Bsun Jade Rosales vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially when comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales and KTT Phalaenopsis switches. The Jade Rosales, a linear switch crafted by XY Studio, is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, resulting from over a year of meticulous refinement in its custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. This switch is perfect for those who seek a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke, making it an ideal choice for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed over tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis, known for its beautiful translucent aesthetic, offers a unique tactile experience with a light actuation force of 37g and a satisfying 50g tactile bump. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy the reassurance of feedback with each keystroke while minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the KTT Phalaenopsis feature notable similarities, particularly in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This stiffer plastic contributes to a clear and vibrant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency inherent in polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, making them ideal for RGB lighting. Users can expect a visually striking look alongside an impressive sound quality when utilizing either switch in illuminated environments.
Divergence in housing materials arises with the bottom housing of these two models. While the Jade Rosales boasts a proprietary Custom Milky Material for its bottom housing, the Phalaenopsis also opts for polycarbonate. This difference indicates that the two switches will offer varying tactile experiences upon actuation as the characteristics of these bottom housings play a crucial role in the overall feel and sound produced when a key is bottomed out. The unique formulation of the Jade Rosales’ proprietary blend likely contributes distinct acoustic and tactile elements that set it apart from the Phalaenopsis, despite both sharing the same polycarbonate material in their top housings.
Consequently, when utilizing either switch, users can expect to experience a blend of sound qualities influenced by both the top and bottom housings. The phonetic sharpness and brightness from the polycarbonate top housing will create an appealing sound as users release the key, whereas the impact of the bottom-out feel will be notably different depending on the material of the bottom housing. For those particularly interested in a cohesive auditory experience, it is essential to consider how the Bsun Jade Rosales and KTT Phalaenopsis excel in their unique ways, yet maintain some common ground in sound characteristics due to their polycarbonate top housings.
Weight
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch present a notable comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Jade Rosales has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis is lighter overall, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This softer touch makes the Phalaenopsis more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for long typing sessions or intense gaming. Although both switches have similar bottom out forces, the Phalaenopsis has a lower actuation force, providing a lighter overall feel compared to the Jade Rosales, which may appeal to typists seeking less finger fatigue. Therefore, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel might gravitate toward the heavier Jade Rosales switch, while users who favor ease and speed would likely prefer the KTT Phalaenopsis.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Jade Rosales offers a more responsive experience suitable for users who favor quick key presses, making it an appealing choice for gamers. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis's 4 mm travel distance provides a fuller, more traditional keypress feel, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and deeper actuation. In summary, the Jade Rosales is the shorter option, while the Phalaenopsis is the longer one, catering to different user preferences in terms of responsiveness and key press depth.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 switches present an experience that is currently not defined, leaving their auditory characteristics open to interpretation based on individual setups. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches offer a rich auditory profile that is both bassy and thocky. This means that when you press a key, you can expect a satisfying and deep sound characterized by a lower frequency range, reminiscent of bass tones, combined with a fulfilling "thud" that gives the sensation of a soft knock upon release. This rich sound signature can add to the overall enjoyment of typing, making each keystroke a physically engaging event.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Jade Rosales switches have yet to be described, which leaves their tactile experience a bit of a mystery. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches are known for their stepped tactile feedback, giving a more mild and nuanced sensation as you type. The tactile bump occurs in a manner that feels like two distinct stages — a pre-travel sensation followed by the tactile response. This design not only allows for a clear indication when the switch is actuated but also minimizes finger fatigue, providing a comfortable typing experience even during extended sessions.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Jade Rosales switches remain undefined in sound and feel characteristics, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches stand out with their rich auditory profile and stepped tactile feedback. Both switches are part of an evolving landscape of mechanical switch design, where factors like keycap choice and board construction ultimately influence the user experience. For those who prefer a deeper and more rewarding auditory feedback, the KTT Phalaenopsis switches would likely be a more satisfying choice, while the Jade Rosales switches may require further exploration to fully understand their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you desire an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a responsive keystroke and don't mind a slightly higher actuation force, the Jade Rosales would be ideal for you. It's especially suited for tasks that require speed and precision, such as gaming or fast typing, where you may prefer a linear switch that offers an uninterrupted feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a distinct tactile feedback and a lighter typing experience, particularly during prolonged use, the Phalaenopsis is the better option. Its low actuation force and satisfying tactile bump can make typing feel effortless and enjoyable, reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, if you appreciate deeper, bassy sounds while typing, the Phalaenopsis produces a thocky profile that enhances the auditory experience of your keystrokes. Ultimately, considering these factors will help you decide which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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