Durock Black Lotus vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock Black Lotus and the HC Studio Roselle, both linear switches. The Black Lotus is praised for its silky smooth feel and precision, with reduced housing and stem wobble for maximum typing pleasure. Its 55g actuation weight offers a substantial yet comfortable typing experience, and the unique light column provides in-switch lighting that is fully removable. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its inherent material blend that delivers an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation when typing. Additionally, the Roselle produces a subtle, low-pitched sound signature that adds to the typing experience. While the Black Lotus is described as 'Silky', 'Buttery', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Roselle is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific features and performance will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and HC Studio Roselle both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Black Lotus's modified PC & UPE Blend top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a premium and deeper sound profile, while the Roselle's POM top and bottom housing create a more muted and pleasing sound with a deeper tonality. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinctive sound characteristics.
One key difference between the Black Lotus and Roselle is the material used for their top housing. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend, which gives it a unique and premium feel, while the Roselle features POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. However, both switches share a similar goal of providing a pleasing typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics. Whether you prefer a more premium feel with the Black Lotus or a deeper sound with the Roselle, both switches offer something unique for keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Black Lotus uses nylon, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Roselle also employs POM for its bottom housing, contributing to a similar deeper and muted sound profile. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, highlighting the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound profile of a switch. Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Black Lotus and Roselle offer a rich and satisfying typing experience with their unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Black Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Roselle's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the Black Lotus has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Roselle has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Roselle offers a lighter and easier keystroke. Those who prefer a heavier typing experience may opt for the Black Lotus, while those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Roselle. Both switches provide varying levels of tactile feedback and can cater to different preferences for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Black Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Roselle, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Roselle provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the norm and 3.0mm being considered more shallow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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 Black Lotus linear switch offers a neutral tone with a focus on in-switch lighting, while the Roselle linear switch is described as having a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, providing a bassy and mellow typing experience. Depending on the rest of your setup such as keyboard and keycaps, the sound produced by each switch may vary.
In terms of feel, the Black Lotus switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience, minimizing wobble and providing a refined feel. On the other hand, the Roselle switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless key press. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and gentle typing experience, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Taking into consideration all the available information, the Durock Black Lotus and HC Studio Roselle linear switches both focus on providing a smooth and precise typing experience. While the Black Lotus excels in reducing housing and stem wobble and offering in-switch lighting, the Roselle stands out for its ethereally smooth feel and subtle low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and additional features. However, if you are looking for a linear switch with a similar smooth and refined typing experience, either option is likely to provide satisfying results.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Black Lotus and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches, consider your preference for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a unique light column feature for in-switch lighting, the Black Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more ethereal typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Roselle switches could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a bassier and low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle might be more appealing to you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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