Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie both offer unique experiences for typists and gamers alike, despite being categorized as linear switches. The Jade Rosales, crafted by XY Studio, is celebrated for its meticulous refinement process that spans over a year, resulting in custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques that culminate in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Users often gravitate towards this switch for its premium feel and refined performance, ideal for those who prioritize an ultra-smooth keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its affordability and robust construction, featuring a medium-weight all-POM design that produces a satisfying thocky sound profile without sacrificing the characteristic smoothness associated with linear switches. This makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who seek quality without a hefty price tag, appealing to budget-conscious gamers and typists. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present intriguing contrasts in their housing materials, particularly in the compositions of their top housings. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This effect is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a clearer and more resonant audio experience. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of the switch, especially when RGB lighting is used, allowing for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which is celebrated for delivering a unique sound that leans toward the deeper and more muted end of the spectrum. As a result, the auditory feedback from these two switches vastly differs, with the Jade Rosales favoring a brighter sound and the Sea Salt Smoothie leaning into a more subdued acoustic experience.
When examining the bottom housing of each switch, another distinction emerges where they both utilize different materials. The Jade Rosales features a Custom Milky Material, a proprietary blend exclusive to BSUN, while the Sea Salt Smoothie relies on a POM bottom housing. The sound profiles attributed to these housings further sway the overall auditory experience of each switch. With the Jade Rosales's bottom housing providing a sound characterized by its unique blend, the bottom-out sound—the clicking noise that occurs when the switch reaches the bottom—will be a blend of this custom material's characteristics. In contrast, the POM bottom housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie contributes to that deeper sound profile, offering a more muted acoustic experience when bottoming out.
While both switches feature top and bottom housings made from different materials, they ultimately bring their unique sound characteristics into play. The distinct elements in each pair of housings will contribute to the overall tactile and auditory sensation experienced by users. When activating the switches, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing; hence, the interplay of materials means that you can achieve varied results across the sound spectrum. For users looking for an ambient sound with a pronounced bottom-out feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be more appealing, while those desiring a crisper auditory feedback when releasing a key might prefer the Jade Rosales. The choice between these two switches ultimately hinges on the user’s preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Jade Rosales requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use at work or for long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial push feel in their typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, the Jade Rosales provides a clear bottom out force of 53 grams. Overall, for those seeking a medium-light switch, the Jade Rosales is the better choice, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a heavier actuation feel, though the unknown bottom out force leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, which may affect user experience based on individual preferences. The Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Jade Rosales the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker response times, like gamers who benefit from reduced travel distance for enhanced performance. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress experience for users who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Thus, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for either responsiveness or depth, with the Jade Rosales being the more responsive option and the Sea Salt Smoothie catering to those who enjoy a fuller keypress sensation.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 it comes to sound, the BSUN Jade Rosales switch is noted for delivering a refined auditory experience, though specific nuances of its sound profile are not detailed. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is characterized by a thocky sound profile, which many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming. The sound experience is influenced not just by the switch itself, but also by the keyboard construction and the keycaps used, which means both switches can provide a pleasant auditory backdrop depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switch is praised for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, attributed to the meticulous refinement of its custom components and lubrication techniques. Comparatively, the Sea Salt Smoothie also boasts a reputation for smoothness due to its all-POM construction, which contributes to a fluid keystroke. Both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, making them comparable in their tactile satisfaction.
Overall, both the BSUN Jade Rosales and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches present an impressive combination of smoothness and quality sound. While the Jade Rosales focuses on a meticulously crafted feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie adds a distinctive thocky sound that many find appealing. Depending on personal preference, one might lean toward the custom refinement of the Jade Rosales or the affordable quality of the Sea Salt Smoothie, but either choice promises to elevate your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience that’s been finely tuned over time, the Jade Rosales is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams makes it suitable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue, while the refined design promises a superior tactile response. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a solid performance at a more accessible price point, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be the better choice. Its medium-weight feel lends itself well to users who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing, and the thocky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are high-quality options, but your decision should hinge on whether you value custom refinement or budget-friendly quality paired with distinctive sound.
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