Huano Elf vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Huano Elf and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Elf and the Bsun Jade Rosales offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences among users. The Huano Elf, renowned for its unique POK top housing, enhances acoustics to deliver a deep sound signature, coupled with a medium-light actuation feel that provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience. This switch is often favored by those who appreciate auditory feedback alongside comfort during extensive use. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio, boast meticulous refinement over a year with custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques, resulting in an exceptionally smooth typing experience that appeals to users who prioritize fluidity and a premium touch. While both switches are linear, offering seamless key travel without tactile bumps, their distinct qualities make them suitable for different typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your unique needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
POK
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
The housing materials of the Huano Elf and Bsun Jade Rosales switches exhibit distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall performance and acoustic profiles. The Elf employs a POK (polyketone) material for its top housing, known for its exceptionally low coefficient of friction and superior wear resistance, making it result in a durable and smooth tactile experience. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales features polycarbonate for its top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While both materials allow for a smooth experience, the polyketone's strength and durability give the Elf a more robust tactile feedback, whereas the polycarbonate in the Jade Rosales emphasizes clarity and resonance, especially beneficial for RGB lighting applications thanks to its translucency.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches further differentiate their auditory and tactile experiences. The Huano Elf uses nylon, a classic choice known for its sound-absorbing properties that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales features a proprietary Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, which may introduce unique acoustic properties that bridge the gap between the sharpness of polycarbonate and the warmth of nylon. This proprietary blend may offer an intermediary sound profile, contributing elements of both depth and clarity, although how it compares to the soft absorption qualities of nylon remains to be seen.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Huano Elf and Bsun Jade Rosales highlights how alterations in material properties can lead to varying results in switch performance and sound. The Elf's use of POK and nylon creates a duality where the tactile experience absorbs sound for a warm, rounded feel while maintaining durability. In contrast, the Jade Rosales employs polycarbonate and a unique bottom housing to emphasize brighter, more resonant acoustics. Despite their differences, both switches will produce unique, satisfying results due to the interplay of top and bottom housing materials affecting the overall sound and feel when pressed.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Elf features an actuation force of 42 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, while the Jade Rosales requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Elf has an unknown bottom out force, leaving us unable to directly compare it with the Jade Rosales, which has a bottom out force of 53 grams categorized as medium-light. This means that while the Elf offers a softer typing experience, the Jade Rosales provides more resistance both when actuating and bottoming out, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. For users who favor longer typing sessions with less fatigue, the lighter actuation force of the Elf may be more appealing, whereas those who enjoy a reinforced tactile experience may opt for the heavier Jade Rosales. Overall, users will find that these switches align with different typing preferences based on the varying actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there is a slight difference to note. The Huano Elf features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Jade Rosales has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're seeking quicker response times, the Jade Rosales could be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. However, for those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke, the Huano Elf might provide a more satisfying depth to the press. Though both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Elf’s 3.6 mm gives it a slight edge in depth, making it the longer option between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 Huano Elf linear switch is known for its distinctive sound profile, characterized by a deep sound signature thanks to its POK top housing, which enhances the acoustics during use. This attribute lends itself to a more pronounced auditory experience that many users find engaging. The Bsun Jade Rosales, on the other hand, offers a smoother sound experience, but specific details about its sound are not provided. However, given the general refinement that has gone into its design, it's likely that it produces a pleasant acoustic performance as well. Ultimately, the sound characteristics of both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which means users may find similarities in their acoustic outputs depending on their setups.
When it comes to feel, the Elf switch is noted for its medium-light tactile feedback, which creates a satisfying typing experience. It's designed to be approachable for typewriting and gaming alike, offering a balance that suits a variety of users. In contrast, the Jade Rosales is described as having an exceptionally smooth feel, which likely allows for effortless keystrokes that could enhance both typing and gaming performance. Although the specific tactile experience might differ between the two switches, each offers a refined use experience; the Elf with its moderately light feedback and the Jade Rosales with its silky smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Huano Elf and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, albeit with distinct sound and feel profiles. The Elf's rich acoustics and medium-light feel cater to users looking for a more engaging auditory experience, while the Jade Rosales prides itself on smoothness and refinement, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer effortless keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback, but both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that users will be pleased regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switches and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the specific experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you value a distinct acoustic profile and a unique feel, the Huano Elf switches, with their POK top housing, are designed to provide a rich audio experience along with a satisfying medium-light actuation. These switches can be ideal for those who enjoy a slightly softer touch and want to enhance their typing or gaming experience with a deeper sound signature. On the other hand, if you prioritize a silky-smooth keypress and a more defined actuation force, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches could be your better option. Their medium-light 53-gram bottom out force and meticulously refined design promise a highly enjoyable and consistent typing experience, making them perfect for extended use, whether for gaming or professional writing. Ultimately, consider what aspects—whether it be sound, feel, or actuation force—are most important for your daily tasks, and choose accordingly to enhance your keyboard experience.
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