Bsun Jade Rosales vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Bsun Jade Rosales and HMX SU switches each offer unique characteristics that can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Jade Rosales, crafted by XY Studio, stands out with its meticulously refined design, which includes custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques, promising an exceptionally smooth and delightful keystroke. This switch is particularly appealing for users who prioritize a buttery feel and seamless typing, making it ideal for both gamers and typists seeking a premium experience. On the other hand, the HMX SU brings its own charm to the table with its robust PA12 housing and T5 stem, delivering a subtle yet deep sound profile that adds a satisfying auditory element to the act of typing. While it may not feel as slick as the Jade Rosales, the SU provides a unique sound experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference, but 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
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Custom Milky Material
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the HMX SU, significant differences can be observed, particularly in their top housing components. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer plastic composition, allowing for clearer resonance and higher sound fidelity. In contrast, the HMX SU utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This variation arises from nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Therefore, the Jade Rosales is geared toward users seeking pronounced acoustic clarity, while the HMX SU provides a more muted, robust tonal output.
Moving to the bottom housing, we see a divergence as well, albeit with intriguing similarities. The Jade Rosales employs a custom milky material, described as a proprietary blend from BSUN that likely contributes unique acoustic qualities. The specific properties of this material are not detailed, but assuming it complements the polycarbonate top housing, it may enhance the overall sound profile by maintaining a balance between articulation and softness. On the other hand, the HMX SU features a nylon bottom housing which continues its philosophy of providing a deeper sound profile; the softer nature of nylon absorbs impact sound effectively. Despite this divergence in materials, both switches leverage their bottom housings to influence the bottom-out sound and feel, establishing a connection in user experience through their choice of softer plastics.
Ultimately, if we assess the sonic characteristics produced by both switches, we find that the differences in housing materials indeed lead to distinct outcomes, yet they complement each other in other respects. For example, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Jade Rosales may deliver a bright, articulate sound when a key is released, the custom milky bottom housing could help in creating a soft landing point that does not detract from its sharpness. Conversely, the nylon top and bottom combination in the HMX SU emphasizes fullness and warmth, providing a more muted response. Thus, while the top and bottom housings of the two switches manifest different auditory properties, they each provide a unique tactile experience that caters to varied user preferences, while still aligning on the fundamental principles of sound design and user interaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, we find some similarities and differences that cater to different typing preferences. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience the same ease of triggering a keystroke with either switch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Jade Rosales has a slightly heavier force at 53 grams compared to the HMX SU's 50 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches provide a light actuation feel conducive for longer typing sessions, the Jade Rosales will require a bit more force to fully depress. As a result, the HMX SU switch is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more comfortable for users who prioritize endurance, while the Jade Rosales offers a more substantial feeling at the bottom, appealing to those who prefer a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HMX SU linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm highlights the preference for quicker response times with the Jade Rosales, making it an excellent choice for gamers who favor shorter travel distances for enhanced speed and responsiveness. Conversely, the SU switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a little more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, while both switches are relatively similar in travel distance, the Jade Rosales takes the lead as the shorter option, appealing to those who prioritize quick actuation over a deeper key press.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 linear switch is known for its refined auditory experience, but the specifics of its sound profile are not provided. The HMX SU linear switch features a subtle and relatively deep sound profile due to its construction with a full PA12 housing and T5 stem. This indicates that while the SU switch offers a distinct auditory experience, the exact character of the Jade Rosales sound remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. It's worth noting that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by the keyboard's overall build quality, the type of keycaps used, and the surface underneath.
When it comes to feel, the Jade Rosales switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, a characteristic honed through meticulous refinements over a year. In contrast, the HMX SU’s feel isn’t explicitly detailed, but the specification of a T5 stem suggests a level of performance that may also prioritize a smooth action. Given the focus of the Jade Rosales on smoothness, users may find a consistently pleasant typing experience, while the feel of the SU could potentially match that smoothness, though further information is required to confirm this.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Jade Rosales and HMX SU linear switches promise superior performance, particularly in terms of their respective appeals to sound and feel. While the Jade Rosales boasts a well-defined smoothness, the SU offers a unique sound signature that may enrich the typing experience. However, without explicit details on the Jade Rosales’s sound and the SU's tactile feel, potential users could choose either switch depending on personal preferences and expected key feedback. Overall, both switches are positioned to cater to enthusiasts seeking a refined experience, albeit with different characteristics that may or may not be distinctly discernible in practice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prioritize a slightly heavier feel with a bottom-out force of 53 grams, the Jade Rosales switch is a strong contender. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience that caters well to long typing sessions, making it ideal for both productivity and casual gaming. Additionally, if you appreciate a more refined switch characterized by meticulous craftsmanship and a balance of sound and tactile feedback, the Jade Rosales will likely satisfy your demands. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, making rapid key presses easier and potentially reducing finger fatigue, the HMX SU switch may be the better choice for you. Its subtle yet deeper sound profile coupled with its unique tactile response can add a pleasing dimension to your typing experience. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: if smoothness and medium-light resistance appeal to your typing style, opt for the Jade Rosales; but if you lean towards a lighter, more pronounced experience, the HMX SU could be your perfect match.
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