Bsun Jade Rosales vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Jade Rosales and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Jade Rosales and the HMX Vintage Citrus offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and typing styles. The Bsun Jade Rosales switches, crafted by XY Studio, are celebrated for their meticulously refined design, which features custom housings and stems that provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making them a great choice for typists who value precision and comfort during prolonged use. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch, designed specifically for gamers, boasts a remarkably low actuation force of just 1mm, catering to those who thrive on rapid-fire inputs. With its bright, clacky sound profile and smooth push feel, it appeals to gamers seeking an engaging auditory experience while maximizing their performance. While both switches are linear in nature, they cater to different user experiences and needs. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Jade Rosales and HMX Vintage Citrus switches exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, which significantly influences their auditory characteristics and typing feel. The Jade Rosales employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that delivers a sharper, more precise sound profile. This rigidity allows for enhanced resonance, resulting in a brighter auditory experience that is especially pronounced when combined with RGB lighting due to the light penetration through the clear material. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus utilizes a nylon top housing, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and warmer tone. This distinction underlines a fundamental contrast in their sound profiles; while the Jade Rosales produces crisp sounds, the Vintage Citrus yields a more muted, rounded sound.
The bottom housings of the two switches further exacerbate their differences in sound characteristics. The Jade Rosales features a proprietary Custom Milky Material blend for its bottom housing, which contributes to its unique acoustic qualities. While specific characteristics of the Custom Milky Material are less documented, it promises to enhance the overall sound profile in a manner that is distinct from traditional materials. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus sticks to a nylon bottom housing, which, similar to its top counterpart, provides a fuller sound. Since the bottom housing generally affects the bottom-out sound and feel during typing, the Vintage Citrus is likely to deliver a pleasantly cushioned experience, while the Jade Rosales might feel livelier and sharper at the bottom-out due to its proprietary material.
Despite these differences in housing materials, both the Bsun Jade Rosales and the HMX Vintage Citrus can produce satisfying tactile experiences in their own right. The polycarbonate of the Jade Rosales may yield a clearer, more resonant sound when releasing the key, contributing to the crispness associated with each keystroke. Conversely, the nylon materials in the Vintage Citrus allow for a warmer, muted feel that creates a distinct typing environment. Although they cater to different auditory preferences, a user can achieve similar overall satisfaction through their unique sound profiles. The mix of the stiffer polycarbonate with the milder custom blend in the Jade Rosales and the dual nylon housing of the Vintage Citrus represents two distinct yet effective pathways to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we see some similarities and differences. The Jade Rosales has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while the Jade Rosales is lighter in terms of actuation, both switches provide a medium-light typing experience when pressed to the bottom. The lighter actuation force of the Jade Rosales may be more comfortable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean toward the Vintage Citrus due to its heavier actuation force, despite both switches bottoming out at the same level. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preference regarding the desired typing feel and effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Jade Rosales features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Vintage Citrus has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This means that the Jade Rosales provides a deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying, especially those who prefer a more pronounced depth in key presses. On the other hand, the Vintage Citrus, with its shorter 3 mm travel distance, offers quicker actuation, which could be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Consequently, users must consider their personal preferences: opting for the longer Jade Rosales for a deeper typing experience, or the shorter Vintage Citrus for a more snappy and responsive feel.
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 Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 is notably refined but lacks a specific description of its sound profile, leaving some subjectivity to how it may resonate with users. In contrast, the HMX Vintage Citrus is characterized by a bright, clacky sound, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback when typing or gaming. The sound experience of either switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps, but the Vintage Citrus clearly stands out for users who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic experience.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Jade Rosales switch is renowned for its exceptionally smooth typing experience, which is a result of detailed refinement in its design and lubrication techniques. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize a fluid and effortless keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus offers a remarkably smooth push feel, complemented by its low actuation force of only 1mm, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming actions. Although both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, the Jade Rosales leans more towards an overall balanced tactile feedback suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Vintage Citrus is optimized for quick, rapid inputs.
In summary, both the Bsun Jade Rosales and HMX Vintage Citrus switches offer unique qualities tailored to different user needs. The Jade Rosales provides a smooth and refined typing experience without a specific sound profile, making it suitable for general use. Meanwhile, the Vintage Citrus caters to gamers with its bright, clacky sound and low actuation force, designed for rapid inputs. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a polished typing experience or the quick responsiveness suited for gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the Bsun Jade Rosales linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you value a meticulously refined typing experience characterized by a smooth feel and a medium-light bottom-out force, the Jade Rosales will serve you well, particularly for extended typing sessions or a satisfying keystroke. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking quick response times and rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus's exceptionally low actuation force and bright, clacky sound profile will cater to your needs perfectly. While both switches feature the same bottom-out force, the differences in sound and tactile feedback highlight their unique strengths. Thus, consider what matters most to you—whether that’s a smooth, luxurious typing experience or the quick, engaging feel of a gaming switch—as you make your decision.
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