Bsun Jade Rosales vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Jade Rosales and KTT Laurel are two notable options within the linear switch category, each bringing unique qualities to the table. The Jade Rosales switch, meticulously refined over a year by XY Studio, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to custom housings, stems, and precise lubrication techniques. This switch is ideal for users seeking a seamless feel and a low-resistance travel that prioritizes comfort during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Laurel offers a medium-light touch with its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, striking a balance between responsiveness and user comfort. With its subtly low-pitched sound profile and snappy feedback, the Laurel appeals to those who appreciate a tactile yet quiet typing experience. Each switch has its merits; the Jade Rosales is perfect for those who prioritize smoothness, while the KTT Laurel caters to users looking for a quick but pleasant response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and KTT Laurel switches present fascinating contrasts in their choice of housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory profiles. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This hardness and rigidity of the polycarbonate allow for a higher-pitched and clearer sound, perfect for those seeking an articulate auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Laurel opts for a POM top housing that creates a deeper, more muted sound profile. This distinction in sound characteristics results from the material properties, making the Jade Rosales more suitable for users looking for a bright, crisp keystroke, while the Laurel caters to those who favor a soft and rounded auditory experience.
Examining the bottom housing reveals another layer of difference. The Jade Rosales utilizes a proprietary Custom Milky Material, which is specially blended to produce distinct sound qualities. While specific information on how this blend compares to POM isn't available, it is reasonable to speculate that it would prioritize a unique sensation alongside a potentially more nuanced sound profile. The KTT Laurel, on the other hand, features a POM bottom housing, which aligns with the overall mellow sound profile of the switch. The muted depth of the KTT Laurel is consistent in both its top and bottom housing, offering a harmonious feel that contrasts with the sharper nuances presented by the Jade Rosales.
In terms of the overall experience, while both switches utilize differing materials for their housings, they together embody unique sensibilities in the realm of sound. The Jade Rosales overall aims for a clearer and more resonant experience, with the polycarbonate top emphasizing the upper harmonic of keystrokes, while the Custom Milky Material in the bottom allows for a distinct character. Conversely, the KTT Laurel maintains a more cohesive sound profile through its use of POM in both the top and bottom housing, emphasizing a muted and deeper sound overall. Despite their differences, there is a shared underlying principle affecting key feel and sound, as each switch derives its final auditory response from the qualities of both housing materials, ultimately providing users tailored auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which classifies it as medium-light. In contrast, the KTT Laurel features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Laurel easier to press, potentially benefiting users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or extended gaming. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the Jade Rosales offers a slightly firmer push feel due to its heavier forces. Consequently, users who enjoy more resistance in their keystrokes might find the Jade Rosales more suitable, while those seeking a lighter typing experience may prefer the KTT Laurel. Overall, these differences in force characteristics can significantly influence user preference based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.5 mm, indicating that users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of these switches. Since both switches have identical travel lengths, they will provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel, responsiveness, and tactile feedback. The equal travel distance underscores that neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, making them interchangeable options for those who prioritize a consistent keypress experience.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales switch is not specified, making it difficult to compare directly with the KTT Laurel switch, which is noted for its low-pitched sound. Low-pitched switches like the Laurel tend to produce a mellower tone that is more bass-heavy, offering a subtle auditory experience that can be soothing during longer typing sessions. The actual sound can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard design and keycaps used, so while the Laurel's profile provides a warm undertone, the Jade Rosales sound characteristics remain unknown.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switch promises an exceptionally smooth typing experience, although specific attributes are not outlined. In contrast, the KTT Laurel is characterized as snappy, which means it provides a highly responsive experience, likely due to its design that incorporates longer or dual-staged springs. This can result in a more engaging feel while typing, making it great for users who appreciate feedback and responsiveness in their keystrokes. While both switches may offer a satisfying typing experience, the nuanced differences in their tactile engagement are noteworthy.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Jade Rosales switch is recognized for its smoothness, the specifics regarding its sound and feel are not detailed. Alternatively, the KTT Laurel offers a low-pitched sound and a snappy, responsive feel, making it a strong contender for those who prioritize auditory and tactile feedback. Ultimately, if you're seeking a similar typing experience, either of these switches could potentially deliver satisfaction, with specific preferences dictating your final choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Laurel linear switches, consider your typing style and preferences. If you prefer a typing experience that emphasizes smoothness and refined action, the Jade Rosales, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and meticulous design, may be your ideal choice. Its smooth operation can make long typing sessions feel effortless, and it is particularly well-suited for work that demands precision and consistency. On the other hand, if you value a light touch and a responsive feel, the KTT Laurel, with a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a snappy action, could be more appealing. Its short travel and long pole design provide an invigorating typing experience, which is excellent for fast typists who enjoy a more immediate feedback. Moreover, the Laurel's low-pitched sound profile offers a subtler acoustic experience that may be preferable in quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard, whether that’s for gaming, professional work, or casual typing.