Akko Fairy vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Akko Fairy 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 Akko Fairy and Bsun Jade Rosales both present compelling options for users seeking a linear experience, yet they cater to different preferences and environments. The Akko Fairy switches are specifically designed for office settings, featuring factory-applied lubrication that results in a refined, smooth typing experience. Their medium weight strikes an ideal balance, providing just the right level of resistance to ensure comfortable use over long periods without causing fatigue. This makes them a great choice for professionals looking for a quieter workspace while still enjoying a pleasant tactile feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches from XY Studio are distinguished by their meticulously crafted custom components and lubrication techniques, crafted over a year to ensure exceptional smoothness. While lacking a specific categorization, they promise an experience that elevates typing comfort and precision for enthusiastic users. Ultimately, while both switches offer smooth performance and linear characteristics, their different design philosophies and intended environments cater to varied needs. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Fairy and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetic characteristics are evident. The Akko Fairy employs a nylon top housing, which is widely recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is largely due to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials. In contrast, the Jade Rosales utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant tonal quality, making it especially favorable for users who appreciate the impact of RGB lighting, as the material's translucency enhances visual effects.
Examining the bottom housings further highlights their respective sound characteristics and tactile feedback. The Akko Fairy's nylon bottom housing continues to maintain the deep and rounded sound profile, consistent with the material's traditional use in switch manufacturing. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales features a custom milky material for its bottom housing, representing BSUN's proprietary blend that may offer unique tactile qualities and sound dynamics. While both switches feature different materials for their bottom housing, their distinct properties play crucial roles in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Therefore, despite the differences in material, both designs achieve their respective sound profiles through the interaction of their top and bottom housing components.
Ultimately, even with divergent materials for top and bottom housings, the Akko Fairy and Bsun Jade Rosales can deliver desirable performance outcomes. The interplay between the different materials influences how users experience sound and tactile feedback. In the case of the Fairy, the nylon top and bottom collaborate to create a unified deep auditory and tactile signature. Contrastingly, the Jade Rosales combines the clear, resonant properties of polycarbonate with its custom bottom housing to create an exciting and sharp auditory experience. Thus, while the materials differ fundamentally, they both maintain their unique strengths by leveraging the relationship between top and bottom housings to elicit specific sound profiles and user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, notable differences are evident in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Akko Fairy requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, giving it a medium weight, while the Bsun Jade Rosales is lighter, needing only 45 grams to actuate and bottoming out at 53 grams. This makes the Jade Rosales a more suitable option for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Fairy's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial feel, which some users might appreciate for a firmer typing experience. Overall, users looking for a lighter option will likely prefer the Jade Rosales, while those who favor a stronger push feel may find the Akko Fairy more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, the differences become quite apparent. The Akko Fairy features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Bsun Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is longer. For users who favor quicker response times, the Fairy’s shorter travel distance may provide a more prompt tactile experience, aligning well with the preferences of gamers and those seeking speedy key presses. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which might be more appealing for those who appreciate a more substantial feel during typing. Thus, individuals' preferences will dictate whether they choose the Fairy for its responsiveness or the Jade Rosales for its depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Fairy switches are characterized by their muted and neutral profiles, making them ideal for office environments where noise reduction is key. The muted sound signature minimizes the typical mechanical clacks, ensuring a quieter workspace while still providing a satisfying typing experience. This neutrality allows the Fairy switches to cater to both beginners and experienced users alike, offering versatility across various settings. In contrast, the sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales switches is not specified, but it's important to note that sound can greatly depend on the keyboard build, including the choice of board and keycaps used.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Akko Fairy clearly shines with its polished, mild, and subtle characteristics. This results in a silky typing experience, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication that reduces friction and ensures a smooth key travel. The mild nature of these switches provides a gentle yet satisfying tactile feedback, suitable for prolonged use without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the feel of the Jade Rosales is not detailed, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its tactile profile compared to the Fairy switches.
Considering all available information, the Akko Fairy linear switches are tailored for environments where noise and typing smoothness are critical, fitting seamlessly into an office setup with their refined sound and polished feel. Meanwhile, while we lack specific details on the sound and feel of the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, both options promise a level of smoothness that makes them appealing choices. If sound and feel profiles vary, the Fairy switches offer a well-rounded experience suitable for collaborative spaces and extended typing sessions, while the Jade Rosales may present alternative characteristics that could be just as rewarding, but remain to be explored further.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Akko Fairy linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will play a significant role. If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable typing experience that excels in an office setting, the Akko Fairy is your go-to option. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a perfect balance, offering enough resistance for satisfying keystrokes while minimizing fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, its muted sound profile and polished feel make it an excellent choice for shared workspaces where quietness is essential. On the other hand, if you're after a smoother and more refined typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force of 53 grams, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches could be the better fit. These switches are designed for those who prioritize a fluid feel and an ultra-smooth typing experience, making them ideal for heavy typists or gamers who enjoy a more responsive feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to different needs, so reflect on your daily activities and personal preferences to make the best choice for your setup.
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