Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Bsun Tomcat
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Bsun Tomcat switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Jade Rosales and Bsun Tomcat both offer distinct advantages for typists and gamers alike, despite being categorized as linear switches. The Jade Rosales is celebrated for its meticulous refinement over a year, boasting custom housings, specially designed stems, and advanced lubrication techniques that culminate in an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet, tactile feel without any resistance. On the other hand, the Tomcat switch features Ly stems that enhance the smoothness of each keystroke while providing a resonant sound profile that many users find pleasing. While both switches cater to enthusiasts who value smooth actuation, the Jade Rosales leans towards an ultra-silent experience, whereas the Tomcat provides auditory feedback through its resonant sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
Ly
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and the Bsun Tomcat both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which sets the stage for a similar auditory experience when it comes to the sound profile produced by each switch. As documented, polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, thanks to its stiff nature. This characteristic ensures that both switches deliver a clear and resonant sound, making them especially suitable for users who appreciate vibrant audio feedback when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is incorporated, offering a visually striking element that complements the sound performance.
However, the differences between these two switches emerge in their bottom housing materials. The Jade Rosales employs a Custom Milky Material, which is described as a proprietary blend by BSUN. This unique formulation likely contributes a distinct sound profile that bridges the crispness of polycarbonate with a softer touch, though the specifics of its acoustic properties are less defined. In contrast, the Tomcat opts for a nylon bottom housing, a material recognized for fostering a deeper and fuller sound. Due to its softer nature, nylon effectively absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience that contrasts with the clarity provided by the polycarbonate top. This fundamental difference in bottom housing material is expected to create a noticeable variation in tactile feedback and overall sound profile during usage.
The combination of these material choices ultimately affects how users perceive each switch when typing. In the case of the Jade Rosales, the impact of its proprietary bottom housing may soften the crispness provided by the polycarbonate top, leading to a mixed but balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Tomcat's nylon bottom housing will likely contribute a more substantial feel coupled with a muted sound, particularly when bottoming out a key. Users can thus expect to experience differing auditory outputs based on the interaction between the two housing materials. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top, the contrasting bottom materials ensure unique outcomes in sound depth and resonance, catering to diverse preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch to the Bsun Tomcat linear switch, both exhibit similar actuation forces but differ slightly in their bottom out forces. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. This similarity suggests that users will experience the same responsiveness when typing or gaming, which is beneficial for those seeking a consistent performance across either switch. However, the Tomcat switch has a marginally higher bottom out force of 54 grams, compared to the 53 grams of the Jade Rosales switch. This indicates that while both switches have a medium-light feel overall, the Tomcat requires a bit more effort to press all the way down, which some users may appreciate for a firmer bottoming out sensation. Ultimately, the Jade Rosales is slightly lighter overall, while the Tomcat presents a touch more resistance in its lower travel. This distinction may lead those who prefer a lighter touch to favor the Jade Rosales, while those desiring a more substantial feel at the end of their keystrokes may lean towards the Tomcat.
Travel distance
The Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Tomcat linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressed, the Tomcat switch travels an additional 0.1 mm compared to the Jade Rosales. For users who prioritize rapid keystrokes, the Jade Rosales might provide a slightly more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, appealing to gamers and those preferring quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Tomcat’s longer travel distance may offer a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who enjoy a deeper key press, creating a more satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two will ultimately depend on whether a user prefers the quicker response of the Jade Rosales or the deeper actuation of the Tomcat.
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 Bsun Tomcat comes in at $2.99 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Jade Rosales switches create a unique auditory experience that has yet to be fully described, leaving an element of mystery around their sonic profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat switches provide a resonant sound that can enhance the tactile experience of typing, giving feedback that's pleasing to the ear. It's important to note that the final sound produced by either switch will also depend on various factors like the keyboard build and keycap material, so users can expect subtle variations regardless of the switch choice.
In terms of feel, the Jade Rosales switches shine with an exceptionally smooth typing experience thanks to their meticulously refined design, which includes specialized housings and stems. This smoothness makes them highly enjoyable for extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Tomcat switches, sporting Ly stems, are designed for super smooth operation. This common ground in feel indicates that both switches prioritize a fluid typing experience, although the precise sensations they impart might differ due to their unique designs.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Jade Rosales and Tomcat linear switches present strengths in their respective sound and feel characteristics. While the Jade Rosales evokes a sense of intrigue in its sound profile, the Tomcat offers a clear resonant quality that many users may find gratifying. On the tactile side, both switches provide a smooth experience that can satisfy typists. Ultimately, choosing between them may come down to personal preference regarding the auditory aspects and the slight variations in their feel, but both are sure to deliver a pleasing typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Jade Rosales and Bsun Tomcat linear switches ultimately depends on your specific preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a switch that has been meticulously refined over time, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams, then the Bsun Jade Rosales may be your ideal choice. Its thoughtful design may appeal to users seeking precision and a higher quality feel in their keys. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly higher bottom-out force of 54 grams combined with a resonant sound profile, the Bsun Tomcat offers its own unique appeal with its Ly stems, known for their sleek smoothness. This switch could be perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio feedback while typing, providing a satisfying tactile sensation. In the end, both switches offer a remarkable linear experience, and your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback.