Bsun Ragdoll vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between options can greatly influence the typing experience. The BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is celebrated for its Y3 stem, which provides a notably smooth travel and a unique clacky sound, thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a responsive feel paired with a more textured auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch distinguishes itself with an all-POM composition that delivers extraordinary smoothness and a lightweight touch, characterized by a thocky sound that is both creamy and subdued. The Smoothie caters to users seeking a more muted auditory experience without sacrificing quality, making it an excellent choice for long typing sessions. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct benefits—whether it's the Ragdoll's clackiness or the Smoothie's buttery feel—it's crucial to delve deeper into their specific attributes to determine which switch aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the Gateron Smoothie, one notices distinct differences in their construction, yet both switches arrive at a similar auditory experience. The Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, known for its softer plastic properties that yield a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness translates into an ability to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a muted auditory feedback that many typists find pleasing. In contrast, the Smoothie utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which also contributes to a deeper sound representation, albeit with its own unique tonal characteristics. While both materials are designed to enhance sound quality and reduce harshness, the nylon of the Ragdoll leans toward a rounder acoustic profile, while the POM offers a different yet equally satisfying muted sound.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a similar pattern. The Ragdoll’s nylon bottom housing, like its top, furthers the switch's capability to deliver a full sound experience, enhancing the bottom-out feel with a soft thud. Conversely, the Smoothie’s POM bottom housing emphasizes a muted sound that echoes the deeper tone produced by its top counterpart. The underlying principle here is that while the materials differ, they each prioritize sound dampening and tonal quality. This divergence in plastics helps shape each switch's personality, but both houses provide satisfying auditory results, suggesting that switch enthusiasts can enjoy a rich soundscape regardless of the specific material used.
Ultimately, the sound experience of these switches is a blend of their respective housing materials. The Ragdoll may excel with the warmth of nylon, while the Smoothie's POM housing offers its own refined auditory appeal. Despite the differences, users can expect a similarly gratifying typing experience from both. The individual characteristics of the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound profile, but they work in concert to deliver a muted acoustic experience that enhances the typist's interaction with the keyboard. Therefore, even with divergent materials, achieving an enjoyable sound is not just possible but likely with both the Bsun Ragdoll and Gateron Smoothie switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Ragdoll requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press down for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it feels when fully pressed down. Users seeking a lighter switch may prefer the Gateron Smoothie, while those who favor a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Ragdoll due to its higher bottom out force. Thus, the Ragdoll is the heavier switch overall, given its higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch reveals a notable distinction, with the Ragdoll measuring 3.8 mm and the Smoothie at 3.6 mm. This means that the Ragdoll features a longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a greater depth in their key presses. In contrast, the Smoothie's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation and faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on personal preference: those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience might lean towards the Ragdoll, while those valuing speed and agility in their keystrokes may favor the Smoothie.
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 Gateron Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 offers a notable clacky sound, thanks to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contributes to a distinctive auditory experience during typing. While it doesn't have the specific descriptors provided, the overall character of the switch is brisk and can provide a degree of environmental feedback that some may find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie is characterized by its thocky sound signature, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying tone akin to a soft knock when a key is pressed. This low-pitched, subdued auditory experience can make typing feel more grounded and less intrusive, appealing to those who favor a muffled yet impactful sound profile. Both switches will depend on additional factors like keyboard construction and keycap choice, but the Ragdoll leans toward a more clacky presence, while the Smoothie tends to provide a deeper, thocky resonance.
As for the feel, the BSUN Ragdoll is noted to deliver a smooth travel experience due to its Y3 stem design, which typically enhances the overall keystroke experience. However, without further details, the specific nuances of its tactile feedback remain a bit of a mystery. On the flip side, the Gateron Smoothie excels with a buttery, creamy, and silky feel. This switch is designed to glide effortlessly under the fingers, allowing for an exceptionally smooth, low-resistance typing experience. The incorporation of POM material likely plays a significant role in this luxurious feel, providing a seamless glide that makes it easy to operate even during extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the BSUN Ragdoll and Gateron Smoothie linear switches present distinctive sound and feel profiles that will cater to different preferences. The Ragdoll favors a clacky sound with a smooth feel that is conducive to tactile feedback, while the Smoothie provides a rich thocky sound complemented by a luxurious, effortless typing experience. Ultimately, although they diverge in their auditory and tactile characteristics, both can deliver satisfying results, and your choice will largely depend on personal preference and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a key feel that is medium-light with a touch of clackiness, the Ragdoll may be your best option. It features a smooth travel thanks to its Y3 stem and offers a clacky sound, which can be appealing if you're looking for a more tactile auditory feedback during your typing experience. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter and more effortless touch, the Gateron Smoothie switch stands out with its all-POM construction that promises exceptional smoothness alongside a deep, thocky sound profile. The Smoothie's buttery, creamy, and silky feel is ideal for those who desire a premium typing experience without the heft of a heavier switch. In summary, choose the Bsun Ragdoll if sound and a balanced key feeling are your priorities, and opt for the Gateron Smoothie if you value a silky, light touch combined with rich auditory feedback.
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