Bsun Ragdoll vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Ragdoll and Gateron Weightlessness present two distinct options catering to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences. The BSUN Ragdoll, known for its smooth travel courtesy of the Y3 stem and a clacky sound produced by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, is a perfect choice for those who prioritize fluid key presses and minimal resistance, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming and typing scenarios. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each keystroke. Its balanced sound profile adds to the typing experience without being overly loud, appealing to users who enjoy knowing when they have actuated a key while still maintaining a quieter environment. While each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different types of users, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and usage needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Ragdoll and Gateron Weightlessness switches utilize nylon for both their top and bottom housings, which results in remarkably similar auditory and tactile experiences when typing. This shared housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile characteristic of nylon switches. The relative softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a rounded and subdued tonal quality. Thus, both the Ragdoll and Weightlessness switches produce a similar sound signature, making them appealing choices for users seeking a quieter typing experience without sacrificing quality.
Despite the similarity in housing materials, the way each switch's characteristics manifest can differ based on their design and construction. In cases where switches incorporate different materials for the top and bottom housings, the overall typing experience can be heavily influenced by these variations. However, in this instance, both the Ragdoll and Weightlessness maintain consistent nylon housing throughout, which means any distinguishing features must come from the internal switch mechanisms rather than the housing. This consistency ensures that users will experience a similar feel both when pressing down and releasing the keys, reinforcing the sound dampening qualities of the nylon.
Ultimately, the uniformity in housing materials between the Bsun Ragdoll and Gateron Weightlessness allows users to achieve cohesive results in terms of sound and feel across both switches. This predictability can be a significant advantage for those looking to maintain a uniform typing experience across different keyboards or setups. With both switches being crafted from nylon, users can expect a harmonious performance in terms of reduced noise and a satisfying feel, making either option a solid choice for a quieter and more acoustically pleasant typing environment.
Weight
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ragdoll features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is on the medium-light side, making it easier to trigger keystrokes and ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial push. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness is not available, leaving a gap in the comparison; thus, we can't directly assess how it compares in terms of bottoming out. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Ragdoll is the better choice, while the Weightlessness may suit those who appreciate a heavier tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see a notable difference. The Ragdoll features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Weightlessness may be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on keys, the Ragdoll would suit you better with its longer travel distance. In summary, the Ragdoll’s 3.8 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile experience, while the Weightlessness, at 3.4 mm, is better for those who seek quicker key actuation.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch produces a distinctively clacky sound, primarily due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, which contributes to a more pronounced auditory experience during typing. This sound can be quite satisfying for users who appreciate auditory feedback when pressing their keys, though it might not be ideal in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics. While it won’t be as loud as the Ragdoll, its moderate sound level is often considered non-intrusive, making it suitable for both personal and shared workspaces. However, it’s essential to remember that the overall sound experience can be affected by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used with each switch.
When it comes to feel, the Ragdoll switch is characterized by its smooth travel, attributed to the Y3 stem design, which many users find enjoyable for both gaming and typing. This smoothness can enhance the overall experience by allowing for rapid key presses with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, which means there’s a noticeable bump when the actuation point is reached. This tactile feedback is perfect for those who enjoy the sensation of knowing they've actuated a key without having to bottom out. Both switches cater to different preferences, so individual users may gravitate towards one or the other based on their specific desires for tactile feedback and travel smoothness.
In summary, both the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer distinct qualities that appeal to different types of users. The Ragdoll is ideal for those who appreciate a clackier sound and smooth key travel, making it fun for fast typing or gaming. In contrast, the Weightlessness provides a more balanced auditory experience with subtle tactile feedback, ideal for those who prefer a gentle reminder of actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but knowing these characteristics will help you make an informed decision that enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a smooth keypress with a medium-light actuation force, the Ragdoll might be the perfect fit for you, especially if you enjoy a clacky sound that provides an engaging auditory feedback. This switch excels in gaming scenarios and fast-paced typing, where the linear motion allows for rapid key actuation without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more balanced typing experience with subtle tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness is likely to be more appealing. It provides a moderate tactile response that many find satisfying for everyday typing tasks and longer writing sessions. Additionally, the relatively balanced sound profile of the Weightlessness encourages a more subdued atmosphere, making it suitable for shared spaces or office environments. Ultimately, consider your typing style, whether you prefer a smooth linear action or a tactile bump, and choose the switch that best aligns with your needs.
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