Kailh Berry vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Kailh Berry and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Berry and HC Studio Roselle both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kailh Berry, a linear switch, is well-known for its hefty typing experience, springy feel, and chalk-like texture. It has a deep sound profile and is categorized as textured, low-pitched, and bassy. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle, also a linear switch, stands out for its incredibly smooth and ethereal typing sensation, with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. It is categorized as bassy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Berry and HC Studio Roselle both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Berry utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Roselle incorporates POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials offer a pleasing and unique auditory experience, with the Berry delivering a crisper sound compared to the Roselle's softer tone.
In terms of bottom housing, the Kailh Berry features nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Roselle also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, emphasizing a deeper and more muted sound compared to the top housing. Both switches offer a balance between the top and bottom housing materials, contributing to an overall enhanced typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Berry and HC Studio Roselle ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While the Berry's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, the Roselle's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Berry creates a fuller sound, contrasting with the Roselle's POM bottom housing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with their housing materials playing a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Berry linear switch is None grams, making it incredibly light as it requires no force to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Berry. When it comes to bottom out force, the Berry requires 70 grams of force, falling in the medium-heavy range, while the Roselle only requires 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Roselle, as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. On the other hand, the Berry may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. In general, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Roselle, while those seeking a more weighted feel may lean towards the Berry. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Kailh Berry linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it is evident that both offer the same amount of key travel for users. This means that whether you choose the Berry or the Roselle, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. In conclusion, both switches provide a similar key feel in terms of travel distance, giving users a familiar typing experience regardless of which one they choose.
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 Kailh Berry comes in at $6.25 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, both the Kailh Berry and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer a deep and bassy typing experience, with a low-pitched sound profile. This means that users can expect a rich and mellow tone when typing on either switch. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired in conjunction with the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Berry linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, providing a noticeable friction when pressed. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless and incredibly smooth typing experience, with a mild feel that is gentle and approachable to most users. This indicates that the Roselle switch may be preferred by those seeking a smoother and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, whether you choose the Kailh Berry or HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you can anticipate a linear switch with a deep, bassy sound, and a typing feel that is either textured for those who enjoy a bit of friction, or frictionless for a smoother experience. Both switches provide their own unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to individual preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking. Ultimately, you can expect a comparable overall performance from either switch, with slight variations in sound and feel.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Kailh Berry linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a hefty and springy feel with a chalk-like texture, as well as a deep sound profile, the Berry switch may be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle switch could be the better choice. Additionally, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Berry switch with 70 grams may be more suitable, whereas if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Roselle switch with 52 grams may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider trying both switches to see which one enhances your typing experience the most.
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