Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Jade Rosales and Cherry MX Orange offer two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Bsun Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio, stand out for their meticulous refinement over an entire year, incorporating custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques to provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switches are a revival of the original MX Orange switches, produced in collaboration with Hirose, and reissued with enhancements from the MX2A generation to meet ongoing demand. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Jade Rosales is often celebrated for its fluid motion and refined aesthetics, making it a top choice for those who prioritize a premium typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange is known for its slightly higher actuation force, which can appeal to users looking for more tactile feedback while still enjoying linear characteristics. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry MX Orange switches, it is evident that each utilizes different plastics that contribute distinctively to their respective sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer structure, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly well-suited for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange incorporates a nylon top housing. Nylon, as a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and contributes to a deeper, fuller auditory experience, resulting in a sound that is rounder and less piercing compared to the Jade Rosales.
The bottom housing materials also differ between the two switches. The Jade Rosales uses a custom milky material, a proprietary blend from BSUN that presumably has its own unique acoustic characteristics, while the Cherry MX Orange features a nylon bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, offers a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This variances in materials means that while both switches can produce distinct sound qualities, the Jade Rosales is likely to elicit a more pronounced and resonant feedback due to its proprietary bottom blend interacting with the stiffer polycarbonate top, whereas the MX Orange will maintain a homogenously softer and muted response throughout both the top and bottom.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry MX Orange are designed to enhance the typing experience, their differing housing materials result in unique sound experiences and tactile feedback. If one were to seek similar results in sound characteristics between the two switches, focusing on variables such as switch actuation force and the overall typing feel would be paramount. Utilizing a bottom housing similar to that of the Jade Rosales in a switch that sports a nylon top, for instance, could synthesize an outcome that marries the clarity from the top with the depth of the bottom, ultimately creating a sound profile that bridges the qualities of both materials.
Weight
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present notable differences in their actuation forces, which can influence user experience during typing or gaming. The Jade Rosales switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that many may find comfortable for extended use. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams, suggesting a heavier resistance. However, the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unavailable, which complicates direct comparisons. Given the known figures, the Jade Rosales is the lighter switch, potentially favoring users who prefer a gentler touch for lengthy typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, with its higher actuation force, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel, providing a heftier typing experience. Thus, while both switches can deliver different tactile experiences, the Jade Rosales is better suited for lighter touch preferences, while the MX Orange appeals to individuals seeking a heavier feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the distinctions are clear. The Jade Rosales boasts a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Orange has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that gamers and users who prefer a quicker response time might lean toward the Jade Rosales due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster key presses. In contrast, those who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes may find the Cherry MX Orange more suitable, as its 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more classical feel. Overall, choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in keystrokes.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 are likely to produce a subtle and refined acoustic profile thanks to their meticulous design and custom housing, which prioritizes a smooth and pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches are known for a slightly richer and more pronounced sound, attributed to their reissued MX2A enhancements. However, it’s important to note that the overall sound produced by either switch can vary greatly depending on the choice of keyboard, stabilizers, and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches stand out for their exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to the careful refinement of their custom stems and lubrication techniques. This creates a linear feel that minimizes friction and enhances typing fluidity. In comparison, the Cherry MX Orange switches also offer a smooth feel, but the MX2A enhancements may introduce a more consistent keypress with a slightly different tactile feedback, catering to users who appreciate a more responsive experience while maintaining a linear characteristic.
Overall, both the Bsun Jade Rosales and Cherry MX Orange switches provide appealing attributes for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Jade Rosales offers a more bespoke and refined approach to linearity, emphasizing smoothness and acoustic nuances. Conversely, the MX Orange strikes a balance between traditional quality and modern enhancements, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. Regardless of which switch you choose, both will provide linear action and can deliver quality results across different setups, appealing to various preferences in typing sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, you may want to lean towards the Jade Rosales. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a responsive feel without being too heavy. Additionally, the customizations and enhancements in the Jade Rosales can provide a uniquely satisfying tactile experience that is ideal for long typing sessions or even gaming. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to more traditional aesthetics and performance, the Cherry MX Orange would be suitable for you. Known for its heritage and enhanced features, it offers reliable performance that many users appreciate. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value most in your keyboard—whether that be cutting-edge smoothness and customization or classic reliability. Consider trying both switches if possible, as personal experience will provide the clearest insight into which option truly meets your needs.