Bsun Ragdoll vs. Dareu Sky V3
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Dareu Sky V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Ragdoll and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Ragdoll switch stands out with its Y3 stem, providing a notably smooth travel experience along with a pleasing clacky sound thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V3 switches are recognized for their neutral sound signature and medium-light weight, delivering an optimal balance for a variety of typing styles. They appeal to a broader audience, making them a favorite among both enthusiasts and professionals who seek comfort and precision in their keystrokes. While both switches belong to the linear category and promise smooth actuation, their unique features allow users to tailor their typing experience to their individual needs. 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
N/A
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Ragdoll and the Dareu Sky V3 switches both illustrate the diverse impact that housing materials have on typing experience, yet they diverge significantly in their choice of top housing. The Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softness, which allows it to absorb sound more efficiently. This characteristic results in a sound profile that is duller and rounder, creating a warm typing experience that is often preferred by users seeking a more tactile and muted auditory feedback. In stark contrast, the Sky V3 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer plastic leads to clearer and more resonant sounds, making it ideal for users who appreciate the crisper feedback and heightened acoustics that come with a more defined sound when typing.
While both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which enhances the deeper and fuller sound signature, the experience differs based on the combination of materials in the top housing. The nylon bottom housing in the Ragdoll contributes to a consistent sound profile that leans towards the warmer and rounded tones. Meanwhile, the Sky V3's dual-material approach, with nylon at the bottom and polycarbonate at the top, allows it to embrace the beneficent aspects of both materials. As a result, the bottom-out sound and feel on the Sky V3 are influenced by the nylon, retaining some of the deeper sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing accentuates the higher frequencies.
Ultimately, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate housing materials in these switches illustrates how material variation can influence user experience. Despite the differences in top housing, both switches deliver a satisfying experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, which enhances sound absorption and provides a rounded auditory feedback. Thus, while the aesthetic and acoustic properties differ — with the Ragdoll offering warmth and the Sky V3 an incisive clarity — users can still achieve satisfying tactile and auditory results, particularly based on the bottom housing's role in the typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation force, influencing the typing experience significantly. The Ragdoll switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sky V3 is lighter at 40 grams. This difference may make the Ragdoll feel more substantial to typists who prefer a heavier touch, while the Sky V3 could be more suitable for extended typing sessions due to its lower actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the Sky V3 is unavailable, making it challenging to fully assess its performance when pressed to the maximum. In contrast, the Ragdoll has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which further emphasizes its medium-light feel. This notable bottom out force in the Ragdoll provides a definitive feedback mechanism for typists who prefer a heavier tactile experience. Overall, for those who favor a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, the Dareu Sky V3 would be the better option, while the Bsun Ragdoll is suited for those who appreciate a more substantial and resistant keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Ragdoll has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Sky V3 features a travel distance of 4 mm, categorizing it as the longer switch. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem small, but it can impact the overall typing and gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the Ragdoll can provide a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Sky V3 offers a deeper travel distance that some users might find more satisfying, as it provides a more substantial tactile feedback during use. Therefore, depending on personal preference for sensitivity versus depth, one might choose the Ragdoll for speed or the Sky V3 for a more traditional feel.
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 Dareu Sky V3 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V3 for $4.76.
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 exhibits a clacky character, which is likely due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing and Y3 stem design. This might result in a more pronounced acoustic profile compared to some other linear switches. The Dareu Sky V3, on the other hand, is noted for its neutral sound signature and subdued profile. While the Sky V3 doesn’t produce a completely silent experience, its sound is dampened, allowing for a quieter typing experience that can be appreciated in various environments, making it suitable for both home and work. Given these characteristics, users might find the Ragdoll to be more lively and resonant, whereas the Sky V3 strikes a balance between audible feedback and discretion.
When it comes to feel, the Ragdoll switch's specific tactile qualities are not provided, but one might infer that its construction and design aim for a smooth keystroke, particularly due to the Y3 stem which typically emphasizes fluidity. In contrast, the Sky V3 is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing an approachable feel that doesn't overwhelm users with excessive feedback. This makes the Sky V3 versatile for both typing and gaming, catering well to a broad audience from beginners to veterans. The Ragdoll's unspecified feel may lead to a smoother, perhaps more elevated, experience for those seeking a little more dynamism in their typing.
Overall, both the BSUN Ragdoll and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switches present unique advantages. The Ragdoll tends to favor a more engaging sound profile that might appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Sky V3 excels in creating a tranquil yet tactilely pleasant typing experience. If you're seeking a switch that balances acoustic performance with comfort, the Sky V3 might be your go-to option. Conversely, for a more expressive auditory signature that could invigorate your typing sessions, the Ragdoll could be a compelling choice. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences in sound and feel, and both switches can deliver satisfying results, albeit through different means.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Dareu Sky V3 linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a medium-light bottom-out force and seek a more pronounced, enjoyable typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Bsun Ragdoll is an excellent choice. Its Y3 stem design enables smooth key travel, making it ideal for both casual typing and gaming, providing that tactile feedback some users crave. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and subdued experience that caters to a variety of typing needs—whether at home or in a professional setting—the Dareu Sky V3 will serve you well. With its milder feel and neutral sound signature, it balances comfort and precision, making it suitable for long hours of typing without overwhelming your auditory senses. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you want a more dynamic interaction with your keyboard or a solid, reliable switch for all-around use.