HMX Hibiscus vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two notable contenders in the linear switch arena are the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Jade Rosales. The Hibiscus, renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, boasts an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches, providing an effortless typing experience paired with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy sound that can bring a delightful auditory dimension to your keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales stands out for its meticulous craftsmanship, having undergone a year of refinement, which results in a remarkably smooth typing feel enhanced by bespoke housings and lubrication techniques. While the Hibiscus may appeal to those desiring a light and auditory feedback experience, the Jade Rosales caters to users who prioritize a premium, smooth engagement backed by thoughtful engineering. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T3
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
The HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Jade Rosales utilize distinctly different materials for their top housings, leading to divergent sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Hibiscus features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition that absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This housing material is designed to create a rounder and more muted sound profile, which can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a sound that is less bright and more subdued. In contrast, the Jade Rosales employs a polycarbonate top housing that is inherently stiffer, contributing to a sharper, crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also enhances the switch's aesthetics, particularly when combined with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing as well as acoustically distinct.
While the Hibiscus offers a consistent nylon construction for both its top and bottom housings, the Jade Rosales employs a proprietary "Custom Milky Material" for the bottom housing, creating another layer of complexity regarding sound and tactile feedback. The nylon bottom housing of the Hibiscus retains its deep sound profile, further accentuating the fullness when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales's bottom housing will introduce a nuanced variance thanks to its unique material, which could balance the sharper elements provided by the polycarbonate top. This difference might create a distinct bottom-out feel and sound that contrasts with the Hibiscus while still inviting a pleasurable typing experience.
In summary, while the Hibiscus and Jade Rosales switches embody contrasting materials that yield different auditory experiences, they both have the potential to satisfy enthusiasts looking for their preferred typing feel. The characteristics of the Hibiscus’s nylon housing create a cohesive sound that relaxes the overall experience, while the differentiated materials of the Jade Rosales lend it a versatility that could cater to varying preferences among users. Should the sound experience be comparable, it's likely due to the bottom housing qualities balancing out the divergent effects of the top housings, allowing users to enjoy both softer and crisper experiences within the landscape of mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch to the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, which influence the typing experience. The Hibiscus switch has a lower actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Jade Rosales switch requires a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and has a higher bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions will find the Hibiscus more comfortable, while those who enjoy a more substantial feedback will appreciate the Jade Rosales model's heavier push feel. Overall, the Hibiscus switch caters to those seeking ease and minimal fatigue, whereas the Jade Rosales may appeal to users looking for a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
The HMX Hibiscus linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which means that users will experience the same distance traveled when pressing down on a key with either switch. This identical travel distance results in a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience, making them similar options for those seeking a linear switch feel. Since both switches share this measurement, users can expect comparable performance in terms of key press depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 Hibiscus linear switch stands out with a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. This auditory profile makes typing on these switches a more engaging and enjoyable experience, providing a delightful feedback that can enhance the overall satisfaction of your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, which means you might not have clear expectations regarding the auditory feedback provided by these switches. However, it’s important to note that the sound of a switch can be significantly influenced by the keyboard’s construction, the materials used in the keycaps, and other factors. As such, your experience with either switch could vary depending on your particular setup.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch boasts an unparalleled smoothness that is often touted as one of its strongest qualities. This attribute, combined with its ultra-light actuation force, allows for a feather-light typing experience that many users find to be exceptionally comfortable and conducive to long typing sessions. The Bsun Jade Rosales switch also offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, refined through meticulous crafting over a year. While both switches emphasize smooth operation, the Hibiscus's lighter actuation force may cater to those who prefer a less resistive touch, whereas the Jade Rosales's unique design and refinement might offer a different kind of tactile satisfaction.
In summary, both the HMX Hibiscus and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches provide an overall smooth typing experience, making them appealing options for keyboard enthusiasts. The Hibiscus offers a distinct sound profile that adds a layer of enjoyment, while the Jade Rosales remains uncertain in this respect but promises to deliver smooth performance thanks to extensive refinements. Ultimately, individuals may gravitate toward either switch based on personal preference for sound and feel, with one switch offering a clear auditory characteristic and the other representing a more customizable and possibly softer experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch that requires less effort to press down and delivers a uniquely smooth and clacky auditory feedback, the Hibiscus is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a light touch while typing or gaming. Its 48-gram actuation force makes it ideal for users who favor quick, effortless keystrokes, resulting in a delightful typing experience that feels almost effortless. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced typing experience with a slightly firmer feel, the Jade Rosales at 53 grams provides that medium-light resistance, which can be beneficial for those who prefer more tactile feedback without being overly heavy. This switch is also well-structured for long typing sessions, where that extra weight can help in reducing accidental key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer commendable smoothness in operation, so your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize featherlight actuation or prefer a hint more resistance for precise control.
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