Bsun Jade Rosales vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Type A represent two sophisticated options that cater to distinct preferences in the typing experience. The Bsun Jade Rosales, developed by XY Studio, is celebrated for its meticulously refined design that ensures an exceptionally smooth typing experience due to custom housings, stems, and advanced lubrication techniques. This linear switch optimizes the feel of each keystroke, making it a top choice for users who prioritize fluidity and comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A, a noteworthy creation from Sillyworks’ “Project Rehash” / SLAY series, introduces innovations in travel distances and molds paired with cutting-edge factory lubing techniques. Positioned as a medium-weight switch, the Type A features a sound profile that is richer and deeper, catering to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, appealing to different user preferences; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Jade Rosales and the Gateron Type A switches, significant differences arise in both the top and bottom housings. The Jade Rosales features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is particularly beneficial for users who prioritize RGB lighting, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows light to illuminate the switch beautifully. In contrast, the Type A utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature that dampens sound waves. This divergence in sound characteristics reflects the fundamental differences in material properties, with polycarbonate enhancing brightness and clarity, while nylon maintains a warmer and rounder acoustic profile.
Examining the bottom housing reveals further contrasts, as the Bsun Jade Rosales incorporates a proprietary Custom Milky Material blend, while the Type A is outfitted with a standard nylon bottom housing. The unique blend in the Jade Rosales may introduce specific sound dynamics that differentiate it from the Type A, although both switches ultimately exhibit a sound profile influenced by their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing in the Type A reinforces its duller sound quality, helping it absorb vibrations that produce a more muted bottom-out sound. In contrast, the Jade Rosales's Custom Milky Material may still allow a certain degree of resonance, reflecting the higher-pitched sound generated by the polycarbonate top.
Even with the differences in top and bottom housing materials, both the Jade Rosales and the Gateron Type A switches can provide satisfying typing experiences, though their acoustic profiles diverge. Users can expect the Jade Rosales to produce a lively, resonant sound with a distinctive character during key releases, while the Type A leans towards a softer, more subdued auditory feedback during typing. Ultimately, for those interested in customizing their keyboard experience, the combination of different material properties allows for a range of results achievable by blending distinct sound profiles, resulting in personalized tactile responses suited to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch with the Gateron Type A linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces differ slightly. The Jade Rosales has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Gateron Type A requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Jade Rosales the lighter option, ideal for users who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions, such as at work or for extended gaming. Conversely, the Gateron Type A, being slightly heavier, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Both switches are considered medium-light, but the Gateron Type A provides a firmer feel when bottoming out compared to the Jade Rosales.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, it becomes clear that the Jade Rosales offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Type A features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction suggests that users who prefer a more responsive typing experience might lean towards the shorter Jade Rosales switch, which allows for quicker actuation, making it a favored choice among gamers. In contrast, the Gateron Type A's longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke for their typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for speed and responsiveness, the Jade Rosales is the way to go, while the Type A caters to preferences for depth in key travel.
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 Type A comes in at $4.70 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
The sound profile of the BSUN Jade Rosales switch is characterized by its refined acoustics, likely contributing to a distinctively smooth and pleasant auditory experience while typing. This switch is aimed at providing an engaging sound that may be more satisfying compared to standard linear switches, although specific descriptors are not mentioned. In contrast, the Gateron Type A switches are described as having a neutral sound signature that is moderately dampened, producing a subdued auditory response when pressed. This makes the Type A suitable for various environments, whether in a home or office setting, offering a balance between subtlety and clarity. Overall, those opting for either switch can expect a compelling auditory experience, though the Jade Rosales may offer a more distinctive sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the Jade Rosales switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, a result of meticulous refinement in its design and manufacturing. This smoothness translates to little resistance throughout the keypress, likely allowing for quick and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A is categorized as a medium-weight switch, which suggests a tactile response that may provide a different kind of feedback. The exact feel may not be explicitly defined, but the focus on modern factory lubing techniques indicates an effort to optimize for a pleasant typing experience, potentially contributing to a smooth key press as well.
In summary, both the BSUN Jade Rosales and Gateron Type A linear switches present compelling options for different typing preferences. While the sound and feel qualities might differ, both offer a refined experience tailored to meet the needs of their users. The Jade Rosales excels with its smoothness and appealing sound, while the Gateron Type A serves as a versatile choice with its subdued sound profile and medium weight. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but each switch promises a quality typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch will largely depend on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you’re seeking an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a refined feel resulting from meticulous design and lubrication techniques, then the Jade Rosales is the way to go. Its slightly lighter bottom-out force (53 grams) may also make it more comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderately weighted switch with a deeper sound profile that suits a variety of use cases—from casual gaming to office work—the Gateron Type A would be a better fit. Its neutral and subdued sound signature makes it versatile, striking a balance between acoustic presence and discretion. Ultimately, consider the environment in which you’ll be using the switch, your typing style, and the level of feedback you prefer to arrive at the right decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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