HMX EVA vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the HMX EVA 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 HMX EVA and the Bsun Jade Rosales both stand out as impressive options for linear switch enthusiasts, but each offers a distinct experience that caters to different preferences. The HMX EVA, inspired by the vibrant colors of Evangelion Unit-01, is celebrated for its resonant sound signature and smooth typing feel, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a blend of tactile feedback and auditory enjoyment in their typing experience—characterized by its feathery and clacky essence. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio and refined over a year with custom housings and lubrication techniques, promise an exceptionally smooth and creamy typing experience, appealing to users who prioritize a seamless, bouncy touch without the additional sound signature. With these qualities in mind, users might choose the EVA for its unique aesthetic appeal and sound dynamics, while the Jade Rosales could be favored for its smooth functionality and refined craftsmanship. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX EVA and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, distinct differences are apparent in their top housings. The EVA utilizes nylon, a classic choice renowned for its ability to produce a deep and full sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for its rigidity and acoustic clarity. As a result, the sound profile it delivers is sharper and crisper, providing a more pronounced auditory feedback. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for better light diffusion, making it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, thus engendering a vibrant aesthetic component absent in the EVA's opaque nylon.
Exploring their bottom housings, the HMX EVA again employs nylon, contributing to a similar sound profile as seen in its top housing, characterized by a deeper resonance. The Jade Rosales, however, boasts a unique Custom Milky Material, a proprietary blend developed by Bsun. While specifics of this material’s acoustic properties are not explicitly defined, its formulation suggests potential for a distinct bottoming-out feel and sound. In this regard, while both switches offer a rich performance, the difference in their bottom housing materials implies that the Jade Rosales has the potential for a different tactile experience compared to the full nylon composition of the EVA, which may lead to a more consistent feel across its entire structure.
When considering overall user experience, the interplay between top and bottom housings plays a crucial role. The EVA's fully nylon construction fosters a cohesive sound profile and tactile feedback, ensuring that users have a consistent experience throughout the keystroke. Conversely, the Bsun Jade Rosales merges its polycarbonate top and proprietary bottom material to create a uniquely engineered typing experience. Although the sound profiles diverge—one leaning deeper (EVA) and the other sharper (Jade Rosales)—the integration of materials ensures that both switches provide rewarding feedback characteristics. Ultimately, both switches are designed to yield optimal results suited to user preferences, with each material contributing to a unique auditory and tactile experience that may cater to different tastes among typists and gamers alike.
Weight
When comparing the HMX EVA linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The EVA switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it well-suited for long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press down. In contrast, the Jade Rosales offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. While both switches are designed for linear action, the EVA's lower forces may be ideal for those who prioritize comfort and endurance, whereas the Jade Rosales provides a firmer feel. Overall, if a user is looking for a lighter switch, the HMX EVA would be the better choice, while the Bsun Jade Rosales caters to those who enjoy a bit more resistance.
Travel distance
The HMX EVA linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of 0.1 mm indicates that the EVA switch offers a more pronounced feel when pressed compared to the Jade Rosales, which may appeal to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. For gamers who prioritize quick response times, the shorter travel distance of the Jade Rosales might be more appealing, offering a faster actuation. However, the EVA's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feedback for users who prefer a sense of depth and stability when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and tactile experience, with the EVA being the longer option and the Jade Rosales the shorter.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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, both the HMX EVA and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches share a clacky profile. This means that users can expect a sharp and snappy auditory experience with each keystroke, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. However, the overall sound can vary based on factors such as the keyboard type and keycap materials, which means that different setups may influence how pronounced these qualities are. Despite this commonality, subtle differences in resonance may exist due to the materials and construction of each switch, but both are likely to offer a satisfying auditory feedback to typists and gamers alike.
In terms of feel, the EVA excels with attributes like being feathery, silky, and bouncy. This combination leads to a typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue while providing a smooth and lively feedback during keystrokes. The light actuation force and bouncy characteristic allow for a comfortable experience that can be especially beneficial during extended use. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switches also possess bouncy qualities but lean towards a creamy feel, which emphasizes a smooth and buttery typing experience. The added creaminess, often resulting from expert lubrication techniques, enhances the sensation of gliding over the keys. Thus, while both switches provide a lively and engaging feel, the EVA may cater more to those prioritizing minimal strain while typing, whereas the Jade Rosales offers a distinctly buttery experience.
In conclusion, both the HMX EVA and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches bring unique qualities to the table, particularly regarding the auditory and tactile experiences they provide. Their shared clacky sound ensures a lively typing atmosphere, while the EVA's lighter and smoother feel contrasts with the Jade Rosales' bouncy and creamy sensation. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference in feel and typing style, but both switches promise to deliver enjoyable and efficient experiences for newcomers and seasoned typists alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX EVA linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, your specific typing or gaming preferences play a pivotal role. If you appreciate a light actuation force and prioritize minimal finger fatigue during extended sessions—whether for gaming, work, or school—the HMX EVA switch’s featherlight feel at 48 grams, along with its silky smoothness and bouncy feedback, makes it an excellent choice. Its clacky sound signature adds a crisp auditory experience that may enhance your enjoyment. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly heavier touch with a more robust tactile response, the Bsun Jade Rosales, which features a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, might be more suitable. Its bouncy and creamy feel, enhanced by meticulous lubrication, provides a luxurious typing experience that many find satisfying. Whether you gravitate towards the EVA’s effortless touch or the Jade Rosales’ plush feedback, both options offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences, so choose one that best aligns with your style of use.
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