Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options are the Bsun Jade Rosales, a linear switch, and the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch. The Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio, are renowned for their exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to a year-long refinement process that included custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques. This makes them a great choice for typists seeking a seamless and fluid keypress without the tactile bump of a traditional switch. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE switches offer a unique auditory experience with their clean, low sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, making them suitable for users who appreciate a quieter operation coupled with the distinct advantages of magnetic sensing technology. Each switch caters to different preferences: while the Jade Rosales is ideal for those who prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted feel, the Lavender HE attracts those who value a quieter, innovative approach to typing. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Neo Lavender HE switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their respective compositions. The Jade Rosales utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, leading to a more resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is particularly beneficial for those who wish to use RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant and clear display. In contrast, the Lavender HE's nylon top housing is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in material properties shapes the auditory experience during typing, with the Jade Rosales favoring brightness and clarity, while the Lavender HE leans toward a mellower tone.
The bottom housings of the two switches further exemplify their differences. The Jade Rosales features a custom milky material that is a proprietary blend from BSUN, though its specific sound characteristics may not be explicitly detailed. The distinct nature of this custom material may contribute unique properties that influence the overall feel and sound produced when bottoming out. By contrast, the Lavender HE relies on a nylon bottom housing, which consistently delivers a rich and subdued sound profile, reinforcing the overall damping effect initiated by its top housing. As a result, the combination of nylon in both the top and bottom housings of the Lavender HE leads to a uniform, warmer typing experience compared to the potentially varied dynamics offered by the combination of polycarbonate and the proprietary blend in the Jade Rosales.
Despite their differences, there are some similarities in how the two switches can achieve satisfying typing experiences. If you use the Jade Rosales with RGB lighting, the sharpness of the polycarbonate top housing allows the colors to pop vividly, enhancing the aesthetic experience. Meanwhile, the Jade Rosales' proprietary bottom housing may still produce a satisfying bottom-out feel that stands in contrast to the deeper experience offered by the Lavender HE's nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, both switches provide engaging tactile experiences that cater to varying preferences, with the Jade Rosales appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced sound and aesthetic appeal, while the Lavender HE caters to users who prefer a warmer, fuller auditory experience and a consistent feel with its nylon materials.
Weight
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch present an interesting comparison regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light in feel. In contrast, the Lavender HE has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option of the two. While both switches provide a tactile experience, the Jade Rosales demands a bit more effort, which might appeal to users who appreciate a stronger push feel for typing or gaming. Meanwhile, the lighter Lavender HE may be more suitable for prolonged use, as it reduces finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions. Overall, although the actuation and bottom out forces differ, both switches can deliver satisfying keystroke results, with the Jade Rosales offering a heavier resistance compared to the Lavender HE.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights the Jade Rosales as the shorter option, which could provide a quicker response time, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking fast actuation. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Lavender HE offers a more substantial feel, potentially appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus key depth, but those who prioritize quicker action may lean towards the Jade Rosales switch.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 switches provide a unique auditory experience characterized by a refined tone, although specific sound qualities are not described in detail. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switches are noted for producing a clean, low sound, which is particularly appealing for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. This distinction suggests that while both switches may aim for a smoother auditory profile, the Jade Rosales may have a more varied sound depending on the build, whereas the Lavender HE consistently offers a subdued, pleasant noise during use.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switches stand out for their exceptionally smooth typing experience, refined through meticulous customizations and lubrication techniques. This attention to detail contributes to a seamless and enjoyable keystroke, likely making it a favorite among typists seeking a buttery sensation. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE switches, being hall effect switches, offer a distinct unique feel influenced by their magnetic mechanism, creating a different kind of responsiveness. While both switches aim for an enjoyable tactile interaction, the Jade Rosales leans towards a traditional, silky smooth action, while the Lavender HE introduces a fresh take with its magnetic responsiveness.
Overall, the BSUN Jade Rosales and the Neo Lavender HE switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Jade Rosales excels with its exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to its careful refinements, while the Lavender HE offers a unique, quiet auditory experience with a responsive feel shaped by its magnetic technology. Depending on your priorities—be it sound profile or typing sensation—either switch may fit well into a mechanical keyboard setup, promising an enjoyable typing experience tailored to personal taste.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel, sound, and the specific use case. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales is an excellent choice. Its prolonged development ensures that you’ll enjoy a tactile response that many enthusiasts rave about. This switch is particularly suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke without being overly heavy, making it ideal for long typing sessions. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter and quieter experience with a bottom out force of only 50 grams, the Lavender HE is your best bet, especially if you appreciate a cleaner sound profile and magnetic actuation. This switch works seamlessly with Wooting keyboards and is excellent for gaming or situations where silence is preferred. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, and your choice should reflect whether you value a smooth, refined feel or a lightweight, quiet keystroke.
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