Gateron Ink Box Pink vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Jade Rosales stand out as intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a satisfying typing experience. The Ink Box Pink is celebrated for its beautiful translucent design and offers a smoother, lighter typing feel that many users appreciate, especially for its distinctive high-pitched clack that adds character to each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Jade Rosales boasts a meticulous design process that has refined its custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques over a year, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and consistent typing experience without any specified categorizations. While the Ink Box Pink may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a silky touch, the Jade Rosales caters to users seeking a premium tactile experience with an emphasis on smoothness. 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
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
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches exhibit notable differences that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, leading to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that many users find satisfying due to its clacky nature. This sound is less sharp and more rounded, which provides a unique acoustic experience during both key presses and releases. In contrast, the Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes a sharper, crisper sound due to the material’s inherent stiffness. This property allows for a sound that is clearer and more resonant, particularly beneficial in setups where RGB lighting is utilized, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetics of illuminated switches.
When examining the bottom housings of these switches, we can see how the materials further contrast. The Ink Box Pink features the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, maintaining the switch's overall sound quality with a cohesive design that influences the bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales uses a Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, which is specifically developed by BSUN. This custom blend potentially alters the tactile feedback and sound of the switch when bottomed out, though it still harmonizes with the sharper characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing. The blend used in the bottom housing of the Jade Rosales thus produces a different sensation and sound profile when compared to the Ink Box Pink, which remains uniform in its material across both top and bottom housings.
In summary, while both the Gateron Ink Box Pink and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches strive for high-pitched sound profiles, they each achieve these outcomes through distinct materials. The top housing of the Ink Box Pink delivers a clackier sound, while the Jade Rosales provides a crisper acoustic due to its polycarbonate build. The interplay of materials in each switch also influences the overall experience when pressed: the Ink Box Pink offers a unified sound from both housing components, whereas the Jade Rosales’ Custom Milky Material introduces variability in feedback. Consequently, users might find satisfaction in both switches, albeit through differing auditory experiences, highlighting how the combination of housing materials can lead to unique yet enjoyable results.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Box Pink features a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the heavier option. In contrast, the Jade Rosales has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, positioning it as a medium-light choice. The lighter actuation force of the Jade Rosales may appeal to users who prefer long typing sessions or casual gaming, as it requires less effort to activate. On the other hand, the greater force required by the Ink Box Pink might attract those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Overall, if you're looking for a lightweight switch for comfort, the Bsun Jade Rosales would be the better fit, whereas the Gateron Ink Box Pink would be suitable for those wanting a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, we find that the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jade Rosales measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Ink Box Pink offers a bit more depth, potentially providing a more substantial feel when pressing the key, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Jade Rosales, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal to gamers or those who prioritize quick response times over tactile feedback. Therefore, for those seeking a deeper feel, the Ink Box Pink is the better option, while users who prefer a snappier action may find the Jade Rosales more suitable. Overall, while the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can still influence the choice based on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Box Pink 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 Pink 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 Pink linear switch stands out with its distinctly clacky and high-pitched characteristics. Users can expect a sharp and snappy sound with each keystroke, which provides a crisp and lively auditory feedback that many find enjoyable. This makes it suitable for those who prefer a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch remains largely unknown; without specific descriptors available, it’s difficult to directly compare its acoustic qualities to those of the Ink Box Pink. It's important to keep in mind that sound can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap choice, so personal preference plays a significant role.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Ink Box Pink offers a remarkably smooth and silky typing experience, characterized by reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The polished nature of the switch further enhances this sensation, allowing for a sleek key travel that many users find pleasurable. Although there is no detailed information available on the feel of the Jade Rosales, it is noted that they were crafted with meticulous refinements, including custom housings and lubrication techniques. This suggests that they too may deliver an exceptionally smooth typing experience, though specifics remain uncertain.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is ideal for those who appreciate a lively sound and silky typing feel, making it a popular choice for a vibrant and responsive feel while typing. The absence of detailed sound and feel information on the Bsun Jade Rosales makes it challenging to draw definitive comparisons, but with their refined manufacturing process, they are likely to deliver a satisfying experience as well. Ultimately, both switches are designed with quality in mind, and choosing one over the other may come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron Ink Box Pink and Bsun Jade Rosales linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel during your typing or gaming sessions. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with a medium bottom-out force and appreciate a lively, clacky sound profile that adds character to your keystrokes, the Ink Box Pink is an excellent choice. These switches provide a silky and polished experience, ideal for those who type extensively or require a more engaging auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales switches stand out as an exceptional option. Their meticulously refined design, which emphasizes an incredibly smooth typing experience, makes them perfect for long hours of typing without fatigue. While the Jade Rosales might not have the same auditory presence as the Ink Box Pink, their refinement and smoothness can lead to a more subtle yet satisfying experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize sound and a slightly firmer feel or a smoother, quieter typing experience.