Bsun Ragdoll vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference, and two popular options are the Bsun Ragdoll and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy), both linear switches but with unique characteristics. The Ragdoll is celebrated for its Y3 stem, which provides smooth travel and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a satisfying clacky sound, making it a great choice for users who appreciate tactile feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) is known for its Ly stems that promise an exceptionally smooth typing experience, complemented by a resonant sound profile that can enhance the overall feel of your keyboard. While the Ragdoll may appeal to those who enjoy a lively sound and responsive keystrokes, the Tomcat (Heavy) is ideal for users seeking a serene typing experience without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) reveal distinct auditory and tactile experiences largely due to their differing top housing compositions. The Ragdoll features a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic construction. This material absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and enables a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This stiffer nature allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile that is especially pronounced when utilizing RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate aligns well with bright and vivid colors, enhancing visual aesthetics.

Although the top housings of the Ragdoll and Tomcat (Heavy) differ significantly, both keyboards share a consistent characteristic in their bottom housings, which are constructed from nylon. This commonality leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile for both models, as nylon’s soft and sound-absorbing properties dominate the bottom-out sound experience. When typing on either keyboard, the impact of the nylon bottom housing becomes evident, as it contributes to a more muted and rounded feel during keystrokes. Thus, while the top housings influence the release sound and auditory clarity, both keyboards share an aural depth at the point of actuation that enhances their overall sound experience.

Ultimately, by blending different housing materials, the Ragdoll and Tomcat (Heavy) provide users with varied key feedback and sound profiles while sharing a consistent grounding in the properties of nylon in their bottom housings. The nylon bottoms offer a uniform experience that balances out the characteristics introduced by the different top materials, culminating in an intriguing synthesis of sounds unique to each model. This thoughtful design lets users select a keyboard that aligns with their aesthetic and auditory preferences, while still experiencing similarities in bottom-out sounds regardless of the top housing materials used.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it more suitable for extended typing and gaming sessions due to less strain on the fingers. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range and appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Thus, the Ragdoll is the lighter option, while the Tomcat (Heavy) is the heavier choice. These differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will have distinctly different tactile experiences with each switch, aligning their selection with personal preferences for typing feel and endurance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, the Ragdoll features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Tomcat (Heavy) has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Ragdoll the deeper option, ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a more responsive experience, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation in their switches. While both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, the Ragdoll's greater travel distance may suit users who prefer a traditional depth, whereas the Tomcat (Heavy) caters to those prioritizing faster response times with its more compact travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch produces a distinct clacky sound due to its construction, specifically featuring a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing. This character adds an enjoyable auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a bit of noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch is noted for its resonant sound profile, which indicates a deeper and potentially richer sound when typing. While both have unique sound signatures, the exact audibility of these qualities can vary depending on the keyboard build, such as the choice of board and keycaps used in conjunction with the switches.

When it comes to feel, the Bsun Ragdoll switch is renowned for its smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem, providing a reliable and enjoyable keystroke experience. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch features Ly stems that are designed for a super smooth typing experience as well. Both switches emphasize smoothness, so users can expect a pleasant, fluid typing action from either option, making them both appealing choices for those who prioritize a seamless feel during use.

Overall, while the Bsun Ragdoll and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switches each bring their own unique sound and feel characteristics to the table, they also share key similarities. The Ragdoll’s clacky sound and smooth travel contrast with the Tomcat’s deeper resonance and super smooth feel. However, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their respective qualities. Depending on individual preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can provide satisfying results, but the ultimate choice may come down to personal taste in auditory feedback and specific keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a pivotal role. If you favor a lighter touch, prioritizing a smooth travel experience for fast typing and gaming, the Ragdoll with its 52-gram bottom-out force is an excellent choice. Its clacky sound profile and smooth Y3 stem design provide an engaging feedback that can enhance your overall experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial actuation with a firmer response, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, featuring a 64-gram bottom-out force, is likely more suited to your needs. It gives you greater tactile feedback and stability, making it a preferable option for typing tasks where accuracy and deliberate keystrokes are essential. The resonant sound profile combined with the super smooth Ly stem can create a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards lighter, more agile switches or the solid, heavier feel that the Tomcat offers.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more