Bsun Ragdoll vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences can greatly influence the decision, especially when comparing options like the BSUN Ragdoll and the Jerrzi Violet. The BSUN Ragdoll, categorized as a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem design, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that contributes a satisfying clacky sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fluid keystrokes and a quieter typing experience, perfect for fast-paced gaming or general typing without a lot of mechanical noise. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switches offer a tactile experience characterized by gentle yet pronounced feedback at actuation; they provide a poppy tactility paired with a neutral sound signature. This makes them ideal for typists who appreciate an engaging feel without the loudness often associated with mechanical switches. Each switch serves a unique purpose and caters to different typing styles and preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the Jerrzi Violet, we first encounter a distinct contrast in their top housings. The Ragdoll's top housing is made of nylon, which is known for its characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. This is largely due to nylon's softer texture, which dampens sound and absorbs vibrations, resulting in a muted and rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Violet features a polycarbonate top housing, a stiffer material that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize both aesthetics and sound clarity in their typing experience. The differences in sound profiles due to the distinctive materials used in the top housings reveal how significantly the choice of material can influence the overall typing experience.
Despite the differences in their top housing materials, both the Ragdoll and Violet share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This unity in material ensures that, regardless of the top housing variation, the typing experience maintains a similar baseline in terms of sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing, being softer, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as well, which will resonate during key presses. Although the top housing of the Ragdoll will create a more rounded sound, the nylon at the bottom ensures that the overall tactile feedback and sound when bottoming out each key remains consistent across both products. This means that while the top housing contributes distinct sound characteristics, the shared nylon in the bottom housing lays the foundation for a harmonized typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials means that users of both the Ragdoll and Violet will encounter a unique yet comparable typing experience. The variation in sound profiles due to the top housings may appeal to different preferences, with the nylon producing more of a subdued tone and the polycarbonate offering a brighter resonance. However, the shared nylon bottom housing serves as a unifying element, ensuring that both switches provide a satisfying bottom-out feel that resonates deeply due to its softer material composition. Therefore, while the top housing materials create contrasting auditory sensations, the shared characteristics of the nylon bottom housing allow for similar results in key response, ensuring a fulfilling typing experience across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, both switches exhibit an identical actuation force of 45 grams, indicating they will provide a similar feel when triggering keystrokes. However, the Ragdoll's bottom out force is specified at 52 grams, suggesting it requires a bit more pressure to fully register a key press, resulting in a medium-light typing experience. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet switch has an unknown bottom out force, leaving its resistance when pressed down fully unclear. Since the Ragdoll is the only switch with a defined bottom out force, it can be determined that it offers a slightly heavier feel in that aspect, while the actuation forces being equal means they can both be well-suited for users who enjoy lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Without a known bottom out force for the Violet switch, it's challenging to accurately characterize it in comparison to the Ragdoll in terms of overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Ragdoll provides a deeper pressing experience compared to the Violet, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced key travel, which can feel satisfying and stable. On the other hand, the Violet's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. The difference of only 0.1 mm, however, suggests that both switches can deliver a relatively similar tactile experience, still making either choice viable for different preferences in typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch produces a clacky sound, attributed to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which adds a characteristic acoustic quality that can make typing feel lively. This is in sharp contrast to the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, which is known for its neutral sound signature. The Violet’s sound profile is balanced and moderate, allowing it to seamlessly fit into various environments, whether at home or work. The choice of keyboard and keycaps can further influence sound production, but the inherent qualities of each switch set a distinct auditory expectation.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is designed for smooth travel thanks to its Y3 stem, providing a consistent and uninterrupted keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch features a stepped tactile feedback that presents a mild and pleasing tactile bump, making it more forgiving in terms of pre-travel and post-travel sensation. This variation in feel caters to different typing preferences, with the Ragdoll offering a more linear experience and the Violet providing tactile feedback that can enhance typing precision and enjoyment.
Overall, if you prefer a typing experience that is smooth with a livelier sound, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch may be more to your liking, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch offers a gentle bump and a neutral auditory profile, making it versatile across various settings. Both switches serve distinct tactile and acoustic qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring that there's a suitable option for everyone in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. If you favor a smooth, linear typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Ragdoll is an excellent choice. Its unique Y3 stem provides a smooth travel, complemented by a clacky sound that can add a fun auditory dimension to your typing. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy rapid, uninterrupted key presses, making it ideal for gaming or typing scenarios where speed is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and engaging experience, the Jerrzi Violet switch might be the better option for you. Its gentle tactile bump provides just the right amount of feedback without being overly pronounced, making it versatile for a variety of tasks—from general office work to leisurely typing. Additionally, its neutral sound profile ensures that it won’t be disruptive in shared environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priority—whether you lean toward linear smoothness or tactile satisfaction for a delightful typing experience.
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