Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two notable contenders are the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Tom, each catering to different typing preferences. The Bsun Jade Rosales, a linear switch, is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to XY Studio's meticulous year-long refinements that included custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who favor a seamless key press without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom is a tactile switch, offering pronounced feedback that engages the user with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This tactile response is particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more interactive typing experience. While both switches have their unique advantages, they ultimately serve different styles and preferences in keyboard usage. 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Tom, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a similar audio profile. The polycarbonate material enables both switches to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its inherent stiffness. This quality allows for a more defined and resonant sound that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially for those who want to enjoy RGB lighting effects, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing. Thus, in terms of top housing, users can expect a largely similar auditory output from both switches.
Conversely, the two switches diverge significantly when considering their bottom housing materials. The Bsun Jade Rosales features a custom milky material, which is a proprietary blend that is likely designed to optimize sound and feel, while the Outemu Tom utilizes traditional nylon. The difference in materials leads to contrasting sound profiles: the milky material may provide unique acoustic properties, while the nylon is known for producing a deeper and rounder sound because it is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. Consequently, when bottoming out on the switches, users might experience a more pronounced and fuller sound from the Tom due to the nylon's characteristics, while the Jade Rosales might present a different auditory experience, depending on the specifics of its custom formulation.
Understanding how these materials interact is crucial to appreciating the overall performance of each switch. The top housing primarily influences the sound generated when releasing a key, while the bottom housing impacts the sound and feel when a key is pressed down. This segregation of influence means that although the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Tom may share similar attributes in their top housing, the distinct bottom materials lead to a nuanced typing experience. Users will find that the combination of these different materials results in varied sound signatures and tactile feedback, enriching the unique qualities of each switch.
Weight
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch present a noticeable contrast in their actuation forces, with the Jade Rosales requiring a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the heavier 55 grams needed for the Tom switch. This difference suggests that the Jade Rosales may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it demands less effort to actuate. However, the Tom switch, with its greater actuation force, caters to those who favor a more substantial push feel for a more pronounced typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Tom switch is unavailable, the Jade Rosales has a bottom out force of 53 grams, further emphasizing its medium-light characteristics. Consequently, if a user values a lighter switch for comfort over long periods, the Jade Rosales would be the preferable choice, whereas the Tom may appeal to users who appreciate a stronger keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, we find that the Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Tom measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that the Jade Rosales offers a more pronounced depth during keypresses, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Outemu Tom, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on individual preferences, with the Jade Rosales providing a more substantial feel, while the Tom caters to those who favor swift actuation.
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 Tom 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch is known for being smooth and soft, providing a muted typing noise that can be quite satisfying without being jarring. This quality allows it to blend seamlessly into various settings, making it ideal for both professional and personal use. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch produces a more pronounced sound due to its tactile bump, offering a sharper, clickier noise with each keypress. This can create a more engaging and feedback-driven auditory experience, which some users might find appealing, especially for gaming or typing. However, the actual sound can also vary based on the keyboard build, including factors like the choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Jade Rosales switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth actuation, which has been meticulously refined with custom housings and lubrication techniques. This leads to a linear typing experience that many users find delightful, allowing for rapid, fluid keystrokes without any hiccups. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom tactility introduces a pronounced bump that provides more resistance and feedback at the point of actuation. This tactile feel can be beneficial for users who enjoy a more pronounced sense of movement and confirmation with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who value typing feedback and precision.
In summary, while both switches offer unique characteristics, the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch excels in smoothness and soft sound, perfect for users seeking a serene typing environment. Meanwhile, the Outemu Tom switch provides a tactile bump and a more pronounced auditory feedback experience, which might cater to those who prefer a more interactive tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing or gaming, allowing users to find the right balance that suits their needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you’re looking for a smooth, consistent linear feel with a medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales is an excellent choice, especially for typing or gaming where fluidity and speed are paramount. This switch excels in providing a refined, satisfying experience, making it ideal if you prioritize a quieter environment or prefer the seamless actuation of linear switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy the tactile feedback that helps you know exactly when a key has been actuated, and you prefer a more pronounced typing experience, the Outemu Tom might be the switch for you. Although specific details on its sound and feel are not provided, tactile switches like the Tom typically offer a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance your typing precision and reduce the chances of accidental key presses. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value smoothness and sound profile or tactile feedback and typing sensation in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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