HMX Gravel vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the HMX Gravel and the Bsun Jade Rosales both offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The HMX Gravel is widely appreciated for its exceptional smoothness and a medium-light actuation force that promotes a responsive, effortless typing experience. Its design makes it particularly appealing for those who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches stand out for their meticulous refinement, developed over a year with custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. This results in a sublime smooth typing experience that many enthusiasts find irresistible, especially for long typing sessions. While both switches are linear, offering a quiet operation free from tactile bumps or audible clicks, they cater to slightly different preferences in feel and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
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
The HMX Gravel and Bsun Jade Rosales both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which yields similar sound characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its strength and rigidity, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes both switches excellent choices for enthusiasts who value audio clarity, especially if they plan to pair them with RGB lighting; the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aesthetics of illuminated keys. Given that both switches share this material for their top housing, users can expect a comparable resonance and clarity in sound during key releases, creating an overall unified auditory experience.
Conversely, the bottom housings of the Gravel and Jade Rosales differ significantly, with the Gravel employing nylon and the Jade Rosales featuring a custom milky material. Nylon, a classic choice for switch housings, is characterized by its softer texture, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the proprietary milky blend of the Jade Rosales, while not elaborated on in detail, suggests a design aimed at balancing auditory qualities distinct from traditional nylon. This raises the possibility that the Jade Rosales could offer a unique tactile feel or sound response that users might find appealing, albeit with a different character than the Gravel.
The divergence in bottom housing materials results in varied auditory experiences when the switches are engaged. Since the bottom housing significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, users may notice that the Gravel provides a classic typing feel aligned with deep timbres, whereas the Jade Rosales might impart a fresher or more modern sound signature, influenced by its proprietary materials. The interplay between the polycarbonate top housing and different bottom housings indicates that while certain acoustic responses will be consonant due to shared features, the overall experience will vary, providing fans of both brands with a unique choice depending on their sound and feel preferences.
Weight
The HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This means that users can expect a similar level of responsiveness when typing or gaming with either switch, making them equally suitable for long sessions where fatigue might be a concern. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Gravel at 50 grams and the Jade Rosales at 53 grams. This difference suggests that the Gravel switch offers a lighter overall feel, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. Conversely, the Jade Rosales, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial and perhaps satisfying feel for users who enjoy a firmer push. In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Gravel has the advantage of being lighter, while the Jade Rosales offers a heavier bottom out feel.
Travel distance
Both the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that users will experience identical keypress feedback when using either switch. Since both switches share the same travel distance, individuals seeking a consistent typing experience will find similar results in terms of key actuation and feel. Therefore, there is no distinction between the two in terms of travel distance, making both options equally suitable for those who prefer a 3.5 mm travel distance in their switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel 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
The HMX Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth operation, creating a pleasant auditory experience that adds to the overall typing satisfaction. While specific sound characteristics of the Gravel are not detailed, its smoothness suggests a sound profile that is likely soft and unobtrusive, especially when paired with appropriate keycaps and a well-designed keyboard. The Bsun Jade Rosales switch, on the other hand, has also been crafted with an emphasis on sound quality, but specific tonal qualities are not provided. In general, the sound of both switches can be influenced significantly by the choice of keyboard and keycap material, so users can expect similar results in their auditory experience when considering how each switch interacts with their setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gravel switch stands out for its medium-light actuation force, which helps achieve a responsive typing action that many users find effortless. This characteristic contributes to a refined typing feel, making it suitable for both casual typing and more intense gaming sessions. The Bsun Jade Rosales switch, meticulously refined over a year, also delivers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, suggesting a comparable feel that emphasizes a seamless transition between keystrokes. Both switches focus on providing a fluid and enjoyable experience, appealing to a wide range of keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, both the HMX Gravel and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches are designed with an emphasis on smoothness and refined typing experiences, making them excellent choices for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards. Users can expect satisfying auditory and tactile feedback from either option, although specific sound qualities remain unspecified. Ultimately, the Gravel provides a more accessible actuation force, while the Jade Rosales boasts a rigorous refinement process, making both switches viable options depending on individual preferences and typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HMX Gravel linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, your preferences and typing style will guide your decision. If you favor a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the HMX Gravel, with its 50 grams bottom out force, offers a remarkably smooth and responsive feel that can help reduce finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize speed and comfort in their work or gaming endeavors. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly firmer resistance with a medium-light touch, the Bsun Jade Rosales at 53 grams offers a bit more stability while still maintaining an exceptionally smooth operation. These switches are tailored for individuals who want a refined experience born from meticulous design and craftsmanship. Additionally, the sound profile and feel should also factor into your choice; if you prefer a particular auditory feedback or tactile sensation that either of these switches provides, that may further influence your selection. Ultimately, knowing your typing habits and what qualities you value most in a switch will lead you to make the right choice between the Gravel and the Jade Rosales.
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