Bsun Ragdoll vs. Gazzew U4Tx

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Ragdoll and the Gazzew U4Tx can greatly influence your typing experience. The Ragdoll, a linear switch characterized by its Y3 stem, is celebrated for its smooth travel and clacky sound produced by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, making it ideal for users who favor a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx switches stand out as a tactile option, perfectly marrying tactile feedback with an acoustically rich sound profile. Offering a delightful combination of a deep "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out, the U4Tx ensures every keystroke feels sharp and satisfying while still being discreet. Each switch has its own merits: the Ragdoll is perfect for those who prioritize fluid key presses and noise, while the U4Tx appeals to users seeking tactile responsiveness and a refined auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

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Housing materials

The Bsun Ragdoll and the Gazzew U4Tx switches both utilize nylon and a proprietary blend of plastics for their respective housing materials, fostering a distinct yet comparable typing experience. The Ragdoll features a classic nylon top and bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's softer properties, which allow it to absorb sound waves effectively. Consequently, the result is a typing experience marked by a duller, rounder sound, making it suitable for users who prefer tactile feedback without the harshness often encountered with harder plastics.

In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switches, although employing different housing materials, achieve similar auditory qualities through their proprietary "boba plastic" for both top and bottom housings. This blend is specifically engineered to deliver a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softer composition. The inherent softness of this material mirrors the nylon characteristics found in the Ragdoll, therefore creating a comparable typing experience that emphasizes a muted, rounded auditory output. While both switches are crafted from distinct materials, the focus on sound absorption and a fuller sound profile remains consistent, ensuring that users can expect a similar experience when typing on either.

However, it is important to note how the different housing materials influence the overall typing experience. In the Ragdoll, both nylon housings contribute to the depth of sound, while in the U4Tx, the "boba plastic" tops and bottoms each play their respective roles as well. The bottom housing in both models is crucial for the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon releasing the key. Thus, while the Ragdoll relies solely on the properties of nylon, the U4Tx's blend of materials provides additional layering of sound characteristics, ultimately allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a dynamic typing experience whether they choose the Ragdoll or the Gazzew U4Tx.

Weight

The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ragdoll has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it a favorable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, while the actuation force of the U4Tx remains unspecified, its bottom out force is recorded at 62.5 grams, which places it within the medium range, suggesting that it requires more force to fully depress compared to the Ragdoll. This difference indicates that the U4Tx may offer a more substantial typing experience for those who favor heavier switches. Consequently, users who prioritize a lighter switch should gravitate toward the Ragdoll, while those who appreciate a firmer push may find the U4Tx more satisfying. Thus, while the actuation force of the Ragdoll is known and lighter, the U4Tx's actuation force remains undetermined, necessitating further information for a complete comparison.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we find that the Ragdoll has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the U4Tx comes in slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm highlights the nuanced preferences in switch design: with the Ragdoll offering a deeper feel which could be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation, while the U4Tx caters to the desire for quicker responsiveness that shorter distances often provide. Consequently, gamers or users seeking faster response times might lean towards the U4Tx, while those who prefer a more traditional and fuller keypress experience could opt for the Ragdoll. Overall, the Ragdoll offers a longer travel distance, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more robust typing feel compared to the more nimble U4Tx.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is noted for its clacky sound, providing a lively acoustic experience that can be both engaging and fun to type on. This characteristic likely comes from its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's overall sound profile. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a more refined acoustic signature. The switches deliver a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out, paired with a whisper-quiet sound while topping out. This dual nature allows for enhanced versatility, catering to those who desire a bassier tone without excessive noise. Overall, while the Ragdoll focuses on a more pronounced clack, the U4Tx promotes a cleaner and more balanced auditory experience.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the Ragdoll is celebrated for its smooth linear travel thanks to the Y3 stem, allowing for uninterrupted key presses that are often preferred by typists who appreciate a seamless experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx tactile switch is designed to offer a distinct tactile bump with every keystroke, providing an intense yet gratifying feedback that emphasizes each press. The sharp tactile response of the U4Tx offers an engaging typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced indication when their key has been actuated, setting it apart from the smooth linear feel of the Ragdoll.

In conclusion, both the BSUN Ragdoll and Gazzew U4Tx switches present unique qualities catering to different preferences among typists. The Ragdoll focuses on a clackier sound and smooth linear feel, while the U4Tx showcases a refined auditory profile with a sharp tactile feedback. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a lively, clacky typing experience or a more subdued but refined sound coupled with satisfying tactile feedback. Each will provide a high-quality typing experience tailored to individual tastes, so considering what you value most in sound and feel will guide your decision.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you enjoy a smooth keystroke and a lighter actuation with a slight clackiness, the Ragdoll is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams makes it especially suitable for fast typists and gamers who prefer a more effortless and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile feedback that combines satisfying sound with a pronounced bump, the Gazzew U4Tx is likely to be more to your liking. With a heavier bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, it provides a more substantial feeling that can enhance typing accuracy. Additionally, the U4Tx's unique sound profile delivers a deep “thock” while maintaining a quieter experience overall, making it ideal for office environments or if you value acoustics in your setup. So, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and tactile feedback when deciding between these two unique switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Gazzew U4Tx Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more