preferences better.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 it comes to sound, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch delivers a distinctively clacky acoustic profile, thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This produces a sound that is more resonant and pronounced, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro offers a high-pitched sound that results in a sharper, crisper auditory experience. Those who prefer a more pronounced, bassy sound might find the Ragdoll appealing, while users looking for a cleaner and more polite sound signature may lean towards the V3 Silver Pro. Ultimately, your choice will be shaped by personal preference and the acoustic qualities of your keyboard's combination of materials.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is celebrated for its smooth travel, marking it as an attractive option for typists who enjoy seamless keystrokes. The V3 Silver Pro, engineered with gamers in mind, takes this a step further by offering an effortless typing experience characterized by an easy actuation force. This switch not only reduces finger fatigue with its minimal resistance but also provides a creamy, polished, and silky sensation during keystrokes. The combination of these characteristics enhancing the V3 Silver Pro gives it an edge in terms of comfort during long typing or gaming sessions, while the Ragdoll’s smooth travel caters well to those who value fluidity.
In conclusion, both the BSUN Ragdoll and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches have distinct attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Ragdoll is recognized for its clacky sound and smooth travel, likely appealing to those who appreciate a rich auditory profile. Conversely, the V3 Silver Pro shines with its high-pitched sound and a remarkably comfortable typing experience that emphasizes minimal effort and fatigue. Depending on the qualities you prioritize—sound or feel—you'll find that both switches can meet your needs, but your personal preferences may ultimately steer you towards one over the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and enjoy a clackier, bassy sound profile that provides a more tactile experience during typing, then the Ragdoll is a fitting choice. Its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass construction make it ideal for those who appreciate a smoother travel feel while also enjoying distinct audio feedback. On the other hand, if you are more focused on gaming performance and speedy responses, the V3 Silver Pro's light actuation force and shortened travel distance will be advantageous for rapid keystrokes. This switch is engineered with gamers in mind, providing an easy-to-press yet responsive typing experience, which makes it great for long sessions without the fatigue that heavier switches might cause. In essence, choose the Ragdoll for its comfort and sound if you value typing finesse, and opt for the V3 Silver Pro if your priority lies in optimized gaming efficiency and minimal effort during use.
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