Durock Blue Lotus vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Blue Lotus, a tactile switch, with the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch, there are some key differences to consider. The Blue Lotus is renowned for its tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, offering a marked tactile feel with slightly reduced travel distance at 3.7mm. Paired with a detachable light column for vibrant RGB illumination, these switches not only perform well but also look visually captivating. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience, with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Blue Lotus is accented, bassy, snappy, and stepped, the Roselle is characterized as bassy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Each switch offers unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 long spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Durock Blue Lotus and the HC Studio Roselle both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Blue Lotus utilizes a Modified PC and UPE Blend top housing, which offers a unique and premium feel, while the Roselle uses a POM top housing known for creating a pleasing and deep sound profile. While the materials may differ, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their top housing choices.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Durock Blue Lotus is constructed with a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle features a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience with their carefully chosen bottom housing materials.
Overall, while the Durock Blue Lotus and HC Studio Roselle utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches prioritize providing a premium and unique typing experience. The choice of materials such as Modified PC & UPE Blend, nylon, and POM all play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer a deeper and fuller sound profile like that offered by nylon or a more muted and pleasing sound like POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, a noticeable difference can be seen in their respective weights. The Blue Lotus has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Roselle has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Blue Lotus provides a medium-heavy feel, while the Roselle offers a medium-light touch. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing and gaming purposes. If one prefers a heavier feel, the Blue Lotus would be the better option, while the Roselle is more suited for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. Gamers may prefer the Blue Lotus for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial keypress feel, while those looking for a quicker response time may opt for the Roselle with its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue 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 Blue 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
In terms of sound, both the Durock Blue Lotus and HC Studio Roselle switches are described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The Roselle switches also have a low-pitched sound signature, adding a mellow and bass-heavy element to the typing experience, which may be preferred by some users. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Blue Lotus switches are characterized as having a snappy and accented tactile feel, providing a marked tactile intensity without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Roselle switches are described as offering a frictionless and mild typing experience, emphasizing a smooth and effortless keypress with a gentle touch. Both switches aim to provide a tactile or linear sensation that caters to different preferences in typing feel.
Considering the available information, the Durock Blue Lotus switches are more focused on delivering a tactile typing experience with snappy and accented qualities, complemented by a captivating RGB illumination. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switches prioritize a smooth and frictionless keypress that is impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy, with a focus on a low-pitched sound profile for a mellow typing experience. Overall, while the Blue Lotus switches cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feel, the Roselle switches offer a different approach with a smoother and gentler typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and visual aesthetics. If you value a marked tactile feel and vibrant RGB illumination, the Blue Lotus may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle might be more suitable. Additionally, take into account the bottom out forces of each switch, with the Blue Lotus being medium-heavy at 65 grams and the Roselle being medium-light at 52 grams. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and how these switches align with your desired typing experience. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard journey.
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