Gateron Ink Box Black vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Jade Rosales offer unique experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Ink Box Black, a linear switch, is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel, alongside a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, giving it a clacky and high-pitched character that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales, also a linear switch, distinguishes itself through meticulous refinement over an entire year with custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience without a specified sound profile. Those who seek a more expressive audio feedback may lean towards the Ink Box Black, while those who prioritize a luxuriously smooth keystroke will likely prefer the Jade Rosales. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Black and the Bsun Jade Rosales, it becomes evident that both switches prioritize sound profile and aesthetic appeal, though they utilize different materials that contribute uniquely to their characteristics. The Ink Box Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is noted for producing a pointed yet pleasantly high-pitched sound profile that many users describe as clacky. This material choice implies an intentional design that aims to balance sound clarity and resonance. In contrast, the Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, known for generating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. The translucency of polycarbonate also offers an advantage for custom RGB lighting setups, making it a visually appealing option for those who value aesthetics alongside performance.
The bottom housings of the two switches present further contrast in material choice. The Ink Box Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend as its top housing, maintaining consistency in its sound profile. This cohesion allows for a seamlessly integrated auditory experience, where both the bottoming-out sound and the release sound flow together harmoniously. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales employs a Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, which is proprietary to BSUN. This distinct material may influence the switch's bottom-out feel and sound, contributing additional texture and depth to the typing experience. The difference in materials between the two switches indicates that while both may produce high-pitched sounds, the overall experience—especially at the moment of bottoming out—could feel quite different.
Despite the differences in material between the two switches, users may achieve similar sound profiles when typing if they appreciate the tonal characteristics associated with pointed and high-pitched sounds. The influence of the top housing is crucial during key release, where both switches exhibit similar higher-pitched acoustic profiles. While the bottom housing of the Ink Box Black maintains a more unified sound framework through the same INK blend material, the Jade Rosales's Custom Milky Material can still produce satisfying acoustic results, contingent on user preferences for actuating feedback and sound clarity. Ultimately, both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for distinct yet comparable auditory experiences through innovative material selection.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Jade Rosales is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that users who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions, such as those who use their keyboard for work or gaming, would likely prefer the Jade Rosales. Conversely, users seeking a more substantial feel with a heavier push may find the Ink Box Black more appealing. Overall, since the actuation and bottom out forces are different, individuals will experience distinct feedback and resistance levels when using each switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we find that the Ink Box Black has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jade Rosales has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch that provides a bit more depth when pressed, the Ink Box Black may be the preferable choice, offering a more substantial feel. Conversely, if you prioritize a more responsive key press, the Jade Rosales, with its slightly shorter travel distance, might better suit your needs, particularly for gaming where quick response times are critical. Overall, both switches offer a relatively close travel distance, but the Ink Box Black is the longer option, providing a deeper tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch stands out with its distinctive auditory profile, reminiscent of a shake from a spray paint can. This sound signature offers a clacky and high-pitched experience, which delivers a sharp and snappy noise when pressed, ideal for those who enjoy a more lively acoustic feedback while typing. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Bsun Jade Rosales remain unspecified, making it challenging to provide a direct comparison. However, it is essential to recognize that the overall sound quality of any switch can vary significantly depending on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches excel with their incredibly silky and polished attributes. Users can expect an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience due to the minimized friction provided by these switches, resulting in an effortless keypress and release. Meanwhile, there is no specific information detailing the tactile qualities of the Jade Rosales; therefore, an adequate comparison regarding how they feel during use is lacking. However, it is reasonable to anticipate that, like the Ink Box Black, the Jade Rosales may offer a commendable typing experience due to the meticulous refining process employed in its design.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch presents itself as an excellent option for those seeking a lively sound profile combined with a super smooth feel. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch remains a mystery concerning its auditory and tactile performance, leaving potential users wanting more insight. Regardless, if sound and feel align with desired characteristics, it's likely that both switches can satisfy a range of preferences, but users may want to lean towards the Ink Box Black for assured auditory feedback and smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial key press with a bottom-out force of 70 grams, the Ink Box Black might be your go-to option. Its smooth and creamy feel, coupled with a sound signature that is clacky and high-pitched, offers a tactile experience that can be satisfying for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who like to feel the authority of their keystrokes, making it ideal for gaming or typing tasks that benefit from definitive feedback. However, if you favor a lighter touch, with its bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Bsun Jade Rosales is likely a better fit for you. Known for its exceptionally smooth typing experience due to its refined construction, the Jade Rosales provides a delightful, almost ethereal feel without the added weight, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or rapid keystrokes. The choice boils down to whether you prioritize a firmer, authoritative feel or a smooth, effortless typing experience.
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