Bsun Ragdoll vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Ragdoll is celebrated for its Y3 stem design that ensures a smooth keystroke, combined with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Jwick Taro offers a cozy typing experience with its unique blend of tactile feedback and auditory response, featuring a snappy medium-level tactility that culminates in crisp clacks. This makes it particularly appealing to those who appreciate more nuance in their keystrokes and enjoy a bit of tactile sensation when typing. While the Ragdoll emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, the Taro focuses on a charming and wholesome typing atmosphere. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Ragdoll and Jwick Taro utilize different materials for their top housing, which significantly influences the sound profile each switch produces during operation. The Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. As nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, the resulting auditory experience is characterized by a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Taro is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing that imparts a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for a more resonant sound profile, enhancing clarity, particularly when RGB lighting is in play due to its translucent quality. The fundamental difference in top housing materials sets the two switches apart, ultimately affecting how sound is perceived during typing.
While the top housings diverge in material, the bottom housings of both the Ragdoll and Taro are interestingly aligned, also both utilizing nylon. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in sound profiles brought forth by their respective top assemblies, the bottoms contribute to a deeper and fuller sound characteristic, as is typical for nylon materials. Typing on both switches will evoke a similar experience at the point of bottoming out, the result being a more muted sound profile that complements the tactile feedback. As such, the qualities provided by the nylon bottom housing harmonize with the contrasting properties of the top housings, aligning certain aspects of performance between the two switches.
When considering the overall auditory and tactile experience each switch offers, the distinct combination of materials must be acknowledged. The Ragdoll’s nylon top and bottom housing produces a cohesive sound profile that is deeper and softer, while the Taro, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, showcases a split characteristic where the top generates sharper auditory responses, and the bottom maintains that fuller sound. This blend of materials leads to a unique duality in their sound profiles, illustrating how different components can interplay to deliver a rich typing experience. Collectively, the materials used in both switches, while distinct in their top housings, create strikingly similar results at the base level, highlighting the importance of housing composition in mechanical switches.
Weight
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which cater to distinct preferences among users. The Ragdoll features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Taro has an unknown actuation force but boasts a significantly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. This suggests that the Ragdoll is the lighter switch, making it more suitable for users who desire comfortable typing during extended sessions, such as at work or during prolonged gaming. Conversely, the Taro appeals to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with its heavier bottom out force, providing a stronger push feel. Thus, while the Ragdoll offers a lighter, more effortless experience, the Taro rewards users with a firmer response, highlighting their differing aims in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch measures 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Ragdoll provides a deeper feel as it travels further when pressed down. For gamers or users who prioritize quick response times, the Taro's shorter travel distance may be preferable due to its slightly quicker actuation. However, those who enjoy a more robust keystroke and a sensation of depth may find the Ragdoll's longer travel more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Ragdoll is marginally better suited for those who appreciate a hearty depth, whereas the Taro offers a more rapid response for faster-paced activities.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 characterized by a clacky sound, which is often associated with the nylon-fiberglass material used in its construction. This combination produces a more pronounced acoustic feedback during use, which can be satisfying for users who enjoy an audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which falls in between muted and loud. Its acute and crisp clack adds a pleasant audio element to typing, but its moderate sound level makes it versatile enough for both home and work environments, appealing to a broader audience who may prefer a more subdued acoustics while typing.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Ragdoll focuses on providing a smooth typing experience courtesy of its Y3 stem design, which ensures seamless travel from bottom to top. However, specific tactile feedback has not been mentioned, leaving its overall tactile experience somewhat open to interpretation. The Jwick Taro, in contrast, offers a nicely balanced tactile response with a medium-level snappiness. This tactile feedback is described as both buttery and stepped; users will experience a seamless keystroke followed by a gentle bump during actuation, which can enhance the typing experience by providing tangible feedback without being overwhelming.
Considering all available information, both the BSUN Ragdoll and Jwick Taro switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Ragdoll appeals to those who appreciate a pronounced clacky sound and smooth linear travel, while the Taro offers a well-rounded auditory experience with a pleasant tactile feedback that is both snappy and buttery. While they have their unique qualities, a user's choice may ultimately depend on whether they prefer a linear switch for fluidity or a tactile switch for that satisfying feedback during each keystroke.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you crave a smoother keypress experience and a lighter touch, especially for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions, the Ragdoll may be the better choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams combined with the Y3 stem creates a gentle and fluid keystroke, making it an excellent option if you like to type quickly and without resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and slightly heavier typing experience, the Jwick Taro switch is worth considering. With a bottom-out force of 67 grams, this switch offers a satisfying tactile feedback and a snappy response that many users find appealing, especially for typing and coding where deliberate key presses are beneficial. Moreover, the Taro's buttery smooth feel and subtle stepped design allow for a comfortable typing rhythm, while its neutral sound profile makes it versatile for various settings. In the end, your decision should reflect your preferences for actuation force, tactile feedback, and the type of sound you find pleasant, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard enhances your overall typing experience.