Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Akko Penguin

Overview

When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the differences between options like the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Akko Penguin. The Jade Rosales, a linear switch meticulously crafted by XY Studio, stands out for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, thanks to refined custom housings and advanced lubrication techniques developed over a year. This switch appeals to users seeking a quiet and fluid keystroke, ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin introduces users to the world of silent tactile switches, designed to minimize noise—making them a fantastic choice for office environments. Characterized by a moderate tactile bump, these switches offer satisfying feedback while maintaining a muted profile, which balances responsiveness with comfort for extended typing sessions. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—smoothness versus tactility and noise considerations—choosing between them ultimately depends on your typing habits. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Jade Rosales Linear

Akko Penguin Tactile

$5.50

$5.39 per 10

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Akko Penguin switches can significantly influence the acoustic characteristics and tactile experience of typing. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, which is notably noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity leads to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Akko Penguin's top housing is made from nylon, a material known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, contrasting with the bright clarity of polycarbonate.

In terms of bottom housing, the Bsun Jade Rosales utilizes a proprietary Custom Milky Material, while the Akko Penguin employs a standard nylon bottom housing. The Jade Rosales’s unique material may provide a distinctive feel and sound response, but similarly to the Penguin's nylon, it is designed in a way to enhance the overall typing experience. As with the top housing, the qualities of the bottom housing play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feedback felt when bottoming out a key. The nylon used in the Penguin's bottom housing serves to further mute the typing sounds, reinforcing its overall deeper and more subdued sound profile, similar to how the proprietary blend in the Jade Rosales aims to affect the sound.

Ultimately, while the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Akko Penguin utilize different materials for their housings, the fundamental design objectives in their construction are similar. Each aims to deliver a particular auditory experience reflective of their material properties — the Jade Rosales with its clear and vibrant sound due to polycarbonate and custom blends, and the Penguin providing a warm, muffled quality reflective of nylon. Users can expect rich sound diversity from both switches, and by understanding the roles of each housing, they can appreciate the nuanced typing experiences each switch offers despite their differing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we can see distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Jade Rosales switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option that is suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires slightly less effort to press down compared to its counterpart. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but its bottom out force is significantly heavier at 60 grams. This difference means that while the actuation may feel easier with the Penguin switch, users may find that pressing all the way down requires more force. Therefore, if a user prefers a lighter switch overall, the Akko Penguin provides that experience in actuation, but the heavier bottom out could reflect a more robust feel during typing. Ultimately, the Jade Rosales is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, making it better suited for those who favor a softer typing experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, we find that the Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Penguin features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Jade Rosales the longer option, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, which can contribute to a richer typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Penguin, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive feel that could be advantageous for gamers looking for quick action and faster response times. Ultimately, if you prioritize depth in your key presses, the Jade Rosales would be the switch to choose, while those who favor a more immediate feedback will likely prefer the Penguin.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch is designed with a focus on the smoothness of the keystroke, leading to a sound profile that is more subdued and neutral than traditional mechanical keyboard switches. While it doesn't produce the sharp, clacky sounds often associated with other switches, its exact sound characteristics might still vary based on the specific keyboard and keycap choices the user makes. In contrast, the Akko Penguin switch emphasizes a muted auditory experience, specifically crafted to minimize noise. Its neutral sound profile offers a pleasant balance that makes it suitable for various environments, especially in office settings where silence is valued. Overall, while both switches are relatively quiet, the Penguins are explicitly tailored for discretion.

Feel-wise, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch boasts an exceptionally smooth typing action, which stems from a year of refinement involving custom components and advanced lubrication techniques. This results in a seamless experience that allows for fluid key presses. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch brings a tactile element into play, featuring a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback without being overly pronounced. The Penguin's medium weight ensures it remains manageable for long typing sessions. Additionally, terms such as "polished," "mild," and "feathery" describe how the Penguins feel, making them approachable yet enjoyable for a wide range of users. The Jade Rosales may not have specific descriptors mentioned, but the emphasis on smoothness suggests a uniquely refined experience, although less tactile than the Penguin.

In conclusion, the Bsun Jade Rosales and Akko Penguin switches each offer a distinct user experience shaped by their sound and tactile qualities. The Jade Rosales focuses on a smooth and refined keystroke that enhances the typing experience, while the Penguin pairs its tactile feedback with a commitment to noise minimization. Both offer appealing experiences for different user preferences, be it the seamless glide of the Rosales or the rounded tactility of the Penguins. Despite their differences, both switches provide comfortable options for extensive typing sessions, catering to a wide range of typists and environments.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will play a significant role. If you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience, especially if you enjoy gaming or intense typing sessions, the Jade Rosales with its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams is an excellent choice. Its refined design ensures a nearly effortless keypress, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, its linear nature means you can expect no tactile bump to interrupt your flow, which can be appealing if you prefer rapid key presses without distraction. On the other hand, if you are focused on using your keyboard in quieter environments, such as offices where minimizing noise is essential, the Akko Penguin is likely the better fit. With a tactile bump that offers satisfying feedback while maintaining a muted sound, the Penguin caters well to both typists and casual users alike. Its medium actuation force of 60 grams strikes a good balance, making it suitable for lengthy typing sessions without excessive strain. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, the environments in which you intend to use your keyboard, and your personal tactile preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Jade Rosales Linear

$5.50

$5.39 per 10

Learn more

Akko Penguin Tactile

$4.22

$3.10 per 10

Learn more