HMX Deep Navy vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the HMX Deep Navy and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can often come down to personal preference and intended use. The HMX Deep Navy and the Bsun Jade Rosales are two prominent linear switches that cater to different tastes and typing styles. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its rich, sharp sound profile, thanks to its full nylon construction, and offers a silky smooth typing experience with its specialized Ly stem. This makes it an ideal choice for those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside a smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales stands out for its meticulous refinement process, which included custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques, resulting in an exceptionally smooth type feel that is perfect for avid typists or gamers seeking a seamless experience. While both switches provide linear characteristics suitable for quiet and uninterrupted typing, their unique constructions and sound profiles offer varied experiences to users. 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
40g
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
Ly
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and Bsun Jade Rosales, a clear distinction arises between their top housings. The Deep Navy utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material noted for its softness, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Jade Rosales employs polycarbonate, a much stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This fundamental difference means that users can expect varied auditory experiences when typing; the nylon of the Deep Navy absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder acoustic impression, while the translucent polycarbonate of the Jade Rosales enhances resonance, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting setups. Aesthetically, this translucency also enhances the visual appeal of RGB effects, which the Deep Navy's nylon housing may not support as effectively.
Expanding the comparison to the bottom housing materials reveals that both switches take differing paths, with the Deep Navy also using nylon in this component, while the Jade Rosales opts for a proprietary Custom Milky Material blend. The effect of these materials is noticeable at the bottom-out strike of the switch. The nylon bottom housing from the Deep Navy proceeds with a softer touch, echoing the deeper sound generated by its top housing. Meanwhile, the unique properties of the milky blend in the Jade Rosales allow for a distinct feel and sound that may differ significantly from the tamed acoustics of the nylon. Thus, the bottom housing for both switches will shape the tactile and audible experience in complementary, yet contrasting ways, enhancing the characteristics of each keyboard.
Ultimately, the differing materials used in the top and bottom housings of both switches mean that they exhibit unique sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to diverging preferences. Users of the Deep Navy will appreciate its rich, muted sound, which is a result of the soft nylon housing, creating a harmonious typing experience. In contrast, those who favor the Jade Rosales will likely enjoy the lively, crisp auditory feedback stemming from its polycarbonate top housing combined with the proprietary blend of the bottom. Notably, if a switch features a thoughtful integration of these housing materials, it can result in a finely balanced feel where the combining strengths of each housing contribute to the overall typing experience, even though the cores of each design lead to distinctly different user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch to the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, significant differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a softer touch, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without much fatigue. In contrast, the Jade Rosales has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing more to users who prefer a substantial push feel in their typing experience. This means that while both switches may offer a smooth linear feel, the Deep Navy is lighter and designed for ease of use, whereas the Jade Rosales provides a bit more resistance, catering to those who appreciate a more tactile experience when typing or gaming. Thus, the choice between these two switches largely hinges on personal preference regarding actuation force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch vary, with the Deep Navy measuring 3.6 mm while the Jade Rosales has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Deep Navy offers a more pronounced key feel, which some users may prefer for its hearty depth, providing a more satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, as its design allows for faster actuation. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, but for individuals leaning towards a more traditional feel, the Deep Navy would be the better option, while the Jade Rosales may be suited for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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
The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy linear switch stands out with a rich and sharp quality due to its full nylon construction, which contributes to a distinct auditory experience with each keystroke. This results in a sound that can be both satisfying and defined, making typing or gaming more immersive. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch is designed for a quieter experience, reflecting the meticulous refinement process that went into its creation. Although the exact sound characteristics are not detailed, Jade Rosales switches generally tend to produce a smooth and refined sound, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience while typing. It is important to remember that the sound of any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard type and keycaps used, which can alter their inherent qualities.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Deep Navy switch is recognized for its silky smoothness, attributed to its Ly stem, facilitating a seamless typing experience that enhances overall comfort during long sessions. This smooth feel promotes effortless actuation, making it ideal for both typing and gaming contexts. Conversely, the Jade Rosales switch also emphasizes smoothness, thanks to the extensive customization of its housing and stem, along with specialized lubrication techniques. As a result, both switches provide an excellent tactile experience, marked by liquid motion that minimizes friction and increases typing enjoyment.
In summary, both the HMX Deep Navy and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches offer a distinct experience in terms of sound and feel. The Deep Navy switch provides a rich, sharp sound along with silky smooth keystrokes, while the Jade Rosales focuses on delivering a refined, quiet sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience. While the switches have their unique characteristics, either choice promises a high-quality typing experience coupled with a satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, your preferences will guide you toward the best option for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Deep Navy linear switches and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches, your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios can guide your choice. If you favor a lighter switch that offers an engaging and vibrant sound profile, the Deep Navy is an excellent option. Its 45-gram bottom-out force coupled with its rich sound and silky smooth keystrokes makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who are seeking an expansive auditory experience during gaming or extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a slightly more robust feel, the Jade Rosales with its 53-gram bottom-out force may be to your liking. This switch, celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship, provides a smooth typing experience that can be preferable for professional use or long periods of typing where you might appreciate a bit more feedback from your keys. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a lighter, more melodic typing style or a sturdier, refined keystroke for extended use.