Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Oil King (V2) presents intriguing contrasts despite both being linear switches. The Bsun Jade Rosales, crafted by XY Studio, stands out for its meticulous refinement over a year, featuring custom housings and stems along with advanced lubrication techniques, which culminate in an extraordinarily smooth typing experience ideal for users seeking precision and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) captivates enthusiasts with its signature buttery smoothness and its distinct sound profile, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping, making it a delightful choice for users who appreciate a rich auditory experience alongside a silky feel. While the Jade Rosales appeals to those who prioritize a smooth performance tailored by careful design, the Oil King (V2) offers a sensory experience that combines both feel and sound. 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
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Oil King (V2) utilize distinct materials for their top housing, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Jade Rosales employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's rigidity enables clearer resonance, making it particularly suitable for users who appreciate the clarity of high frequencies. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) features a nylon top housing, recognized for its softer, more absorbent nature. This results in a deeper, rounder sound profile, as it tends to muffle higher frequencies and create a fuller auditory experience. While both switches function effectively for different sound preferences, the materials dictate a contrasting auditory experience when typing, leading to preferences that will depend on user taste.
The bottom housings of both switches further exemplify their differing sound characteristics. The Jade Rosales incorporates a custom milky material that falls under Bsun's proprietary blend, which complements its crisp top housing. This design choice results in a balanced auditory profile, where the fullness provided by the bottom housing supports the clearer notes from the top. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, contributing a satisfying, high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. The INK blend emphasizes a clacky texture, building a distinct auditory signature that contrasts with the smoother response from the Jade Rosales. The interplay between the two housing materials shapes the bottom-out and release sounds, showcasing how the unique properties of each bottom housing can influence the overall typing experience.
When compared holistically, both the Jade Rosales and Oil King (V2) deliver different tactile and auditory experiences based on their hybrid material compositions. Users who prioritize sharper sounds while typing may gravitate towards the Jade Rosales with its polycarbonate top and custom bottom housing, while those looking for a deeper, clacky experience may prefer Gateron's Oil King (V2). Importantly, the combination of the characteristics from both top and bottom housings—much like the balance of sound profiles from each material—plays a critical role in determining the overall effectiveness and satisfaction derived from each switch. Ultimately, while users will encounter different experiences based on their respective materials, both switches are capable of achieving pleasing sound profiles, albeit through distinct auditory pathways.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that is likely more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) features a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means the Oil King requires more effort to press, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Jade Rosales is the lighter switch, catering to users who favor ease of use and less fatigue, whereas the Oil King is the heavier switch, ideal for those who enjoy a firmer feel when typing. Overall, the differences in force profiles make each switch suitable for different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, there is a notable difference to consider. The Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Oil King (V2) features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Jade Rosales switch, you will experience a more responsive feel, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the Oil King (V2) offers a slightly deeper travel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience when typing or gaming. Therefore, your choice between these switches will largely depend on your personal preference for either a more immediate response or a deeper keystroke.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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 notably described for their refined audio profile, though specific details about their tonal characteristics are not provided. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy sound that offers a warm and mellow auditory experience. This deeper frequency range could resonate well with users who prefer a sound profile that is less sharp and more inviting, akin to the rich and decadent snap of dark chocolate. However, it’s essential to remember that sound can vary based on the keyboard's build and the keycaps chosen, which may lead both switches to produce differing sounds when used in various configurations.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, achieved through careful refinement of materials and lubrication techniques. While the exact texture of the Roseales is not articulated, the underlying craftsmanship suggests a focus on delivering high-quality feedback without resistance. Meanwhile, the Oil King (V2) is celebrated for its creamy, silky, and buttery feel, providing users with a sensation of gliding effortlessly across the keys. This polished touch is indicative of both factory lubrication and the specific materials used, enhancing comfort and reducing friction with each keystroke. These qualities suggest that while the Jade Rosales may offer smoothness, the Oil King (V2) is tailored for an incredibly luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Oil King (V2) switches are designed with a focus on smoothness, but they target slightly different auditory and tactile experiences. The Jade Rosales leans into a refined typist's aesthetic, whereas the Oil King (V2) caters to users who appreciate a richer, bass-heavy sound coupled with a creamy feel. Choosing between these two would depend on personal preference regarding sound and touch, and both are likely to deliver a quality typing experience that is smooth and satisfying in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a smooth and refined feel, the Jade Rosales is an excellent choice for you. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and meticulous refinement for an exceptionally smooth typing experience, this switch is perfect for long typing sessions and casual use, especially if you prioritize a gentler keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier keypress with a rich and bassy sound profile, the Oil King (V2) could be the better fit. With a bottom-out force of 65 grams and a creamy, buttery sensation, this switch delivers a tactile and satisfying feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment, making it ideal for gamers or those who like a more substantial response. In essence, if you're after an effortless, light touch, go for the Jade Rosales, while the Oil King (V2) should be your choice for a deeper, more pronounced keystroke.
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