Bsun Ragdoll vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts are often faced with the choice between different tactile experiences and sound profiles. The BSUN Ragdoll and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream are both linear switches that exemplify unique characteristics suited for various typing styles. The Ragdoll is celebrated for its Y3 stem, which ensures a smoothly progressive key travel, coupled with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that produces a clacky sound that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch shines with its innovative POK material in both the stem and housing, providing a buttery smooth and creamy feel during typing, while also achieving a high-pitched, clacky acoustic signature that adds to its charm. While both switches cater to typists looking for linear feel and pleasant sound, they cater to different preferences in terms of tactile response and auditory feedback. 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

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Ragdoll and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both utilize distinct materials for their housings, resulting in notable differences in sound and performance. The Ragdoll features nylon in both its top and bottom housings, which is a classic material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This characteristic allows the nylon to absorb sound effectively, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing. Conversely, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch employs a proprietary blend for its top housing, described as "special mixed materials," which is designed to create a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, markedly different from the Ragdoll's sound profile. This contrast highlights how material choice can fundamentally shape auditory feedback, indicating that users might prefer one switch over the other depending on their auditory sensitivity and preference.

In terms of bottom housing, the Ragdoll also utilizes nylon, which provides consistent sound characteristics throughout the keypress. Again, the softer nature of nylon contributes to that deeper and fuller sound profile, allowing users to experience the same auditory qualities when pressing down on the key. The KTT Vanilla Ice Cream, on the other hand, employs a polyketone (POK) material for its bottom housing. POK is noted for its superior durability and smoothness, outperforming both nylon and POM in shock resistance and wear resistance. This material contributes to a clacky and satisfying typing experience, emphasizing that the differences in bottom housing materials lead to contrasting sensations during use. This divergence in bottom housing technology directly influences the overall typing feedback and sound signature experienced by the user.

When considering both top and bottom housings together, it becomes clear that each switch's performance relies heavily on the synergy between its materials. The Ragdoll’s consistent use of nylon in both housing components leads to a cohesive sound profile that emphasizes deeper, rounded tones, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream achieves a distinct high-pitched clack through its mixed material top and durable POK bottom. Therefore, while users of both switches may appreciate the auditory experience they offer, the Ragdoll will likely provide a more muted and resonant sound, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream will deliver the sharp, clear notes favored in clacky typing sensations. Users seeking a specific sound profile can make their choice based on these material characteristics, and the performance insights indicate that the interaction between materials directly influences the typing experience, resulting in very different outcomes even if some similarities are present.

Weight

The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer different tactile experiences due to their varied actuation and bottom out forces. The Ragdoll has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light, while the Vanilla Ice Cream features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a compelling choice for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. This difference means that the Ragdoll provides a slightly more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a more engaged typing sensation. In contrast, the lighter Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be better suited for long-duration typing or gaming sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. Overall, if a user values a lighter touch, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch would be the more favorable option, while those who appreciate a heavier switch may lean toward the Bsun Ragdoll.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it's clear that they have different characteristics that cater to varied preferences. The Ragdoll features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it the longer option, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights the Ragdoll's more pronounced feedback, which some users may appreciate for its hearty depth, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times for a more responsive experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one values a deeper keystroke or a quicker, lighter feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is characterized by a clacky auditory profile, which can add a lively and engaging aspect to typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offers a high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound that produces a sharp and clean auditory experience. The sound profile of both switches leans towards higher frequencies, appealing to those who prefer a crisp sound over more bass-heavy alternatives. Both switches' acoustic characteristics can still be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but if you're seeking a more engaging and lively typing experience, either switch could deliver on that front.

In terms of feel, the Ragdoll switch presents a smooth travel due to its Y3 stem but lacks a specific descriptor to convey its tactile sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out with its buttery and creamy tactile feedback, giving typists a seamless and fluid keystroke experience. The creamy texture is reminiscent of a silky glide as fingers effortlessly play across the keys. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience, you'll find that the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch excels in this area, while the Ragdoll may still provide a satisfactory experience but without the same level of defined plushness.

Overall, both the BSUN Ragdoll and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences. While the Ragdoll provides a clacky sound and smooth travel, the Vanilla Ice Cream excels with a high-pitched, marbly sound and a buttery, creamy feel that enhances the overall typing experience. If you're looking for a lively auditory profile, either could fit the bill, but for an unparalleled smooth experience, the Vanilla Ice Cream stands out as the superior choice. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch resonates more, but you can expect a rewarding experience with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and sound preferences. If you prefer a moderately lighter actuation force and enjoy a more pronounced clacky sound with its unique Y3 stem, the Ragdoll could be the better option for you. Its combination of nylon-fiberglass housing and smooth travel offers a satisfying experience, especially for those who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you favor an even lighter touch and are drawn to a buttery, creamy feel during keystrokes, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch may be your ideal pick. This switch's POK material contributes to a notably smooth typing experience, while its high-pitched and resonant sound profile adds an extra layer of auditory pleasure. Therefore, consider your typing style—whether you prioritize a distinctly clacky auditory experience or a sweetly smooth keystroke—when making your selection between these two unique switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Vanilla Ice Cream Linear

$5.78

$4.60 per 10

Learn more