HMX Game1989 vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right linear switch for your mechanical keyboard, the HMX 1989 and the HC Studio Roselle offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The HMX 1989, celebrated for its unique "thocky" sound profile and deep actuation, provides a tactile and satisfying feedback that many gamers crave, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle stands out for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes, attributed to its special material blend, which delivers a whisper-like feel while maintaining a subtle, low-pitched sound. This makes the Roselle particularly appealing to users who prioritize a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches cater to specific tastes—whether you’re drawn to the thocky resonance of the HMX 1989 or the ethereal smoothness of the Roselle, there's a clear choice for your typing style. 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
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the HC Studio Roselle, one can observe distinct differences in their top housings. The HMX 1989 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This results from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, contributing to a resonant sound that is particularly enhanced under RGB lighting conditions due to its translucency. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which, while also providing unique acoustics, yields a deeper and more muted sound. The contrasting sound profiles of these two materials can significantly affect the user experience, particularly for typists seeking either a vibrant or warm auditory feedback while typing.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the HMX 1989 and HC Studio Roselle use materials that generate similar auditory characteristics. The HMX 1989 employs a nylon bottom housing which is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively. On the other hand, the Roselle also utilizes a POM bottom housing that, although designed to create a distinctly pleasing sound, leans toward a deeper and muted acoustic quality. Despite these differences in material—nylon for the 1989 and POM for the Roselle—both switches share a commonality in their ability to produce a satisfying sound profile that caters to users looking for a more subdued auditory feedback in their typing expérience.
The overall interaction between the materials in both switches affects user experience in distinct ways. The HMX 1989, with its combination of polycarbonate and nylon, offers a sound that is both crisp and rounded, yielding a versatile performance that's ideal for those who appreciate clarity with a touch of depth. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle presents a uniformity in sound characteristics with its POM materials for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a relatively more consistent yet muted typing experience. Ultimately, while these switches differ in sound profile and material composition, users can expect satisfying auditory results based on the interplay of housing materials, reinforcing the idea that even contrasting materials can yield enjoyable typing experiences when appropriately matched.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, both exhibit very similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will feel the same light touch when triggering a keystroke, making them excellent choices for long typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. The bottom out force, however, differs slightly; the 1989 has a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the Roselle is marginally lighter at 52 grams. Overall, both switches are medium-light and should provide a comparable typing experience, appealing to users who prefer lighter switches. Ultimately, while the Roselle may offer a slightly less forceful bottom out feel, both switches cater well to users seeking a balance between lightness and responsiveness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The HMX 1989 features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that pressing down on the HMX 1989 will give you a more pronounced, deeper feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Roselle's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a quicker response, making it a desirable option for gamers who favor rapid key actuation. Moreover, while the traditional travel distance is around 4.0 mm, the shorter distance of the Roselle aligns with the modern trend towards more responsive switches. Ultimately, if you value a deeper, more deliberate key press, the HMX 1989 is the ideal choice, whereas the HC Studio Roselle caters to those seeking a faster, more immediate response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 HMX 1989 linear switch is known for its deep, thocky acoustics, providing a rich auditory experience with every keystroke. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound that can be characterized as bassy, delivering a deeper and mellow tone that enhances the overall typing experience. The Roselle's combination of a low-pitched sound with its inherent material blend results in a refined auditory quality that is both neutral and gentle, making it suitable for various environments. The choice of keyboard and keycap materials will further influence the sound produced by both switches, meaning users can achieve different auditory profiles depending on their setup.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch is recognized for its thocky feedback that provides a satisfying and solid sensation during key presses. The HC Studio Roselle, on the other hand, is designed for an exceptionally smooth experience, with a mild touch that feels gentle and approachable. Its material blend contributes to an ethereal softness that makes typing on the Roselle feel effortless, standing in contrast to the more pronounced characteristics of the 1989. While the 1989 may deliver a more tactile experience, the Roselle emphasizes an ultra-smooth journey from actuation to bottoming out, catering to users who prefer a subtler touch.
In summary, both the HMX 1989 and HC Studio Roselle linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences. The 1989 offers a deeper and thockier sound, paired with a more tactile feel, while the Roselle emphasizes a smooth feel and a gentle, low-pitched auditory signature. Depending on your preferences for sound and touch, each switch can provide a tailored typing experience. Ultimately, both can achieve enjoyable results but cater to different aspects of user preference in the mechanical keyboard space.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a switch that delivers a deep and thocky sound profile, akin to the rich vibrations reminiscent of the classics, then the HMX 1989 is the ideal choice. This switch is designed for a satisfying auditory experience, making it a great option for gaming or a creative workspace where a more pronounced feedback loop can enhance immersion. On the other hand, if you're seeking a typing experience that emphasizes an incredibly smooth feel with a subtle low-pitched sound, the HC Studio Roselle fits the bill perfectly. Its mild temperament and gentle tactile feedback make it particularly well-suited for prolonged typing sessions or office environments, where you may prefer a quieter and less intrusive option. Ultimately, assess what attributes are most important for your usage; whether it’s for gaming, creative work, or a more casual typing experience, either switch can offer a fulfilling experience tailored to your needs.
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