Kailh Box White V2 vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between switch types can significantly impact your typing experience. The Kailh Box White V2 switches are renowned for their clicky feedback, delivering a satisfying tactile response along with an audible click that many users find invigorating during both typing and gaming. This makes them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a more tactile interaction and a clear auditory indication with each keystroke. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switches provide a linear experience characterized by their incredibly smooth operation, thanks to a unique material blend that ensures a frictionless feel. Users of the Roselle will appreciate its subtle, low-pitched sound profile, which allows for quiet yet decisive typing, appealing to those who seek a more understated and fluid keystroke. Each switch has its own merits—Kailh Box White V2 for energetic clicks and tactile feedback, while HC Studio Roselle caters to smooth, silent performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the HC Studio Roselle, significant differences arise in their construction and resulting sound profiles. The Box White V2 features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound due to the material’s rigidity. Polycarbonate's translucency also enhances the aesthetic aspect, especially when paired with RGB lighting, allowing light to shine through beautifully. This sharp tonal quality is particularly appealing to users who enjoy a pronounced acoustic response in their typing experience. In contrast, the Roselle employs a POM top housing, which is characterized by a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both materials serve functional purposes, the choice of polycarbonate in the VStack White V2 results in a more vibrant acoustic experience compared to the HC Studio Roselle's softer, less pronounced sound.
The bottom housing of both switches contrasts in material as well, with the Box White V2 featuring nylon and the Roselle using POM once again. Nylon, a classic switch housing material, contributes to a fuller, deeper sound profile. Its softer plastic quality absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and less sharp auditory experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Roselle is noted for its unique sound characteristics, which align more closely with the muted tonality also present in its top housing. Because sound absorption is inherent in both nylon and POM, the two materials yield a rich acoustic signature, albeit in distinct manners; with nylon creating a more rounded sound and POM maintaining a deep, pleasing tone.
Ultimately, the interplay of these materials significantly influences the typing experience. The Box White V2's combination of polycarbonate and nylon gives it a unique duality, featuring clearer top sounds while still benefiting from a deeper bottom sound through the nylon. Alternatively, the HC Studio Roselle, with both top and bottom housing constructed of POM, delivers a consistent sound profile with muted depths throughout. If one seeks similar results in key press feel, focusing purely on the sound produced upon bottoming out, some users might find a favorable balance in the Roselle, though the Box White V2 offers a wider spectrum of auditory responses with its different materials. The differences present in these two switches will cater to specific preferences, depending on whether a user favors clarity or depth in their keystrokes.
Weight
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke — a characteristic that can appeal to users looking for a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Box White V2 at 50 grams and the Roselle at 52 grams. This indicates that the Roselle switch is slightly heavier overall, as it requires 2 grams more force to bottom out. Consequently, while both switches provide a similar actuation feel, the Roselle offers a marginally more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, making it a better choice for users who prefer a firmer feedback when typing.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same distance from the top to the bottom, contributing to a uniform typing experience in terms of travel mechanics. As a result, if you are accustomed to one of these switches, you can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation depth when using the other, making both options appealing depending on your preference for clicky or linear feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch delivers a distinct auditory experience characterized by its crisp, tactile feedback paired with an audible click that punctuates each keystroke. This pronounced click is not just satisfying; it also enhances typists’ awareness of each key press, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more interactive and engaging sound profile when typing. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a more subdued acoustic environment, producing a low-pitched, bassy sound that tends to be softer and less obtrusive compared to the Box White V2. The Roselle's sound profile leans towards a neutral ground, resulting in a typing experience that feels quieter, which might be suitable for settings where noise is a concern or for users who prefer a gentler auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Box White V2 presents a tactile experience that many enthusiasts appreciate for its pronounced actuation feedback, which allows typists to confidently know when a key is activated. This tactile bump contributes to a more engaging typing experience, ideal for touch typists who rely on feedback to maintain speed and accuracy. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle switch shines with its frictionless characteristics, which provides an incredibly smooth typing experience. This ease of key travel minimizes resistance, allowing for a fluid sensation with each key press. Additionally, the Roselle's mild feel ensures that users enjoy a gentle, comfortable typing experience without the potential harshness that can come with more aggressive switches, making it appealing to a broad audience.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Kailh Box White V2 is perfect for those who appreciate pronounced feedback and an audible click, making it ideal for active and engaging typing sessions. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle's smoothness and subtle sound can offer a more understated yet equally satisfying experience, particularly for users who prioritize comfort and quietness. Ultimately, the choice between these two comes down to whether one values tactile feedback and sound or a smoother, more refined typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy tactile feedback and appreciate an audible click, the Box White V2, with its light 50 grams bottom-out force, would be ideal for you, especially if you need a switch that enhances typing precision and provides an engaging experience. This switch shines in casual gaming and typing tasks where audibility and tactile engagement bring joy; however, it could be more disruptive in quiet spaces. Conversely, if you value a smoother and quieter typing experience that’s more subdued, the Roselle linear switch is an excellent choice. With a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 52 grams, it offers a frictionless and mild experience that caters well for long typing sessions or professional environments where noise levels are a consideration. The Roselle’s low-pitched sound signature further supports a more peaceful atmosphere, making it suitable for anyone seeking both performance and discretion in their mechanical keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should align with your desired balance of tactile feedback and auditory experience against a preference for smoothness and subdued sound.
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