Bsun Ragdoll vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy options that cater to different user preferences are the BSUN Ragdoll and the HMX Vintage Citrus, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The BSUN Ragdoll is celebrated for its Y3 stem, which provides seamless key travel and a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that creates a pleasing, clacky sound, making it an appealing choice for typists who enjoy auditory feedback without the tactile bump. Conversely, the HMX Vintage Citrus is designed with gamers in mind, offering an exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm for lightning-fast key presses, combined with a bright, clacky sound profile and incredibly smooth keystrokes that can enhance rapid-fire inputs during intense gaming sessions. Each switch has its distinct advantages: if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a hint of sound, the Ragdoll might be your go-to; if you're focused on performance and speed in gaming, the Vintage Citrus could be the better fit. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Vintage Citrus, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This shared choice of material leads to striking similarities in their acoustic properties. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Because nylon is relatively softer than many other plastics, it effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This feature enhances the tactile feedback that users might expect when utilizing either switch, making both options enticing for those looking for a satisfying typing experience.
While the housing materials are the same for both the Ragdoll and the Vintage Citrus, the overall sonic profile produced when typing on these switches will also depend on the distribution of other design elements. For instance, even with identical nylon housings, the feel and sound profile may vary slightly based on the unique characteristics of the switch design itself, such as the actuation force or the spring used inside. Nonetheless, the incorporation of nylon in both top and bottom housings ensures that users can anticipate a similar experience in terms of sound dampening and tactile feedback when interacting with either switch.
In the context of housing performance, it is essential to note that the impact of each nylon housing varies depending on whether one is pressing down on the key or releasing it. Given that both switches use nylon for the top and bottom housings, the qualities associated with increased sound absorption will manifest similarly when bottoming out or lifting off across both Ragdoll and Vintage Citrus switches. This consistent use of nylon across both switch configurations would likely yield comparable auditory results, making either switch an excellent choice for typists who prioritize sound quality and tactile response in their keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, both offer medium-light weights, yet they exhibit slight 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, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while the actuation force of the Ragdoll is lighter, offering a more effortless typing experience, the Vintage Citrus provides a marginally heavier push, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Consequently, those who enjoy longer typing sessions may favor the Ragdoll, while those seeking a firmer response might find the Vintage Citrus more appealing. Overall, while both switches are in the medium-light category, the Ragdoll's lighter actuation force gives it an edge for prolonged use, while the Vintage Citrus provides a slightly more robust feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a clear difference emerges: the Ragdoll has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Vintage Citrus features a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Ragdoll offers a deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its shallower travel distance, caters to gamers and users seeking quicker response times and faster actuation. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches boils down to personal preference—those who enjoy a hearty depth might favor the Ragdoll, while those who prioritize responsiveness may opt for the Vintage Citrus.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 produces a clacky sound, thanks in part to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contributes to a pronounced acoustic profile. This sound quality makes it a fun choice for typists and gamers who appreciate auditory feedback during their keyboard interactions. Similarly, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch also boasts a bright, clacky sound, designed to resonate with gamers who enjoy that lively audio cue while executing rapid commands. Ultimately, both switches deliver a clacky auditory experience, but the specific sound may vary based on the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Ragdoll switch is recognized for its smooth travel due to its Y3 stem, providing a satisfying typing experience that allows for fluid keypresses. Meanwhile, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch features a notably low actuation force of just 1mm, tailored for rapid pressing and quick responses. Although both switches offer a smooth feel, the Vintage Citrus may provide a more tactile responsiveness favored by gamers needing fast actuation, while the Ragdoll emphasizes longer key travel without sacrificing smoothness.
In summary, both the BSUN Ragdoll and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches deliver unique benefits and experiences. They share a clacky sound profile, making them enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory cues during their typing or gaming sessions. In terms of feel, while both switches are smooth, the Ragdoll offers a more traditional linear experience, and the Vintage Citrus focuses on rapid actuation for quick-responsive play. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference, especially considering the nuances in sound and feedback that each switch provides.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences as a keyboard user. If you're someone who values a smooth travel experience along with a slightly clackier sound profile, then the Ragdoll may be the better option for you. Its medium-light bottom out force of 52 grams ensures a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it suitable for both typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you’re primarily a gamer who thrives on speed and quick key presses, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for rapid-fire actions with its low actuation distance of just 1mm. Given that it has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, it still retains that medium-light feel, but it's optimized for high-performance gaming sessions. In terms of sound and tactile feedback, the Vintage Citrus provides that bright, clacky sound that reinforces its gaming intent, while the Ragdoll delivers a smooth stroke that's also quite pleasant. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize general usage and feel (Ragdoll) or high-speed gaming performance (Vintage Citrus).
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