Bsun Ragdoll vs. PH Studio Yoel

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly affect your typing experience, and two standout linear options are the Bsun Ragdoll and the PH Studio Yoel. The Ragdoll is widely celebrated for its smooth travel thanks to the Y3 stem, complemented by a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that adds a distinct clacky character to each keystroke. This combination makes the Ragdoll a great option for users seeking a blend of responsiveness and sound. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel also manufactured by BSUN, feels chewy under the fingers, creating an enveloping typing experience. Its bright and pronounced sound profile delivers a satisfying resonance at the bottom-out point, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback in their typing. Both switches cater to different preferences—while the Ragdoll leans towards a smoother and slightly toned sound, the Yoel brings a more vibrant and resonant auditory experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Ragdoll and the PH Studio Yoel utilize distinct sets of housing materials which give each switch a unique character in terms of sound profile and tactile experience. The Ragdoll features a nylon top housing, known for its softer qualities that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound. This material absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. By contrast, the Yoel incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the sound clarity but also works exceptionally well with RGB lighting, offering aesthetic advantages that nylon does not. Therefore, while both switches serve similar functional purposes, the differences in their top housing materials significantly impact the overall auditory experiences users can expect.

Examining the bottom housing materials reveals further contrasts between the two products. The Ragdoll’s nylon bottom housing continues the tradition of deeper sound profiles, reinforcing the full auditory response of the switch. Conversely, the Yoel sports a POM bottom housing, celebrated for its unique and pleasing sound, which leans towards a deeper but more muted auditory signature. The impact of these materials becomes particularly relevant in the context of the switch's performance; the bottom housing has a notable influence on the sound and feel when the key is bottomed out. As a result, users might experience a more nuanced auditory profile when pressing down on a Ragdoll compared to the Yoel.

Despite the contrasting materials used in each switch’s top and bottom housings, it's crucial to recognize that different materials can yield compatible auditory experiences through careful design. Users will still enjoy rich sound profiles, even with the Ragdoll’s nylon and the Yoel’s POM bottom housings. Ultimately, the synthesis of each switch's unique housing materials can yield similar results; the softer properties of the Ragdoll may balance against the sharper clarity of the Yoel, making them both suitable for different sound preference scenarios. The interaction between the different plastic materials in terms of sound absorption and resonance contributes to a layered auditory experience regardless of the specific configurations, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their sounds per their inclinations.

Weight

The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ragdoll features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for long hours at work or extensive gaming sessions. In contrast, the Yoel has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a firmer push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Ragdoll is categorized as medium-light, while the Yoel falls into the medium range. If one were to seek switches that provide similar results, opting for switches close in actuation and bottom out forces could lead to a comparable typing experience, but in this case, the differences underscore the type of user experience each switch is designed to deliver.

Travel distance

The Bsun Ragdoll linear switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This difference of 0.6 mm influences the feel of each switch: the Ragdoll offers a deeper press, which can provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a hearty depth. In contrast, the Yoel's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users who prefer quicker response times, as it enables faster actuation. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness and a more abrupt feel to your keystrokes, the Yoel is the better option. Conversely, if a more traditional and deeper pressing experience is your preference, the Ragdoll would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the BSUN Ragdoll linear switch is known to produce a clacky sound, creating a sharp and engaging auditory experience during use. This is enhanced by its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing, contributing to the overall timbre when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch also delivers a bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by a high-pitched resonance that is both satisfying and pronounced as keys bottom out. This combination creates an auditory characteristic that could be described as crisp and percussive, appealing to those who appreciate lively sound in their typing experience.

When evaluating the feel of these switches, the BSUN Ragdoll's subjective qualities are not explicitly detailed, leaving an unknown in terms of tactile feedback and key feel. In contrast, the Yoel is noted for its delectable and creamy typing experience, enveloping fingers with each key press. Descriptors like “creamy,” “polished,” and “silky” indicate that the Yoel offers a remarkably smooth and refined typing sensation, with reduced friction that enhances the user's experience. These qualities contribute to a butter-like flow during typing, making it an inviting choice for those who prioritize smoothness in their key press.

In summary, while the BSUN Ragdoll promises a clacky auditory experience, the PH Studio Yoel equally provides a bright and resonant sound to enrich typing sessions. However, the Ragdoll's tactile qualities remain unknown, whereas the Yoel excels in delivering a creamy and silky feel. If sound is a priority and you desire a lively typing experience, either switch will serve you well. If smoothness is your goal, the Yoel distinctly stands out, providing a more luxurious typing sensation that you might find difficult to replicate with the Ragdoll due to its undefined tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the tactile experience you desire. If you prefer a switch with a lighter bottom-out force and a smooth, creamy feel, the Ragdoll would be your best bet. Its higher-pitched, clacky sound profile delivers an engaging auditory feedback for those who enjoy a bit of noise while typing. This makes it suitable for casual use, typing, and gaming where rapid key presses are common. On the other hand, if you find comfort in a bit more resistance with a medium bottom-out force, the Yoel may be more appealing. With its delightful chewy tactile sensation and pronounced resonance, it enhances both typing pleasure and auditory satisfaction, making it suitable for long typing sessions or when you want a more pronounced response with each keystroke. In summary, your choice depends on whether you lean towards a lighter, smoother experience with the Ragdoll or a more robust, textured engagement with the Yoel.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Ragdoll Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Yoel Linear

$4.50

$4.10 per 10

Learn more