Bsun Ragdoll vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Ragdoll and HMX Xinhai both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ragdoll switch is celebrated for its smooth travel and a clacky sound, thanks to its Y3 stem and nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch stands out with its PA12 top housing, which provides a softer acoustic profile, paired with a POM stem that delivers a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. This makes the Xinhai ideal for users seeking a refined and sophisticated typing experience that still maintains excellent performance. While both switches are linear, which means they lack tactile bumps and the accompanying noise during actuation, they approach the linear design from different acoustic and performance angles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Xinhai are remarkably similar, as both utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This similarity in materials is significant because nylon, noted for its softer qualities, contributes to a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to other plastics. Both keyboards, therefore, are designed to provide a typing experience characterized by a notably dulled and rounded sound, making them particularly appealing for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. The absorption properties of nylon ensure that the impact noise produced while typing is softened, resulting in less disturbance from key presses.
Despite having identical housing materials, the impact on the overall typing experience may still vary slightly between the two models due to potential differences in design, switch configurations, or internal components. The way sound is perceived can also differ based on the minute variations in the assembly or the shape of the keycaps used with each keyboard. In both cases, users can anticipate a complementary sound profile from the top and bottom housings, as the nylon's acoustic properties dictate much of the auditory feedback experienced while typing.
Ultimately, both the Bsun Ragdoll and the HMX Xinhai present users with a comparable acoustic and tactile experience thanks to their nylon switch housings. While the specific feel of bottoming out and the release sound might be influenced by the structural nuances unique to each model, the foundational characteristics imparted by the nylon material remain consistent. As a result, should users opt for either keyboard, they can anticipate a similarly rich and subdued typing sound, fulfilling the desire for an efficient yet pleasing auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch with those of the HMX Xinhai linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Ragdoll requires an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Xinhai has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance during typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Ragdoll is 52 grams, compared to the Xinhai's 45 grams, further emphasizing the Ragdoll's heavier feel. Therefore, the HMX Xinhai switch is the lighter option overall, which may appeal to users looking for a comfortable and less fatiguing typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll, with its medium-light actuation and higher bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing experience that would be favored by those who enjoy a pronounced tactile response.
Travel distance
The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Ragdoll switch allows for a deeper keypress, which some users may appreciate for a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users who prefer quicker responsiveness, making it potentially more appealing for fast-paced gaming scenarios. While both switches provide linear feedback without a tactile bump, the choice between them ultimately hinges on personal preference: those who favor a more pronounced depth may lean toward the Ragdoll, while those seeking a snappier response may opt for the Xinhai.
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 Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $2.99.
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 considering the sound profiles of the BSUN Ragdoll and HMX Xinhai linear switches, each offers distinctive auditory experiences. The Ragdoll's nylon-fiberglass bottom housing contributes to a clacky sound, providing a sharp, percussive response that many typists find appealing. This clackiness is characterized by a bright and crisp resonance, making it quite distinct in its audio feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch features a PA12 top housing that is engineered for softer acoustics, delivering a more refined sound profile. While it maintains clarity, it does so with a higher-pitched resonance that might lack the punchy delivery of the Ragdoll, indicating that users seeking a subtler typing sound may prefer the Xinhai. The choice between these two switches in terms of sound will largely depend on personal preference, as both can deliver satisfying acoustic experiences influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap selection.
In terms of tactile feel, the Ragdoll and Xinhai switches diverge significantly. The Ragdoll is designed for smooth travel, which likely leads to a direct and uninterrupted pressing experience. Without further descriptors, one can infer that this smoothness might cater to users looking for a linear feel with minimal resistance throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Xinhai switch is celebrated for its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bounciness offers a spring-like feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively feel, resulting in satisfying rebounds after each press. Coupled with the creamy sensation, it allows for a buttery typing experience that is smooth and pleasurable, as if gliding fingers over the keys. Therefore, the Xinhai provides a more dynamic typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a combination of tactile feedback and smoothness.
In conclusion, the BSUN Ragdoll and HMX Xinhai linear switches present diverse offerings in sound and feel, catering to different user preferences. While the Ragdoll provides a more pronounced clacky sound and a straightforward smooth typing experience, the Xinhai stands out with its refined acoustics and engaging bouncy, creamy feel. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize a sharper auditory feedback and smooth key travel or a rounded, dynamic typing experience with softer sounds. Choosing between the Ragdoll and Xinhai will guide you towards the typing characteristics that matter most to you.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, your preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force are crucial factors to consider. If you favor a medium-light bottom-out force for a balanced typing experience combined with a clacky sound profile, the Ragdoll might be your best option, offering a smooth travel due to its Y3 stem and a satisfying auditory feedback thanks to its nylon-fiberglass housing. This switch is particularly appealing if you enjoy a slightly more tactile sensation when typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lighter actuation force and appreciate crisp, high-pitched sounds, the Xinhai, with its unique PA12 top housing and POM stem, provides the perfect blend of soft acoustics and precise performance. The bouncy and creamy feel of the Xinhai is ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and a cushioned typing experience. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you prefer the Ragdoll's balanced tactility and sound or the Xinhai's lightweight, vibrant responsiveness.
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