Akko Botany vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Akko Botany and Bsun Jade Rosales stand as two intriguing options within the realm of linear switches, each offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Botany switches are celebrated for their crisp and lively clacky sound, providing an acoustic feedback that enhances the typing experience right out of the box, making them a great choice for users who appreciate auditory stimulation while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches are the result of a meticulous refinement process that spanned over a year, featuring custom housings and stems that, along with premium lubrication techniques, deliver an exceptionally smooth and satisfying feel. While the Botany appeals to those who enjoy a more resonant typing experience, the Jade Rosales caters to users seeking a buttery smooth performance with minimal resistance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and Bsun Jade Rosales, one of the primary differences lies in the type of plastic used for the top housing. The Botany features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is in stark contrast to the Jade Rosales's polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to producing a sharper, clearer, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This distinction affects not only the auditory feedback of the switches but also the overall typing experience. If you are looking for a more muted sound while typing, the Botany's nylon housing would be preferential, whereas the Jade Rosales would cater to those who prefer a bright and resonant auditory response.
Examining the bottom housing, the Akko Botany utilizes nylon, which enhances the same acoustic qualities found in its top housing, contributing to a consistent and warm sound profile throughout the entire keystroke. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales features a unique "Custom Milky Material" for its bottom housing, which is proprietary to BSUN. While specific details about the sound characteristics of this custom material may not be exhaustively defined, it suggests a different approach to sound and feel compared to the classic nylon used by the Botany. Though both switches may provide a tactile experience that is dependent on their respective bottom housings, the differences in material composition could lead to varied bottom-out sensations—a critical aspect for dedicated typists.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between these two switch options indicate that while they may share the fundamental purpose of providing a tactile typing experience, the resulting auditory properties and feel under the fingers can vary significantly. If one were to merge elements from both designs into a single experience, achieving similar outcomes in acoustics could be possible by balancing the architectural characteristics of each housing's sound profile. For example, a well-equipped keyboard utilizing both nylon and polycarbonate effectively could provide a rich depth in sound when pressed down (from the nylon) while simultaneously allowing for a vibrant resonance upon release (from the polycarbonate), thereby combining the best elements of both worlds.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light switch. As a result, users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Botany more suitable, while those seeking a more substantial feel may gravitate towards the Jade Rosales. The actuation and bottom out forces of both switches highlight this contrast, with the Botany being easier to press and the Jade Rosales offering a firmer response.
Travel distance
The Akko Botany linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on the keys, the Botany switch offers a bit more movement than the Jade Rosales. For users seeking a more responsive experience, the Jade Rosales may be the preferable choice due to its shorter travel distance, providing quicker actuation and potential advantages in gaming. On the flip side, those who favor a more substantial key press with a deeper feel might lean towards the Botany switch, which has that extra millimeter of travel. Overall, while both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, the Akko Botany clearly takes the lead with a longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany linear switch is characterized by a crisp, lively clacky sound that is distinctly noticeable right out of the box. This lively acoustic profile appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch doesn't emphasize sound in the same way; instead, it focuses on providing a smooth and refined typing experience due to its meticulous design and construction. While the Jade Rosales switches may be quieter, the overall sound signature could still be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Botany switches are known for their lively actuation that adds feedback to each keystroke, offering a responsive typing experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales switches excel in delivering an exceptionally smooth feel, thanks to the custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques employed during production. This smoothness makes the Jade Rosales a favorite among users who prioritize a refined and effortless typing experience, though it may lack the same tactile excitement found in the Botany switches.
In summary, if you're deciding between the Akko Botany and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches, you'll find that the Botany offers a vibrant auditory experience with a lively keystroke feel, which might appeal to users who enjoy engaging sounds while typing. Meanwhile, the Jade Rosales shines with its unparalleled smoothness and refinement, catering to those who prefer a more subdued sound and a silky touch. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, albeit with different focuses on sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, you’ll want to consider your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek from your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter touch with an energizing and crisp sound profile, the Botany switch, with its 45g bottom-out force, is likely to be more suited to your needs. This makes it an excellent choice for rapid typists who appreciate a lively clacky sound right out of the box. On the other hand, if you value a more refined and smooth typing experience characterized by a slightly heavier 53g bottom-out force, the Jade Rosales switch may be your go-to. The meticulous craftsmanship of the Jade Rosales translates to an exceptionally polished feel that many serious typists and gamers admire, making it ideal for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a lightweight and energetic feel or a more substantial, smooth operation. Both switches offer their own unique advantages, ensuring you can find one that complements your keyboard experience perfectly.
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