Bsun Ragdoll vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the BSUN Ragdoll and Everglide Tourmaline Blue both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences, despite being categorized under linear switches. The Ragdoll, featuring a Y3 stem and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, is celebrated for its smooth travel and distinctively clacky sound profile, making it a great option for users who appreciate a tactile auditory feedback alongside the smoothness of linear switches. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is known for its deep, thocky sound profile that creates an immersive typing experience, complemented by a bouncy feel owing to its lengthened single-stage spring. With its standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue caters to a variety of users seeking a buttery and easy-to-press key feel. Both switches have their merits: the Ragdoll excels for those who enjoy that clacky sound, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a more buoyant touch. 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
59g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches reveal key distinctions that influence both their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Ragdoll features a nylon housing for both the top and bottom, which is valued for its softer plastic composition. This material absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. The smoother, rounded sound produced by the Ragdoll's nylon components creates a distinctive ambiance that many users find pleasant for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the uniformity of nylon throughout the switch contributes to a coherent sound and feel that aligns with a traditional typing experience.
In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings. This choice of material introduces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, thanks to polycarbonate's rigidity. The clearer and more resonant characteristics of polycarbonate enhance the auditory feedback while typing, allowing for a more vibrant experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate lends aesthetic appeal, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups. This means that users of the Tourmaline Blue can enjoy not just the tactile responsiveness of the switches but also a visually striking integration with their keyboard's lighting.
When comparing these two switches, it is evident that the differing materials profoundly affect their expression. The Ragdoll’s nylon components create a harmonious sound profile that is warm and immersive, making it preferable for quieter environments or for those who prioritize a muted auditory experience. Meanwhile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, with its polycarbonate construction, delivers a clear and crisp sound that is more pronounced, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback. Despite their differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience—whether one prefers a fuller sound or a sharper tone depends on individual preferences, yet both can yield satisfying results in their respective realms.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option ideal for users who prefer less resistance during typing, thereby enhancing endurance for prolonged use. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This greater resistance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and a firmer push, fulfilling their desire for a more robust typing experience. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for extended typing sessions may gravitate towards the Ragdoll, while those who appreciate the weight and feedback of heavier switches may find the Tourmaline Blue more to their liking. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight the distinct preferences of users when selecting a switch that best suits their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Ragdoll the shorter option by 0.2 mm, which can provide gamers with a more responsive feel, as shorter travel distances are often favored for quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more substantial keystroke that offers a more traditional typing experience. Therefore, users seeking quicker response times should consider the Ragdoll, whereas those who enjoy a more robust and deliberate typing experience might opt for the Tourmaline Blue.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
The BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, which can add a unique auditory character to your typing experience. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Ragdoll are less defined in comparison to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, is acclaimed for its deep, thocky sound, creating an immersive audio backdrop as you type. This switch strikes a balance with a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. While the Ragdoll may produce a more pronounced clack, the Tourmaline Blue's sound is centered around a satisfying thock that many users find pleasing.
When it comes to feel, the Ragdoll's qualities are not explicitly detailed, leaving a gap in direct comparison. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is characterized by a notably buttery and smooth keystroke experience. Its easy-to-press nature allows for a light actuation force, making it effortless to type on for extended periods. The mild responsiveness of the Tourmaline Blue further complements its engaging typing feel, making it accessible and comfortable for a variety of users. Without a clear description of the Ragdoll's feel, it’s difficult to assess how they might align or differ in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while both switches bring unique qualities to the table, the BSUN Ragdoll focuses on a distinctive clacky sound, whereas the Everglide Tourmaline Blue excels with its deep, thocky audio profile and buttery feel. If you're drawn to more auditory feedback, the Ragdoll may appeal to you, whereas those seeking a smooth and gentle typing experience would likely find satisfaction in the Tourmaline Blue. By understanding these qualities, you can make an informed choice that best suits your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch should depend largely on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter, more effortless keystroke and enjoy a clacky sound profile, the Ragdoll is likely the better fit for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 52 grams makes it particularly suited for long typing sessions where comfort and speed are priorities. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced, bouncy feel with a thocky sound signature for added auditory satisfaction, the Tourmaline Blue is the ideal switch. With a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, it engages your fingers with a refreshing resistance that many find satisfying, particularly in a mixed-use environment. Moreover, its buttery smooth keystroke offers an enjoyable experience that balances ease of typing with an immersive sound profile. Therefore, consider how you plan to use your keyboard—whether for gaming, typing, or both—and let that guide your decision. Ultimately, both switches provide unique advantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing habits and sound preferences to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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