Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a critical role, and comparing two standout options can help in making that decision. The Bsun Jade Rosales switches are celebrated for their exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to XY Studio’s meticulous refinement over a year, which includes custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques—making them a fantastic choice for users who prioritize seamlessness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switches offer a distinctly textured typing feel, and their substantial heft combined with the innovative materials and springs from Cherry's recent MX2A update provides a unique blend of tradition and modernity. While both switches are categorized as linear, each caters to different typing styles: the Jade Rosales focuses on a velvety experience, while the Nixie delivers a richer and more tactile feedback without the click. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Cherry Nixie switches showcase distinct characteristics that significantly affect their auditory performance. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and clarity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize a resonant sound, especially when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective light diffusion. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie's top housing is crafted from nylon, a classic switch material that absorbs sound more effectively. As a result, it offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more muted auditory experience when typing.
Diving into the bottom housings, the Jade Rosales employs a custom milky material proprietary to BSUN, while the Nixie's bottom housing is also made of nylon. Whereas the unique blend used in the Jade Rosales might bring a proprietary auditory quality to the bottom-out sound, the Nixie’s consistent nylon construction contributes to its signature soft and rounded sound profile. With both switches utilizing different materials for their top housings, the Jade Rosales’s polycarbonate bottom housing likely complements the sharper sound of the top, creating a nuanced auditory experience, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Nixie reinforces its overall deeper sound delivery.
When comparing these components, it becomes evident that each switch's performance is influenced by the synergistic effects of its housing materials. The Jade Rosales's polycarbonate top and custom blend bottom evince a bright and resonant sound, while the Cherry Nixie's nylon components yield a richer, more subdued auditory atmosphere. However, despite these differences, both switches can still achieve compelling sound profiles, albeit in contrasting ways; the material qualities of the top and bottom housings play pivotal roles in defining the overall sound signature, demonstrating that even with varying materials, well-designed switches can provide delightful auditory experiences tailored to different preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light and making it suitable for users who prefer a lighter, more responsive typing experience, ideal for prolonged use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, accommodating users who favor a more substantial push feel for their typing. This difference in force not only influences the typing experience but also caters to different preferences—those who enjoy lighter switches may find the Jade Rosales more comfortable for extended periods, while users seeking a firmer resistance will likely prefer the Nixie. Overall, the Jade Rosales is the lighter option, whereas the Nixie is the heavier switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry Nixie linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Jade Rosales is the shorter option, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking faster response times due to its reduced travel distance. On the other hand, the Nixie's 4 mm travel distance may cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, providing a sense of depth that some users find more satisfying. Thus, if you prioritize rapid feedback, the Jade Rosales would be the preferable choice, whereas if you favor a more traditional and heartfelt typing experience, the Nixie would be ideal.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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
The sound profile of the BSUN Jade Rosales switches is not specified in the provided information, leaving it somewhat ambiguous in comparison to the Cherry Nixie switches. The Nixie switches are celebrated for their thocky sound, which is characterized by a deep, rich, and satisfying noise upon actuation. This gives them a low-pitched, bass-heavy tone, reminiscent of a soft "knock" that many users find appealing. It's important to note that sound is influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap choices, so users may still experience some variation when using either switch.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Jade Rosales is also lacking a detailed description, making direct comparison difficult. On the other hand, the Nixie switches are defined by their textured feel, which means users may notice some friction during actuation. This textured sensation can enhance feedback for some typists, while others may prefer a smoother experience. If the Jade Rosales switches offer a smooth feel, users looking for a different tactile experience might find the Nixies an intriguing choice.
In conclusion, the BSUN Jade Rosales and Cherry Nixie linear switches present unique qualities that can cater to different user preferences. While the sound characteristics of the Jade Rosales remain unspecified, the Nixie is recognized for its satisfying thocky and low-pitched tones. In terms of feel, the Jade's smoothness versus the Nixie's textured feedback could also shape user satisfaction. Ultimately, both switches could potentially deliver rewarding typing experiences depending on one's personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter touch and prioritize an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience, the Jade Rosales is an excellent option for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams means you won't need to exert much effort to register a key press, making it ideal for long typing sessions and gaming where quick, effortless keystrokes can enhance your performance. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a heavier, more substantial feel, the Cherry Nixie switch might be the better choice. With its robust 80 grams of bottom-out force, the Nixie provides a textured typing experience that can offer satisfying feedback as you press each key, particularly if you appreciate the deeper, "thocky" sound it produces. Additionally, if you enjoy a classic vibe combined with modern construction, the Nixie’s blend of tradition and innovation will resonate well with you. Thus, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize smoothness and lightness for comfort or texture and heft for an engaging typing experience.
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