Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Cold Plum both offer unique, linear experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio, are celebrated for their meticulously refined design, featuring custom housings, stems, and expert lubrication techniques that result in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switches stand out for their thocky sound profile and durable fully nylon construction, delivering a satisfying keystroke and a distinct auditory feedback that appeals to enthusiasts. While both switches promise a smooth linear feel, the Jade Rosales focuses on a refined, whisper-quiet performance, whereas the Cold Plum emphasizes a more pronounced acoustic experience. Ultimately, your choice might depend on whether you prioritize a muted touch or a tactile sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, we observe a distinct divergence in the top housing components. The Jade Rosales utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for users who favor RGB lighting, as its clarity enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Cold Plum employs a nylon top housing, which offers a softer impact and produces a deeper, fuller sound. The two materials lead to different auditory experiences; while the polycarbonate top supports bright sound characteristics, the nylon's softer, denser quality results in a more muted and rounded sound profile.
The bottom housing of each switch further exemplifies the differences in acoustic performance. The Jade Rosales features a proprietary Custom Milky Material bottom housing, adding a unique tonal quality that may combine the clarity of polycarbonate with an undefined yet rich warmth, though the specifics of this blend are not detailed. On the other hand, the Cold Plum is constructed with a nylon bottom housing, which is widely recognized for creating a deeper sound by absorbing vibrations. This significant distinction in bottom housing materials suggests that the sound produced by the Jade Rosales will lean towards clarity and resonance, while the Cold Plum will present a more absorbed and muted auditory experience.
Despite the contrasting characteristics of their housing materials, both switches can yield satisfying tactile feedback and auditory results by combining their respective materials. The influence of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience is essential; as the bottom housing predominantly affects the bottom-out sound, the Jade Rosales, with its milky blend, can complement the clarity provided by its polycarbonate top, potentially creating a balanced sound profile. Conversely, the Cold Plum's softer nylon bottom housing will further enrich the deeper sounds generated at the point of key release. Thus, while each switch has its unique material composition, the interplay of their housing types can produce comparable results in terms of satisfaction during use, depending on the user's preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Cold Plum requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and has a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This difference means that the Jade Rosales offers a lighter touch, which could be advantageous for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, while the Cold Plum provides a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback. Ultimately, if users favor a lighter option, the Jade Rosales would be more suitable, whereas those looking for a heavier switch to enhance their typing experience should opt for the Cold Plum.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we find that the Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cold Plum measures at 3.3 mm. This means that the Jade Rosales is the longer option, offering a slightly deeper feel when pressed down, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum, with its shorter travel distance, could provide a faster response time, making it more appealing for gamers or those who favor quick and efficient keystrokes. Overall, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Outemu Cold Plum might be the better choice, while the Bsun Jade Rosales could be more satisfying for those who appreciate a bit more depth in their switches.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch provides a more refined auditory experience, known for its smooth and quieter typing profile, which is representative of high-quality engineering and careful crafting. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch boasts a distinct thocky sound, characterized by a pleasant auditory feedback during keystrokes. While both switches are linear in nature and will not exhibit the tactile bump present in tactile or clicky switches, the Cold Plum delivers a more noticeable sound that enhances the typing experience. It's important to remember that the overall sound of a switch can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycap material used.
Regarding feel, the Jade Rosales switches excel with their remarkably smooth keystroke, resulting from intensive refinement processes, custom housings, and advanced lubrication methods. This ensures a premium typing sensation that can be felt as you press down each key. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switches, while still smooth, may offer a slightly different experience with their nylon construction, which tends to provide a solid yet satisfying feedback during typing. Enthusiasts often note this difference as adding to the appeal of the Cold Plum switches, ensuring a unique feel that can cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
In summary, while both the Bsun Jade Rosales and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches offer captivating typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Jade Rosales is ideal for those seeking a smooth and quiet experience, while the Cold Plum appeals to enthusiasts desiring a distinct thocky sound and satisfying feel. Ultimately, whether you choose one or the other, both switches promise a rewarding typing experience, with the Jade Rosales excelling in smoothness and quietness, while the Cold Plum shines with its engaging auditory feedback and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a smoother typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Jade Rosales is the way to go. Its meticulously refined design offers a satisfying keystroke that is ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound profile and appreciate a medium-heavy actuation force for a more pronounced tactile response, then the Cold Plum switches will be more suited to your needs. Their fully nylon construction not only contributes to a unique sound but also provides a distinct and enjoyable typing experience that many enthusiasts cherish. In essence, choose the Jade Rosales for a refined and smooth experience, and opt for the Cold Plum if you value sound and a more resistive feel in your keys.
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