Huano Acacia vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between the Huano Acacia and the HC Studio Roselle, both of which are linear switches that offer distinct experiences. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and pleasant typing experience straight out of the box. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle stands out for its inherently smooth feel thanks to its unique material blend, delivering a sensation that feels both ethereal and frictionless. Additionally, the Roselles emit a subtle, low-pitched sound signature when typing, appealing to those who appreciate a tactile audio feedback while maintaining a minimalist approach. Both switches have their unique strengths, catering to different typing preferences, but to truly understand which one might suit your needs best, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
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-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the HC Studio Roselle, there are distinct differences that impact their sonic profiles and overall performance. The Acacia features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Roselle employs a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. This fundamental difference means that while the Acacia's sound may be more invigorating, the Roselle offers a unique auditory experience that is richer and less piercing. Therefore, users seeking a brighter, more pronounced response may prefer the Acacia, whereas those desiring a subdued and mellow sound may gravitate towards the Roselle.
The bottom housings of these two switches present another layer of comparison, with the Acacia utilizing nylon and the Roselle using POM. The nylon material in the Acacia contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer nature. This creates a rounded acoustic experience that enhances the typing feel. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the Roselle is similarly characterized by its capacity for producing pleasing sound qualities, albeit with a slightly muted effect. The shared acoustic properties of POM in the bottom housing suggest that the Roselle may mimic some of the warmer tones found in the Acacia's nylon, but the overall feel and sound will still differ due to the inherent characteristics of the materials.
In practical terms, the variation in housing materials between the Acacia and the Roselle suggests that users will experience differences in sound and typing performance based on which switch they choose. The Acacia’s combination of a stiff polycarbonate top with a softer nylon bottom implies a clearer sound when pressing the keys but a rounder experience upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Roselle, with its POM top and bottom, provides a unified, deeper sound profile throughout the key press. If a user desires to achieve a balanced sound that falls somewhere between the two switches, they could potentially explore combinations of different types of switches or modify their typing technique to emphasize the unique qualities each housing material brings to the table.
Weight
The Huano Acacia linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch exhibit some similarities and a few differences in their force characteristics. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke, which contributes to a consistent typing experience for users preferring lighter switches. However, while the Acacia has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a heavier push required for bottoming out, the Roselle's bottom out force is slightly lighter at 52 grams. This difference can enhance the overall typing experience, as users of the Roselle may find it easier to bottom out compared to the Acacia. Ultimately, both switches fall into the medium-light category, but the Acacia provides a slightly heavier feel at the bottom, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial push sensation when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, the Acacia measures 3.5 mm, while the Roselle has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Acacia provides a marginally shorter actuation depth compared to the Roselle. For gamers or users who value a more responsive feel, the Acacia might be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for quicker actuation and potential improvements in performance. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial key press may find the Roselle’s 3.6 mm travel distance to be more satisfying, offering a deeper experience with a bit more feedback. Overall, while both switches fall within a similar range, the Acacia offers a slight edge for fast-paced tasks, whereas the Roselle caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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
In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by a neutral sound profile that caters well to a variety of user preferences. This makes it versatile for different environments, whether at home or in an office setting, providing a moderate auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out with its deeper, low-pitched sound signature, which imparts a richer acoustic quality to each key press. The bassy tones of the Roselle not only create an immersive typing experience but also add a unique character that differentiates it from the Acacia, appealing to users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback.
When discussing the feel of each switch, the Acacia is recognized for its medium-light weight and minimal stem wobble, allowing for a satisfying and stable typing experience. Users can expect an approachable yet responsive feel that supports a range of typing styles. Conversely, the Roselle linear switch is described as frictionless, delivering an effortlessly smooth typing experience that reduces any sense of resistance. Coupled with its mild nature, the Roselle allows for an incredibly fluid keypress, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches offer a gentle experience, but the Roselle’s inherently smooth feel gives it an edge in seamless key travel.
In summary, while both the Huano Acacia and HC Studio Roselle linear switches deliver appealing typing experiences, they do so with distinct qualities. The Acacia provides a balanced sound and a stable feel, making it a reliable choice for various users, while the Roselle offers a deeper auditory experience alongside an ethereal smoothness that makes it stand out. Depending on your preferences for sound depth and typing feel, either switch can cater to your needs, but the differences may lead you to favor one over the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch largely depends on your specific preferences for typing experience, sound, and overall feel. If you value a typing experience that is ready to go right out of the box, you might find the Acacia to be your ideal switch. Its medium-light actuation force of 55 grams, coupled with generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble, provides a reliable and satisfying experience, especially for those who type frequently or for extended periods. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a unique auditory profile, the Roselle might be more aligned with your needs. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 52 grams, these switches are engineered for a frictionless feel that allows for effortless key presses, producing a subtle yet rich sound signature that many users appreciate. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a solid all-around switch that feels and sounds great for various tasks, the Acacia is a strong candidate; however, if you desire a premium tactile sensation and a more ethereal auditory experience, the Roselle would be an excellent choice. Consider your typing habits and sound preferences as you make your decision, and you’ll find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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