Kailh Box Royal vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Jade Rosales can significantly influence your typing experience. The Kailh Box Royal is renowned for its sharp, nearly aggressive tactile feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who crave pronounced feedback and enjoy a higher-pitched sound profile—ideal for those who appreciate a tactile crunch with each keypress. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches offer a smooth, linear typing experience that is meticulously crafted for fluidity and precision; these switches are perfect for users seeking a seamless stroke without the interruption of tactile bumps. While the Box Royals cater to those who thrive on tactile feedback, the Jade Rosales are designed for those who prefer effortless typing with no tactile resistance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Royal and Bsun Jade Rosales switches exhibit contrasting materials in their construction, which significantly affects their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Kailh Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its softer qualities, which absorb sound effectively to produce a fuller and deeper acoustic signature. This material's inherent softness creates a rounded, less piercing sound when typing, contributing to a more subdued auditory experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its rigid structure and translucent design, which not only enhances the aesthetics of the switch—especially when combined with RGB lighting—but also leads to a sharper, crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate captures sound differently, allowing for pronounced acoustic clarity that contrasts starkly with the Box Royal's muffled tones.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further divergence in construction materials between the two switches. The Box Royal’s bottom housing, also made of nylon, is consistent with its top housing and reinforces the deeper and fuller sound experience. The nylon bottom enhances the tactile feedback while typing, contributing to a sense of solidity and weightiness in each keypress. Conversely, the Jade Rosales utilizes a proprietary Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, which likely incorporates a unique blend of polymers. This custom formulation may offer an intermediate sound dissipation quality that doesn’t fully mirror either the sharpness of polycarbonate or the muffled qualities of nylon. Instead, it introduces a novel texture and sound signature that sets itself apart while maintaining some degree of clarity thanks to its unique composition.
In summary, while both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, the differences in housing materials play a crucial role in their performance characteristics. The Kailh Box Royal’s consistent nylon construction yields a unified auditory profile with profound sound depth and muted impact, making it ideal for users seeking a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales, with its polycarbonate top and proprietary bottom material, delivers a bright and crisp acoustic profile that caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile and auditory response. By choosing either option, typists can achieve satisfying results, but the distinct material qualities will ultimately shape their preferences regarding tactile feedback and sound dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience an identical feel when triggering a keystroke. However, the differences become apparent when examining their bottom out forces; the Box Royal has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the Jade Rosales, which sits at a lighter 53 grams. This distinction makes the Box Royal feel more substantial when fully pressed down, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Conversely, the Jade Rosales, with its lighter bottom out force, is more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, providing comfort over long use. Overall, for those who favor a heavier switch feel, the Box Royal would be the better choice, while the Jade Rosales may appeal to those looking for a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, the Box Royal measures 3.6 mm, while the Jade Rosales offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Box Royal the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth for those who enjoy a pronounced keypress feel. Conversely, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. Both switches fall within a modern spectrum of appealing travel distances, with the shorter being more popular among gamers for its rapid actuation, while the longer option could be favored by users who prefer a tactile experience with more depth. Overall, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Jade Rosales would be the better choice, but for a more substantial feel when typing, the Kailh Box Royal stands out as the preferred option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stands out with its distinctively high-pitched profile. This sharp and crisp sound is ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing, steering clear of the deeper, bassy tones that some linear switches might produce. In contrast, while specifics on the sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales switch are not provided, the general expectation for linear switches is that they tend to operate quietly with minimal sound production compared to tactile counterparts like the Box Royal. Consequently, if sound is a deciding factor, the Box Royal delivers a much more audible typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal offers an impressively sharp tactile response, characterized by a strong and crisp tactile bump that provides significant feedback on each keystroke. This high feedback intensity makes it an appealing choice for typists seeking a tactile sensation with every press. The Jade Rosales, on the other hand, is known for its exceptionally smooth typing experience but lacks the tactile bump that defines the Box Royal switch. Therefore, while the Box Royal is perfect for those who enjoy a more aggressive tactile sensation, the Jade Rosales offers a more seamless flow with its linear feel.
Considering the overall comparison between these two switches, the Kailh Box Royal excels in providing a pronounced sound and tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who thrive on sensory stimulation while typing. The Jade Rosales, while not as defined in sound or tactile features, promises smooth operation, suitable for those who favor a quieter and more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the sharp auditory feedback and tactile sensation of the Box Royal or the smoothness and subtle operation of the Jade Rosales.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you crave a strong, pronounced tactile feedback that provides a clear indication of actuation, the Box Royal is the ideal choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams ensures that each keypress offers a satisfying resistance, making it particularly suited for users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, especially when typing or gaming. The sharp, high-pitched sound profile further enhances the tactile feedback, creating a distinct auditory response that some find invigorating. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth, effortless keystroke with less resistance, the Jade Rosales is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, it promises a refined and buttery-smooth typing experience, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or for those who prefer to glide across keys without aggressive feedback. In summary, choose the Box Royal for that engaging tactile experience that feels robust and precise, and consider the Jade Rosales for a seamless and fluid typing journey that minimizes fatigue. Your specific needs and typing habits will guide you in making the best decision between these two unique switches.
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