Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Melodic can greatly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Jade Rosales, a linear switch crafted by XY Studio, is well-regarded for its exceptionally smooth feel, thanks to a year-long refinement process involving custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques. This switch is particularly appealing to those who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing sensation, making it ideal for office environments or late-night gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic redefines the clicky switch category with its innovative design that incorporates smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This switch not only provides the satisfying click and tactile feedback that enthusiasts crave but does so without sacrificing smoothness, appealing to users who enjoy a more dynamic and audibly engaging typing experience. Each switch has its unique advantages depending on your preferences; 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
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Melodic switches share a key similarity in their top housings, both constructed from polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is a pivotal element of their performance. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it particularly effective for applications involving RGB lighting due to its translucency. Therefore, users can expect a bright and clear sound experience when utilizing these switches, leading to similar auditory perceptions when pressing the keys, especially in terms of the sounds produced upon key release.
However, the bottom housing materials set these two switches apart. The Bsun Jade Rosales features a Custom Milky Material bottom housing, which is described as a proprietary blend that likely aims to merge unique acoustic properties with aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic utilizes a nylon bottom housing tradition, noted for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. Unlike the sharper sound delivered by polycarbonate, the nylon composition absorbs more sound vibrations, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches can deliver a high level of performance in terms of sound, the overall sound profile will differ primarily due to the contrasting absorbing characteristics of the bottom housings.
When typing on either switch, the interplay between the different materials will influence the auditory and tactile feedback experienced by the user. The bottom housing, which significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, will deliver the distinct tonal qualities unique to its material. For instance, the Jade Rosales, with its proprietary blend, may provide a unique sound signature that complements the sharpness of the polycarbonate top, while the Melodic’s nylon bottom offers a rounded, muted feel that contrasts sharply. Thus, while the top housings offer a shared sonic clarity, the performance nuances resulting from the different bottom housing materials create a distinctive typing experience for each switch, leaving enthusiasts to appreciate their unique characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales requires an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, which can be appealing for those who type for extended periods or prefer a less strenuous experience during long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic's actuation force is unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare this specific aspect. However, we do know that its bottom out force is 60 grams, which is heavier than the Jade Rosales's 53 grams. This means that while the Rosales provides a medium-light feel during typing, the Melodic, with its higher bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, users seeking a lighter touch would lean towards the Jade Rosales, while those who appreciate a firmer feel might favor the Melodic.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Melodic switch offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which can provide a more tactile experience for users who prefer feeling a noticeable actuation point. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Jade Rosales switch may appeal to gamers and those seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker key presses. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Jade Rosales would be the preferable choice, while the Melodic may suit those who appreciate a richer keystroke 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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 notably quiet, offering a subdued typing experience that allows for a more focused environment, making it suitable for office or shared spaces. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch excels in producing a distinct auditory profile characterized by its resonant and crunchy sounds. This clicky switch delivers a higher-pitched and sharp sound that enhances the typing experience with a lively and engaging acoustic presence, reminiscent of crisp autumn leaves underfoot. As sound is influenced by factors such as keycap material and keyboard construction, both switches may resonate differently depending on the setup used.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by a meticulous design that ensures fluid keystrokes without any noticeable resistance or bump. This smoothness is a hallmark of finely crafted linear switches that cater to those who prioritize effortless key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a noticeably different tactile experience, featuring a creamy, buttery keystroke complemented by invigorating feedback. The moderate to firm actuation force in the Melodic gives users a snappy feel, ideal for those who appreciate clear, tactile cues with each press.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Jade Rosales switch focuses on delivering a smooth and quiet experience, the Gateron Melodic switch stands out for its sharp clicky sound and invigorating feedback. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on the user's prioritization of sound and tactile feedback. For those who prefer an unobtrusive environment, the Jade Rosales is an excellent choice, whereas the Melodic enriches the typing experience with its engaging acoustics and responsive feel. Each switch has its unique strengths, ensuring that enthusiasts have options tailored to their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your decision between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch should hinge on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a smooth and fluid typing experience without any tactile feedback, the Jade Rosales is the ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a lighter actuation force of 53 grams. This switch excels for activities where speed and accuracy matter, such as coding, writing, or gaming, allowing for effortless key presses that help you maintain a fast pace. On the other hand, if you relish the classic auditory and tactile sensations that come from a clicky switch, then the Gateron Melodic is the way to go. With a slightly firmer actuation force of 60 grams, this switch offers a satisfying crunch each time you type, providing a more invigorating and engaging experience that might enhance your typing joy while still being smooth due to the advanced lubing techniques. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you seek a more muted, fluid typing experience with the Jade Rosales or a vibrant, clicky feedback sensation with the Melodic, ensuring your mechanical keyboard setup aligns perfectly with your unique style and needs.
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