Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are two impressive contenders, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Jade Rosales, developed by XY Studio, boasts a meticulously crafted design with custom housings and stems, providing a delightful, smooth typing experience that many users describe as bouncy and clacky. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of feedback and personality in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver is an all-POM switch that features a shorter travel distance, resulting in lightning-fast actuation. Its thocky sound profile and buttery smoothness make it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter touch and a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches offer a linear feel ideal for uninterrupted typing, they cater to different styles and environments. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches, one can observe notable differences particularly in their top housing materials. The Jade Rosales utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This contributes to a more resonant auditory experience, making it ideal for users who prioritize clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate offers aesthetic advantages, especially when using RGB lighting, which can enhance the visual appeal of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver incorporates a POM top housing, which produces a sound profile on the deeper side that is relatively more muted than that of polycarbonate. This contrast between the two materials leads to differing auditory experiences when engaging with the switches.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches present another interesting comparison. The Jade Rosales employs a proprietary custom milky material for its bottom housing, which can be expected to interact uniquely with the polycarbonate top to deliver a specific tactile and auditory feedback. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM bottom housing that similarly seeks to create a pleasing sound profile, albeit with that characteristic deeper and more muted quality. Given that the bottom housing has a substantial impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the Jade Rosales might exhibit a more pronounced transition from sharpness to depth when bottoming out, while the Smoothie Silver would provide a more uniform, subdued feedback overall.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Smoothie Silver switches feature unique attributes due to their differing top and bottom housing materials, they both aim for an enjoyable typing experience. The sound profiles – one being brighter and more resonant versus the other being deeper and more muted – reflect the distinct materials used, leading to varied auditory and tactile interactions. Users preferring a vivid and dynamic response may gravitate towards the Jade Rosales, while those who appreciate a more subdued yet rich auditory experience may find the Smoothie Silver to be an attractive option. If they were to adopt similar materials across the top and bottom, one can anticipate a more harmonious sound profile that blends the desired attributes of both materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it's clear that they share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which suggests that users will experience similar keystroke trigger resistance with both switches. However, the bottom out force for the Jade Rosales is 53 grams, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown, leaving it uncertain whether it matches or differs from the Jade Rosales. Overall, the Jade Rosales is categorized as medium-light and delivers a more substantial feel when bottoming out, while the lack of information on the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force leaves it ambiguous, though its equal actuation force may appeal to those who favor lighter switches suited for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is clear that they are quite similar, yet distinct. The Jade Rosales has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Smoothie Silver measures slightly less at 3.4 mm. This means that the Jade Rosales offers a longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. For users who prefer a more tactile and substantial keypress, the Jade Rosales may be the better option, providing a heartier depth. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver aligns well with the preferences of gamers seeking faster response times. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness in your keyboard experience, the Smoothie Silver could be advantageous, while the Jade Rosales would cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 switch offers a clacky tone, creating a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that can be described as crisp and bright. This sound profile gives users an energizing and engaging experience, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch produces a thocky sound—characterized by a deeper, bass-heavy note that feels more subdued and rich. The Smoothie Silver’s low-pitched and dampened quality presents a softer auditory experience compared to the Jade Rosales. Ultimately, selecting between these two will depend on personal preferences regarding the auditory feedback during typing.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switch is known for its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bouncy sensation offers a lively rebound with each keystroke, delivering a spring-like feedback that many users find satisfying. The creamy texture enhances the overall typing experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch emphasizes a buttery feel, providing a fluid and seamless typing experience that feels consistent across key presses. Despite these distinctions, both switches share a creamy quality, indicating that users can expect a smooth and pleasing tactile experience from either option.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Jade Rosales and Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Jade Rosales delivers a sharper, more percussive sound alongside a bouncy, elastic feel, while the Smoothie Silver emphasizes a deeper, subdued sound and buttery texture. Ultimately, while users may gravitate towards one switch over the other for specific qualities, both promise an enjoyable typing experience with their creamy characteristics and distinct sound profiles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a more tactile and feedback-rich experience, the Jade Rosales, with its medium-light 53 grams bottom-out force and bouncy, creamy feel, is likely to enhance your typing enjoyment, especially if you appreciate a clacky sound that adds some character to each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and prefer a softer, more subdued sound profile, the Smoothie Silver is an excellent choice. Offering a buttery feel and a thocky, low-pitched sound, this switch excels for fast-paced typing and gaming scenarios where quick actuation is key. Ultimately, your decision may hinge on whether you seek a lively, responsive switch that offers feedback or a more subdued, smooth experience that allows for rapid input. Either way, you’re in for a delightfully different typing experience!
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