Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly affect your typing experience, which is why comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Outemu Red Panda is worthwhile. The Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio, are linear switches renowned for their exceptionally smooth operation, resulting from a year of meticulous refinement involving custom housings, stems, and lubrication techniques. Their design focuses on delivering an uninterrupted typing experience, making them an appealing choice for users who prioritize speed and fluidity, especially in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switches offer a tactile typing experience, providing a light to medium tactile bump with a distinctive sound profile characterized by a bassy bottom-out noise complemented by a clackier top-out sound. This makes them a preferred option for typists who enjoy a bit of feedback and an auditory response while typing. Both switches have their unique appeals, catering to different preferences—whether you value smoothness or tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The Bsun Jade Rosales and Outemu Red Panda keyboards both feature polycarbonate top housings, leading to similar sound profiles for both models. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This shared characteristic highlights the resonant qualities of polycarbonate, as it is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity in acoustic feedback. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups, as the light can beautifully manifest through the clear housing, creating a visually striking effect. Thus, from this aspect, users can expect a comparable auditory experience and aesthetic appeal when using either switch.
However, the bottom housing materials significantly differentiate the two switches. The Jade Rosales employs a Custom Milky Material that is a proprietary blend by Bsun, while the Red Panda utilizes traditional nylon. This distinction is essential, as nylon, being a softer plastic, typically provides a deeper, rounder sound profile due to its sound-absorbing properties. The Red Panda's nylon bottom housing allows for a duller and fuller auditory experience when keys are pressed. In contrast, the Jade Rosales's bottom housing may produce a unique sound signature that reflects its proprietary material, likely offering a different tactile feel and sound that contrasts with the Red Panda’s characteristics. Thus, while both switches have an appealing top housing, the bottom materials will yield distinct experiences for users.
When considering the interaction between the top and bottom housings, the differences in materials become even more relevant. While the polycarbonate top contributes to the sound profile during key release, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out experience when the key is pressed. Consequently, users may find that the Bsun Jade Rosales delivers a unique acoustic experience overall, reflecting its proprietary blend in the lower section, whereas the Outemu Red Panda’s nylon design elicits a more conventional response. Therefore, while both switches might deliver a similar sound at the peak of key press due to their polycarbonate tops, their overall audio and tactile experiences will vary significantly based on their unique bottom materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch to the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct differences in typing experience. The Jade Rosales features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Red Panda has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Jade Rosales is easier to press down initially, making it a suitable option for users who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. Conversely, the Red Panda, with its greater actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more deliberate typing experience. Overall, those who choose the Jade Rosales will enjoy a medium-light feel, while the Outemu Red Panda will provide a medium weight typing experience, satisfying users looking for more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the former measures at 3.5 mm while the latter is slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This difference means that the Jade Rosales provides a more significant depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who appreciate a hearty response under their fingers. Conversely, the Red Panda's shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can enhance responsiveness, particularly favored by gamers. Therefore, if you're seeking a balance between a deeper feel and faster action, the choice becomes clear: the Jade Rosales offers a longer travel distance, while the Red Panda delivers a more rapid response with its shorter distance.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 comparing the sound profile of the BSUN Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it is evident that they offer distinctly different auditory experiences. The Jade Rosales switches are noted for their exceptionally smooth operation, which typically translates to a quieter typing experience that prioritizes efficiency over noise. In contrast, the Red Panda switches provide a more pronounced auditory signature, characterized by a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound accompanied by a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This combination results in a thocky sound profile that produces a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke, appealing to users who enjoy a more engaging sound when typing.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales excels in providing an extraordinarily smooth typing experience, which is often sought after by typists who prefer minimal resistance and no tactile bump. This creates a seamless flow that allows for effortless typing across long sessions. On the other hand, the Red Panda switches deliver a light-medium level of tactility. They offer a gentle feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overwhelming, striking a balance that makes them accessible to a broad range of users. This interplay of mild resistance and the resultant feedback can make typing feel both comforting and enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate the added nuance without disruptive vibration.
In conclusion, the BSUN Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch cater to different preferences, particularly in sound and feel. The Jade Rosales offers a smoother, quieter experience, ideal for users who favor a minimalist approach, while the Red Panda engages typists with a richer, more dynamic sound and gentle tactility. Ultimately, your choice will resonate with personal preferences—whether you seek the quiet, fluid typing of the Jade Rosales or the satisfying thock of the Red Panda, both are capable of delivering compelling typing experiences suited to a variety of needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth, uninterrupted typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Jade Rosales is an excellent option, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where quick keystrokes are essential. Its refined design ensures a seamless feel that maintains comfort over extended use. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile bump with a satisfying sound profile and a slightly heavier actuation, the Red Panda might suit you better. Its thocky sound resonates with many who appreciate auditory feedback, while the mild tactile response provides a balanced typing experience, making it versatile for both gaming and professional work. Ultimately, weigh your preference for sound, feel, and intended use to choose the switch that enhances your keyboard experience the most.
Mentioned in this article
