Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Durock Koala stand out for their unique characteristics and user experiences. The Bsun Jade Rosales, a linear switch, is celebrated for its meticulously refined design that promises an exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized as bouncy, clacky, and creamy. Ideal for those who crave a seamless and fluid keystroke without any tactile interruptions, this switch is perfect for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and ease of use. In contrast, the Durock Koala offers a tactile experience that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. With its stepped tactility, this switch provides a pronounced bump during activation, delivering a satisfying keypress without overwhelming noise. Such features make the Koala an excellent choice for users who enjoy a bit of feedback while typing, making it suitable for both typists and casual gamers. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The top housings of both the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Durock Koala share the same material, polycarbonate, which plays a crucial role in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clearer, crisper, and higher-pitched sound, creating an enhanced auditory experience. The translucency of polycarbonate not only allows for improved RGB lighting effects but also ensures a consistently sharp sound output. Both switches, featuring polycarbonate top housings, will yield similar results in terms of sound clarity and aesthetic appeal, making them well-suited for users who prioritize auditory feedback and visual aesthetics in their keyboard builds.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the Jade Rosales and the Koala. The Jade Rosales employs a proprietary Custom Milky Material, which is distinct from the Koala's nylon bottom housing. The nylon used in the Koala is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. This material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is more rounded and muted. Consequently, while both switches may deliver a bright sound from their polycarbonate tops, the bottom housings will impart contrasting characteristics that influence the overall auditory experience. The Koala's nylon bottom will provide a more subdued feel compared to the potentially richer sound produced by the Jade Rosales's Custom Milky material.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials results in a unique sound profile for each switch, influenced by the varying properties of their respective bottom housings. The Jade Rosales will likely exhibit more pronounced acoustic clarity and brightness while retaining some resonance from its proprietary material, whereas the Durock Koala will offer a softer, more rounded sound characterized by the absorption properties of nylon. Users can expect distinct feels and responses from each switch, reflecting their respective design philosophies and base materials. Thus, the decision between the two will largely depend on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces emerges. The Jade Rosales features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons without causing excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Koala presents a bottom out force of 67 grams but lacks a specified actuation force, placing it in the medium-heavy category. This heavier bottom out force indicates a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer for a firmer feel. Consequently, the Jade Rosales is the lighter option, while the Koala is heavier, catering to different typing preferences. If the actuation forces between the two were to be equal, users could anticipate a consistent experience with respect to the amount of pressure needed to register keystrokes. However, given the provided specifications, those who prioritize a lighter switch would likely find the Jade Rosales more appealing, while those seeking more resistance may gravitate toward the Koala.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Jade Rosales features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Koala has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users of the Jade Rosales will experience a slightly shorter keypress, which may appeal to those who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, particularly in gaming scenarios. On the other hand, the Koala, with its deeper travel distance, may provide a more substantial feedback that some users find preferable for typing and general use. Ultimately, if you lean towards faster response times, the Jade Rosales is the better choice, whereas the Koala caters to those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Bsun Jade Rosales switch is known for its clacky profile, delivering a sharp and snappy acoustic feedback that can be described as crisp and bright. This lively sound contributes to a more engaging typing experience, especially for users who appreciate auditory cues. In contrast, the Durock Koala switch offers a more subdued auditory experience characterized by its low-pitched and neutral tones. The bass-heavy nature of the Koala switch allows for a richer, yet less intrusive sound profile, making it suitable for different environments, whether in a shared workspace or in your own home.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switch excels with its bouncy and creamy sensation, providing a lively feedback that feels springy and elastic with a buttery smoothness. This combination ensures that each keystroke feels effortless and smooth, contributing to a sense of enjoyment during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Koala switch presents a polished and accented tactile feedback that strikes a balance between a pronounced bump and an overall smooth experience. Its stepped design offers a tactile response that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle, making it suitable for users who prefer a moderate tactile sensation without the excessive harshness often found in hypertactile switches.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences: the Bsun Jade Rosales is ideal for users seeking a vibrant sound and an ultra-smooth feel that enhances the typing experience, while the Durock Koala serves those looking for a versatile sound profile paired with a balanced tactile sensation. Depending on personal preference, each switch can offer a satisfying typing experience; those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback might lean towards the Jade, while those who prefer a subtler and refined acoustic experience can find their match with the Koala. The choice ultimately comes down to how you value sound and feel in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you enjoy a smooth, buttery typing experience with a light bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its bouncy and creamy feel, paired with a clacky sound profile, makes it ideal for users who appreciate a responsive and lively feedback during fast typing or gaming sessions. This switch shines in environments where you want to maximize comfort and ease of use, such as for long writing sessions or casual gaming.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and enjoy the tactile sensation of a pronounced bump during your keystrokes, the Durock Koala is your go-to option. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams and a polished feel that offers a balanced typing experience, it strikes a perfect middle ground for those who like audible feedback without overwhelming sharpness. The Koala's low-pitched sound and accentuated tactile response make it suitable not only for typing but also for office environments where a more neutral yet satisfying experience is desired. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize smoothness or tactility in your mechanical keyboard experience, so select the switch that resonates with your typing style and enhances your overall keyboard satisfaction.
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