Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Jade Rosales represent two distinct approaches to typing experience. The Gateron Aliaz, known for its tactile feedback and silent operation, is an excellent option for users who work in quiet environments such as offices. With a medium-heavy weight, these switches offer a satisfying resistance while ensuring that each keystroke feels pronounced without being disruptive. Characterized as 'Silky,' 'Muted,' and 'Polished,' the Aliaz caters to those who appreciate a refined tactile sensation without the associated noise. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches feature a linear design that emphasizes smoothness, crafted through meticulous refinement over a year, including custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. This results in a seamless typing experience, appealing to gamers and typists alike who seek fluid keystrokes devoid of tactile bumps. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on silent, tactile feedback and the other highlighting smoothness—each has its merits depending on the user's environment and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Jade Rosales both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound with clear resonance. This is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, both switches' translucent top housings enhance the visual experience when used with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination that can complement the aesthetics of a gaming setup. Therefore, in terms of the top housing, both switches share similar characteristics that promote a comparable audio experience.
However, the bottom housings of these two switches present a contrasting scenario. The Aliaz also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which maintains the same clear and resonant sound profile found in its top housing. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales features a Custom Milky Material bottom housing that is a proprietary blend from BSUN. This difference in materials is likely to affect the bottom-out sound and feel when the switches are pressed. While the Aliaz will offer a consistent sound experience across both housings, the Jade Rosales may introduce variability in the auditory feedback during key presses due to the unique properties of its custom material.
As a result, the overall typing experience between the two switches can be expected to differ in certain aspects, particularly regarding the bottom-out sound. The Gateron Aliaz's uniform material ensures that both the top and bottom contribute similarly to the acoustic profile, likely leading to a more cohesive auditory feedback. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales, with its mixed materials, may offer a distinctive sound experience, especially upon actuation and release. Nevertheless, both switches can deliver a quality typing experience, albeit with subtle differences due to the contrasting materials used in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there is a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Aliaz features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a heavier option that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Jade Rosales has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which cater to users looking for a medium-light feel, suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Jade Rosales would be the better choice, while the heavier Aliaz might resonate more with users who appreciate a firmer keypress. Overall, the distinct differences in their force specifications highlight the options available based on personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, the Aliaz offers a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jade Rosales has a shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more traditional feel with hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Aliaz would be the preferable choice, providing a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as shorter travel distances are typically associated with faster actuation. Therefore, while both switches serve different user preferences, it is clear that the Aliaz is the longer option, and the Jade Rosales is the shorter one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Bsun Jade Rosales has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jade Rosales for $5.39.
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 Gateron Aliaz switches are notable for their muted characteristics, designed specifically to minimize the auditory feedback typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes them particularly suited for quiet environments, such as offices, where discretion is paramount. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales switches is currently unknown. However, it’s important to remember that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the type of board and keycaps used, so users may experience different outcomes with each switch.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches stand out for their silky and polished touch. They provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by reduced friction and minimal resistance during keystrokes. This makes them ideal for users who appreciate a refined and luxurious feel while typing. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Jade Rosales switches are not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how they compare. This lack of information means that one might have to consider other factors or personal preferences to gauge their typing experience with these switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Aliaz switches offer a muted sound profile and a silky, polished feel that caters well to those seeking a quieter and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches present an unknown sound and feel quality that leaves room for curiosity and exploration. While subjective preferences will heavily influence the choice between these switches, the known qualities of the Aliaz suggest they would be a reliable option for a quieter setting, while the Jade Rosales could attract those seeking a potentially unique and refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you work in a quiet office setting or simply prefer to keep noise to a minimum, the Aliaz would be an ideal choice; its muted sound profile paired with a medium-heavy actuation force of 75 grams delivers a satisfying tactile feedback without disturbing those around you. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother and lighter typing experience, particularly for gaming or high-speed typing, the Jade Rosales switch might be more appropriate. With a bottom-out force of only 53 grams, you'll benefit from effortless key presses that enhance speed and reduce fatigue over long sessions. Ultimately, your selection between these two switches should hinge on whether you prioritize a tactile and muted experience or a smooth and light feel, ensuring that your keyboard aligns perfectly with your needs and preferences.
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