Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Jade Rosales and Cherry MX Red both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Jade Rosales, developed by XY Studio, has been meticulously refined over the course of a year, featuring custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques that result in an exceptionally smooth and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch, a classic choice among gamers and typists alike, is characterized by its slightly heftier feel and distinctively deeper sound profile. This robust switch offers not only responsiveness but also a satisfying auditory depth that many users find appealing. While the Jade Rosales seeks to create a buttery-smooth experience ideal for prolonged typing sessions, the Cherry MX Red provides a more dynamic feedback that can enhance both gaming and typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
The housing materials for the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry MX Red switches demonstrate distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles and user experiences. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency that contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red opts for a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This difference fundamentally affects how each switch behaves acoustically, with the polycarbonate amplifying higher frequencies and the nylon favoring lower frequencies. Therefore, if users prioritize a more vibrant and pronounced auditory feedback, the polycarbonate top housing of the Jade Rosales is more suited for that purpose.
Additionally, the bottom housing of these switches further elaborates on their sound profiles. The Jade Rosales utilizes a proprietary Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, which merges qualities that could potentially absorb or resonate sound uniquely, although specific acoustic characteristics of this blend are not as explicitly detailed as those of nylon. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red employs a nylon bottom housing, heralded for its capacity to absorb sound and provide a rounder acoustical feedback. This combination of a firm top housing and a softer bottom housing in both switches suggests that while they may have different materials, the overall sound experience can still be tailored to individual preferences by considering the balance of sound between frequency ranges.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the typing experience. With the Jade Rosales and Cherry MX Red representing contrasting materials, users can expect varied feedback when pressing and releasing keys. A polycarbonate top housing will ensure a vibrant release sound, while the nylon bottom housing will deliver a more muted bottom-out sound. If one were to mix and match these qualities, they could achieve a hybrid experience. For instance, if the Jade Rosales’s top housing were paired with a nylon bottom, it could create an effective combination of crisp release sounds and rounded bottom-out acoustics, capturing the best of both worlds while leveraging the distinct properties of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, we find both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch that can enhance long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force differs significantly, with the Jade Rosales switch having a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Red is currently unavailable. This means that the Jade Rosales requires a stronger push to fully depress the key, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the heavier bottom out force of the Jade Rosales may lead to a different tactile feedback compared to the Cherry MX Red, making it a better fit for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke despite its lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it’s clear that the Jade Rosales offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the MX Red features a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness during gaming or typing, the Jade Rosales may provide a slight advantage due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation. However, for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial key press, the Cherry MX Red with its longer travel distance could be more satisfying. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference: opt for the Jade Rosales for speed and responsiveness or the MX Red for a more robust tactile 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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Jade Rosales switch offers an exceptionally refined auditory experience as a result of meticulous design and lubrication techniques, though specific sound qualities aren’t detailed. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is recognized for its thocky and low-pitched nature, providing a deep, rich sound when pressed. This auditory profile can create a satisfying acoustic presence that many typists find enjoyable, especially when combined with the right keyboard and keycap selection. Consequently, while the Jade Rosales may present a smooth and enjoyable sound, the MX Red is favored for its distinctive, robust auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Jade Rosales switch is acclaimed for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to its custom engineering. This seamlessness likely makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a fluid and effortless typing motion. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is characterized by a textured feel, which means it introduces some noticeable friction during key presses. For some users, this texture can enhance tactile feedback, while for others, it may detract from the overall typing experience. Therefore, those seeking a smoother feel may gravitate toward the Jade Rosales, while those who appreciate some nuanced friction might prefer the MX Red.
In conclusion, both the BSUN Jade Rosales and Cherry MX Red switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Rosales excels in providing a refined smoothness in feel and an unspecified sound, while the MX Red is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound and textured tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a smooth typing experience or a more robust auditory and tactile engagement. Either way, both switches can deliver satisfying results, but they cater to different stylistic preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should consider your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a smooth, refined typing experience and a medium-light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, the Jade Rosales switch is likely your best choice. Its carefully engineered design ensures a satisfying feel without the rough texture that some might find distracting. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a more pronounced sound profile that provides auditory feedback, the Cherry MX Red might be more appealing. Its thocky, low-pitched sound can enhance the tactile experience while typing or gaming, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a more robust auditory sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique advantages, so consider what aspects are most important to you—smoothness and lightness with the Jade Rosales versus depth and texture with the Cherry MX Red—as you make your selection.
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