Gateron Ink Yellow vs. Bsun Jade Rosales
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Jade Rosales switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Jade Rosales present two intriguing options, both classified as linear switches but with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ink Yellow is celebrated for its shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that strikes an appealing balance between the feel of a laptop and that of a traditional mechanical keyboard. With its smooth yet mildly clacky feedback, it appeals to users who appreciate a bit of auditory feedback while typing—ideal for those who value both speed and a touch of tactile enjoyment. On the other hand, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches, refined over a year by XY Studio, promise an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience. Their meticulous engineering focuses on ensuring a seamless keystroke, making them attractive to users who prioritize a fluid typing experience without any perceptible resistance. Both switches cater to distinct typing styles and preferences, making them worthy contenders for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and the Bsun Jade Rosales serve distinct purposes in shaping the overall auditory and tactile experiences of the respective switches. The Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to yield a pointed, high-pitched sound profile that many enthusiasts describe as clacky. In contrast, the Jade Rosales employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its crisp and clearer sound characteristics due to polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness. While both involve sound profiles that emphasize higher frequencies, the Gateron Ink Yellow’s INK blend may introduce a slightly softer approach, whereas the polycarbonate housing of the Jade Rosales sharpens and enhances auditory clarity. This fundamental difference suggests that users may encounter variances in sound quality depending on their preferred auditory aesthetics.
The bottom housing of each switch further accentuates these distinctions, contributing to the overall sensation and sound during operation. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing echoes its top counterpart by providing a similar high-pitched yet balanced auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jade Rosales features a Custom Milky Material bottom housing. Although the specifics of this proprietary blend may remain unclear, it inherently introduces its own auditory signature that differs from Gateron's INK blend, which could deepen the tonal contrasts of bottoming out and actuation. Therefore, while both switches aim for a satisfying auditory and tactile feedback, they present a multifaceted configuration influenced by their respective bottom housing materials.
When both the top and bottom housings differ, the ultimate experience of these switches can be dissected into separate components, with each housing contributing distinct qualities to the overall feel and sound. As a result, pressing down on either switch will reveal how the bottom housings impact the bottom-out feel, while releasing the keys allows the top housing's material to take center stage in the sound profile. Consequently, even if the Gateron Ink Yellow and Bsun Jade Rosales exhibit differences in their construction, they can still produce similar results in user experience, especially regarding the interplay of sound and feedback. This orbit of material contrast harmonizes to create a unique yet relatable experience among both switches, drawing interest from enthusiasts seeking distinct auditory feelings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Ink Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Jade Rosales is lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that typists seeking a lighter touch for extended periods or long gaming sessions may find the Jade Rosales more comfortable, while users who prefer a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier Ink Yellow switch. Ultimately, users will experience a significant difference in feel between these two switches, as the Ink Yellow provides a firmer resistance compared to the softer response of the Jade Rosales.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, you can expect similar tactile feedback and keystroke depth when using either switch, contributing to a consistent feel and performance in typing and gaming scenarios.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Yellow switch offers a balanced auditory profile characterized as both neutral and clacky. This means it produces a moderate sound level that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The clacky quality adds a sharp and snappy character to each keypress, creating a bright and percussive sound that is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, there is no provided sound description for the Bsun Jade Rosales switch, making it difficult to compare its acoustic qualities directly with the Ink Yellow, but sound can be influenced by many factors like the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switches are noted for their mild and polished characteristics. The mildness offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable for users of varying skill levels, making it a versatile choice for both casual typing and gaming. The polished aspect signifies a smooth travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall comfort during extended use. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Bsun Jade Rosales switch are not available, leaving a gap in the ability to compare the two switches directly in this regard.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch stands out for its unique combination of sound and feel, with clear descriptors of its neutral yet clacky sound profile and a smooth, mild typing experience. The absence of specific qualities for the Bsun Jade Rosales switch means we cannot draw direct comparisons, particularly in sound and tactile feedback, suggesting that while the Ink Yellow excels in these areas, the Jade Rosales switch may offer a different experience that remains undescribed. Consequently, if you're considering a switch that provides a balanced sound experience and smooth feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow is a solid option, while the Jade Rosales could be worth exploring once more information is available.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch should be guided by your specific typing preferences and habits. If you lean towards a typing experience that strikes a balance between a laptop's lightness and the more tactile feel of a traditional mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams would be an excellent fit. It provides a pleasant smoothness with a clacky sound profile, making it suitable for both casual typing and more focused work settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a noticeably lighter touch with a softer typing experience, the Jade Rosales could be your go-to switch. Its medium-light 53 grams of force, combined with meticulous design refinements, promises an exceptionally smooth and refined feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you appreciate a more robust, satisfying action with audible feedback or a light, seamless experience that still delivers on performance.
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