Bsun Ragdoll vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Ragdoll and Gateron Smoothie Silver both shine as top contenders in the linear switch category, yet offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Ragdoll, with its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, is celebrated for its smooth travel and a clacky sound profile that can add a unique auditory dimension to your typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver boasts an all-POM construction that enables a notably short travel distance for lightning-fast actuation, complemented by a thocky sound, outstanding smoothness, and a feather-light touch that many gamers and typists crave. Choosing between these two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference: whether you appreciate the clack and feel of the Ragdoll or the rapid responsiveness and subtle sound of the Smoothie Silver. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Bsun Ragdoll and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, a distinct contrast emerges in their housing materials, each significantly influencing the typing experience and sound profile. The Ragdoll features a nylon top and bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to the material's softer composition. Nylon's sound absorption properties contribute to a rounder sound, providing a unique auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM top and bottom housing. POM, while also offering a deeper sound profile, creates a sound that is more muted and distinct, giving it a different character. This variation showcases how materials can influence not only the tactile feedback of the switches but also the overall sound they generate.
Both switches, despite their different housing materials, achieve similar sound qualities thanks to their respective designs. The nylon in the Ragdoll is effective in generating a dulcet sound profile that masks sharper audio frequencies, while the POM material in the Smoothie Silver offers a polished sound experience that is pleasing, albeit with a more nuanced presentation. The deeper sound produced by both switches can be attributed to their carefully engineered construction, emphasizing how material choices can lead to comparable auditory outcomes despite differing physical properties. Each switch's ability to elicit specific sounds, albeit in slightly different forms, highlights the importance of housing materials in mechanical switch design.
In terms of performance, the effects of each housing's composition become apparent during usage. The nylon housing of the Ragdoll might provide a softer tactile experience when bottoming out, as nylon absorbs some of the impacts, leading to a cushioned feel. In contrast, the POM housing of the Smoothie Silver, while still muted, may not absorb sound quite as effectively but offers a smooth keystroke that enhances the overall typing experience. Understanding the contributions of both the top and bottom housings allows users to anticipate how these switches will perform when typing. Both the Bsun Ragdoll and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches provide pleasing sound profiles, but the specific characteristics of their materials result in unique, albeit complementary, typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we find some notable similarities and differences. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a similar responsiveness that can appeal to users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Ragdoll switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams, suggesting a slightly more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke, which some users may appreciate for a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is currently unavailable, leaving a significant gap in understanding its full potential for user experience. With the Ragdoll being categorized as medium-light and the Smoothie Silver having an undetermined bottom out force, the Ragdoll can be deemed the lighter switch overall, providing a comfortable option for users who prioritize ease of use over a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact user experience. The Ragdoll's longer travel distance provides a more substantial key press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel and depth during typing, while gamers might appreciate the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance for its potential for quicker response times. Since the travel distances are not the same, the Ragdoll is the longer option, and the Smoothie Silver is the shorter one, catering to different preferences in key feel and responsiveness. If you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Smoothie Silver may be the better choice, whereas those who favor a more pronounced depth may lean towards the Ragdoll.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 produces a distinctly clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This sound signature can add a certain character to your typing experience, especially if you enjoy auditory feedback while you type. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch offers a thocky sound, which tends to be deeper and more satisfying to some users. While both switches provide their unique auditory experiences, the final sound will ultimately be influenced by the keyboard plate, case, and keycaps chosen, so experimenting with these variables can yield interesting results.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Ragdoll is characterized by its smooth travel, enhanced by the Y3 stem design, which aims to deliver a fluid keystroke. This pleasant gliding sensation aids in maintaining comfort during longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is noted for its unparalleled smoothness and light touch, coupled with a short travel distance that promotes rapid actuation. This switch is particularly appealing to users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
Considering all of the information at hand, both the BSUN Ragdoll and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches cater to different preferences, yet both can offer a satisfying typing experience. The clacky sound quality of the Ragdoll may suit those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the thocky nature of the Smoothie Silver might be preferred for its more muted but rich acoustic profile. The feel of each switch varies, with the Ragdoll focusing on smooth travel and the Smoothie Silver emphasizing a responsive touch. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but both switches will provide a solid foundation for a pleasurable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch depends largely on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you’re looking for a switch that balances smooth travel with a medium-light bottom out force, the Ragdoll is a great choice, particularly if you enjoy a slightly clacky sound that can add character to your typing experience. Its Y3 stem design enhances the overall feel, making it suitable for both casual use and extended typing sessions where comfort is key. On the other hand, if you favor an incredibly light touch combined with lightning-fast actuation, the Smoothie Silver is an ideal option, especially for fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Its short travel distance and thocky sound provide a unique auditory feedback while maintaining an incredibly smooth keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize sound and tactile feedback or speed and actuation.
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