Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options in the linear category are the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry MX Black. The Bsun Jade Rosales, produced by XY Studio, is celebrated for its meticulous refinement over the course of a year, boasting custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques that culminate in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users seeking a fluid keystroke will likely appreciate the Jade Rosales' emphasis on quality craftsmanship. On the other hand, Cherry MX Black switches, renowned for their robust construction and deep sound profile, offer a level of resistance that is ideal for typists who prefer a firmer tactile feedback while typing. With the added benefit of Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling, these switches maintain a textured smoothness that many users find reassuring. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: the Jade Rosales focuses on a seamless feel, while the MX Black appeals to those who appreciate a stiffer keypress. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and Cherry MX Black switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which plays a crucial role in dictating their sound profiles. The Jade Rosales utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound that enhances the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. This is largely due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which allows sound to travel unimpeded, resulting in a crisper auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate positions it as an ideal choice for users who prioritize aesthetics, particularly those interested in utilizing RGB lighting, as the material allows light to pass through effortlessly and creates an appealing visual effect while typing.
In contrast, the Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing, which cultivates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon's characteristic softness means it absorbs more sound, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience upon pressing the keys. This fundamental difference in sound propagation means that users will experience a more pronounced contrast in the auditory feedback between the two switches, with the Jade Rosales providing a brighter, more resonant sound profile while the MX Black leans toward a deeper acoustic signature. As a result, gamers and typists may find that their preferred sound experience significantly influences their choice of switch based on these top housing materials.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches take a different approach, yet one is a blend while the other is a classic. The Jade Rosales features a proprietary Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, optimizing the sound quality in a distinctively engineered way, although specific auditory qualities may not be as well-documented as nylon's. In contrast, the MX Black's bottom housing is crafted from nylon, which echoes its softer sound-absorbing qualities, emphasizing a deeper resonance. Altogether, the distinct interplay of these housing materials—where the qualities of the bottom housing affect the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound during release—leads to unique yet complementary typing experiences. Both switches may serve different user preferences effectively, depending on the desired auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, beneficial for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial and deliberate keypress. Consequently, the Jade Rosales switch is lighter overall, while the Cherry MX Black switch is heavier, catering to different user preferences regarding force feedback. This distinction highlights how users can choose switches based on their desired typing experience—whether they seek ease and comfort or a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Jade Rosales switch offers a shorter travel distance, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as the shorter travel can enhance performance during fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, which many users might prefer for its hearty depth and tactile feedback. Thus, opting for the Jade Rosales will yield a more responsive experience, whereas the Cherry MX Black is likely to give a more substantial keypress sensation.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches are known for delivering a smooth auditory experience, although specific descriptors for their sound profile were not mentioned. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches are characterized by a low-pitched sound that is typically bass-heavy and mellow, offering a classic deep tone that many users appreciate. Keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can vary greatly depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice, so while the MX Black has a defined sound profile, the Jade Rosales may still produce a pleasing acoustic quality, even if less is known.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience thanks to their meticulous refinement, including custom housings and lubrication techniques. This results in a friction-free sensation that many users find appealing for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches have a textured feel, characterized by noticeable friction when pressed. They are also stiff, requiring a higher force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. This tactile feedback appeals to certain users who prefer a more pronounced resistance while typing.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Jade Rosales switches promise an exceptionally smooth experience and a refined sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switches offer a classic low-pitched sound and a textured, stiff feel. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Users can expect a similar quiet experience with the Jade Rosales, while those who enjoy a more tactile and resistive typing experience will likely find satisfaction in the MX Black. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize smoothness or texture in both sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter typing experience with a smooth actuation, the Jade Rosales switches are an excellent option, offering a bottom-out force of 53 grams which is ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. They provide a refined, velvety feel, perfect for those who prioritize a lightweight touch in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer feedback and a more substantial feel under your fingers, the Cherry MX Black switches, with their 80-gram force, cater to those who enjoy a heavier mechanical switch. The textured, deeper sound profile of the MX Blacks also appeals to users who appreciate a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. Therefore, your decision should reflect whether you desire a soft, smooth, and agile typing experience or a robust, resilient, and tactile one.
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