Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the expansive world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly affect the overall typing experience. For instance, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches stand out as a refined linear option, expertly crafted by XY Studio. These switches are renowned for their exceptionally smooth performance, characterized by a 'bouncy,' 'clacky,' and 'creamy' feel, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate fluid and uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switches offer a tactile experience with a focus on office practicality. Their gentle tactility and muted sound profile cater to those seeking a balance between satisfying feedback and a quieter typing environment, making them ideal for extended work sessions in professional settings. While the Jade Rosales may appeal to gamers and typists looking for smoothness and responsiveness, the Mini i is suited for those who need a more subtle, yet distinctly tactile typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Mini i switches feature contrasting top housing materials that distinctly influence their sound profiles. The Jade Rosales utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This stiffness gives the switch a resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Mini i employs a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory response. Therefore, while both switches are designed for a satisfying typing experience, the Jade Rosales leans towards bright clarity, while the Mini i embraces a more subdued warmth.
Examining the bottom housing materials further accentuates the differences between these two switches. The Jade Rosales features a Custom Milky Material bottom housing, proprietary to Bsun, which contributes unique characteristics to the switch. This blend likely stems from Bsun’s intention to balance the heightened sharpness of the polycarbonate top, potentially creating a harmonious acoustical experience. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i uses a nylon bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sound signature with its top half. The nylon's inherent softness continues the theme of sound absorption and roundedness, ensuring that both the bottom-out feel and sound are deeply resonant. Thus, the variation in bottom housing materials indicates that while the Mini i is consistent throughout, the Jade Rosales offers a dynamic combination of properties.
Ultimately, the differing materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch significantly impact the overall typing experience. In the case of the Bsun Jade Rosales, the stiff polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of the sound when releasing keys, while the proprietary bottom introduces a customized feel and sound. This interplay allows the Jade Rosales to achieve a unique auditory profile compared to the Mini i; however, when considering the Mini i's consistent nylon composition in both top and bottom housings, it provides a more uniform typing experience characterized by depth and fullness. If users appreciate certain aspects of sound and feel, both switches can present desirable outcomes, with the Jade Rosales delivering a more complex interplay of sound properties and the Mini i offering a cohesive and reliable resonance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Jade Rosales features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, the Mini i is the lighter option, which may appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience over extended periods. Meanwhile, the Jade Rosales, being heavier, could provide a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a stronger key press. While both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for varying preferences, the difference in their weights highlights the unique qualities that each can offer to users based on their typing habits.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Jade Rosales measuring 3.5 mm and the Mini i at 3.4 mm. Although the difference is minimal, the Jade Rosales offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more pronounced tactile feel for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i, with its shorter travel distance, might appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times for their actions. Despite these distinctions, both switches are relatively close in travel distance, reflecting the current trend toward shorter distances while still accommodating those who favor more substantial keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Jade Rosales switches produce a distinctively clacky profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. This crisp and percussive quality can enhance the typing experience, making each press feel impactful, although it may not be ideal in quiet environments. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switches prioritize a more subdued auditory experience, presenting a fairly muted sound profile that complements their function in office settings. This makes them a suitable choice for professionals who prefer a less intrusive typing sound while still enjoying the rewarding feedback that comes from the gentle tactility of each keystroke.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the Jade Rosales excels in providing both bouncy and creamy sensations. The bouncy characteristic offers a lively and elastic feedback, allowing for a buoyant typing experience that can be enjoyable during prolonged use. The creamy aspect ensures an exceptionally smooth journey as your fingers glide over the keys, creating a silky sensation that enhances the overall enjoyment of typing. On the other hand, the Mini i switches also deliver a bouncy feel; however, they emphasize an easy-to-press design that requires minimal force to activate. This feature, combined with their mild and subtle characteristics, allows for a gentle yet responsive typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue. While the Mini i offers a softer typing experience with less pronounced feedback, it caters well to users looking for both comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, choosing between the BSUN Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch ultimately depends on personal preference and typing needs. The Jade Rosales switches offer a more vibrant auditory experience coupled with a smooth and lively tactile feel, ideal for those who appreciate pronounced feedback and auditory satisfaction. Conversely, the Gateron Mini i switches provide a balanced, quieter typing experience suitable for office environments while maintaining comfort and ease of use. While the glassy smooth quality of the Jade Rosales and the subtle, gentle nature of the Mini i are different, both aim to enhance your overall typing experience, making either a worthy choice based on your specific needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a bouncy and creamy feel with a clacky sound profile, and if you fancy a medium-light pressure for a satisfying yet dynamic typing experience, the Jade Rosales is likely your go-to. It's perfect for gaming enthusiasts or creative types who want their keystrokes to feel lively and responsive. However, if you prioritize a quieter, more professional typing experience for long hours of work, the Mini i is your best bet. With its lightweight feel and gentle tactile feedback, it offers a subtler sound that’s ideal for shared spaces and corporate settings where a muted environment is key. Overall, assess your specific needs and preferences; while the Jade Rosales excels in delivering an exciting typing experience, the Mini i is crafted for comfort and low-impact use.
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