Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of various options. The Bsun Jade Rosales switches stand out for their meticulously refined design, developed over a year with custom housings and stems, alongside advanced lubrication techniques to promise an exceptionally smooth typing experience. As a linear switch, the Jade Rosales offers a seamless keystroke without tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie, also a linear switch, impresses with its all-POM construction, which shatters price expectations while maintaining a high standard of quality. Known for its thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness, the Smoothie provides a lightweight touch that can enhance gaming and typing alike. While both switches cater to users looking for smooth linear action, their unique attributes cater to different preferences—whether that be the refined craftsmanship of the Jade Rosales or the budget-friendly appeal of the Gateron Smoothie. However, let’s dive 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Smoothie differ significantly in their housing materials, which profoundly influences their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Jade Rosales features a top housing made from polycarbonate, known for its stiffness and clarity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This housing is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency, emphasizing visual effects while enhancing audio feedback. The contrast comes with the Smoothie, which utilizes a POM top housing that delivers a deeper, more muted sound profile. The material’s unique characteristics lend themselves to a soft, pleasant auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued keypress.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Jade Rosales employs a proprietary BSUN blend described as "custom milky material," which contributes its own distinct sound qualities. In contrast, the Smoothie's bottom housing is also made from POM, further reinforcing the deeper, muted characteristics present in its top housing. Both switches showcase how the bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch; however, the Jade Rosales introduces its own proprietary blend, which may add a unique touch to the overall sound and tactile feedback, diverging from the POM's already well-established profile.
Despite their material differences, both switches can offer pleasing auditory experiences, albeit with varying pitches and textures. If a user seeks to achieve similar sound profiles between the two, they could opt for custom tuning or modifications, emphasizing the top housing's material impact by closer examination of the tuning techniques utilized. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a crisper, brighter sound with the Jade Rosales or a muffled, deeper auditory experience with the Gateron Smoothie. Each switch embodies a unique appeal, shaped by the distinct properties of its housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams but an unknown bottom out force, there are clear distinctions in their tactile experiences. The Jade Rosales switch is designed for those who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing, as its medium-light actuation and slightly heavier bottom out force provide a firmer push. In contrast, the Smoothie’s lighter actuation force makes it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, though the absence of a specified bottom out force leaves some uncertainty regarding its overall feel when fully depressed. Therefore, if you favor less resistance and lighter switches for longer gaming sessions or typing marathons, the Smoothie would be your choice. However, if you seek a more robust tactile feedback, the Jade Rosales is the better option.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have slightly different travel distances, with the Jade Rosales measuring 3.5 mm and the Smoothie at 3.6 mm. This makes the Jade Rosales the shorter option, while the Smoothie has the longer travel distance. For users prioritizing responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Jade Rosales may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation, a factor favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Smoothie’s longer travel distance might be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feel with each key press. Ultimately, while both switches are within a similar range, the distinction in travel distance can influence user experience depending on personal preferences regarding key feel and performance.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 remains somewhat undefined in the information provided, while the Gateron Smoothie is characterized by its thocky, low-pitched, and subdued acoustic profile. The thocky sound signature delivers a deep, rich tone that produces a satisfying aural feedback when pressing the keys, reminiscent of a soft "knock." This quality lends itself to a fulfilling experience during typing. Meanwhile, the subdued nature of the Gateron Smoothie leans toward a more refined sound, offering a subtlety that contrasts with louder switch types, which can be appealing in quieter environments. However, it's important to note that the acoustic characteristics of both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard's design and the keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switch’s specific qualities are not detailed, while the Gateron Smoothie is praised for its buttery, creamy, and silky sensations. The term "buttery" suggests an incredibly smooth and fluid keystroke experience that makes typing feel effortless. This is further enhanced by its creamy quality, which promotes a silky typing sensation, allowing fingers to glide seamlessly across the keys. The smoothness offered by these switches can lead to reduced resistance and fatigue during long typing sessions, fostering a pleasant and satisfying interaction with the keyboard.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Jade Rosales's sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, the Gateron Smoothie stands out for its thocky sound and exceptionally smooth tactile experience. If you're drawn to a well-rounded and satisfying typing sound coupled with a buttery feel, the Smoothie is a great option. For those who are intrigued by the Jade Rosales but lack specific qualitative details, it may yield similar results in terms of smoothness and typing experience, especially considering its meticulous refinement in design. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it's vital to consider your individual preferences and intended use. If you're looking for a beautifully refined and exceptionally smooth typing experience with a medium-light force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales is an excellent choice. Its meticulously crafted design ensures that each keystroke feels fluid and responsive, which can enhance both typing comfort and efficiency, particularly for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more thocky sound signature along with a smooth, creamy typing feel, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option for you. The Smoothie's all-POM construction offers a delightful tactile experience with a deep, low-pitched sound that is satisfying without being overly harsh, making it suitable for both gaming and typing. In essence, choose the Jade Rosales if you want luxury and refinement in your typing experience, but go for the Gateron Smoothie if you value affordability, a thocky sound, and an overall buttery feel. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize a premium experience or a balance of quality and cost.
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