Keygeek Briny vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the HC Studio Roselle both stand out as exceptional linear options, each bringing unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Briny is celebrated for its balanced sound profile, thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, making it a solid choice for those who appreciate a harmonious typing experience without overwhelming acoustics. On the other hand, the Roselle offers an incredibly smooth typing sensation derived from its unique material blend, which stands apart from the typical reliance on lube for smoothness. With a subtle, low-pitched sound signature that is mild and neutral, the Roselle provides a typing experience that feels almost ethereal. Ultimately, choosing between the two may come down to whether you prioritize sound balance or an ultra-smooth tactile feel. 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
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Keygeek Briny and the HC Studio Roselle, it's evident that both switches utilize materials that are well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community, yet they produce different auditory experiences due to their differing compositions. The Briny features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is noted for its ability to deliver a deeper, fuller sound profile characterized by muted acoustics. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder tonal quality that many users appreciate for its acoustic properties. This design choice leads to a typing experience that feels plush and resonant in contrast to more rigid plastics.
In contrast, the Roselle substitutes nylon for POM (Polyoxymethylene) in both the top and bottom housings. While the POM material is incredibly durable and provides a striking visual aesthetic, its sound profile shares similarities with nylon in that it also delivers a deeper and relatively muted auditory experience. While both materials result in a pleasing sound, POM’s unique properties bring an additional layer of nuance to key presses, allowing for a distinct sound that might be described as smoother yet still soft due to the inherent characteristics of POM. This allows users to enjoy a distinct typing sensation and sound signature that differs from what nylon offers while still achieving muted and more sophisticated acoustics.
Ultimately, users of both the Keygeek Briny and the HC Studio Roselle can expect to enjoy an enriched typing experience, albeit derived from different materials. The nylon in the Briny effectively absorbs sound and provides a fuller profile while the POM in the Roselle contributes a similarly muted sound. This results in the nuanced distribution of sound characteristics between the top and bottom housings in both switches, ensuring that each offers its own flavor of deep auditory feedback, regardless of the material differences. If one were to use both switches interchangeably, the varying impacts of their top and bottom housing materials would still allow for satisfying transitions, as the fundamental qualities of a muted and pleasing sound profile persist across both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight option. In contrast, the Roselle features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch will find the Roselle easier to use over extended periods, whereas those who appreciate a stronger feedback feel may lean towards the heavier Briny switch. Overall, users can expect similar tactile responsiveness, but the Roselle will require less force to actuate and bottom out, making it the lighter choice.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equivalency means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will provide a consistent feel during typing, making them equally suitable for users who prioritize a uniform keypress experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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
The Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile, offering a pleasant auditory experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a deeper, bassy sound that delivers a richer tone during key presses, alongside a subtle low-pitched signature. This combination results in a mellow auditory experience, suitable for users who appreciate a sound that is both deep and neutral. While the Briny may appeal to those who prefer a more universally moderate sound, the Roselle stands out for its distinctively warm tonal qualities.
When it comes to feel, the Briny's qualities are unspecified, leaving it open to interpretation. However, the Roselle is lauded for its frictionless operation, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. With minimal resistance during key presses, the Roselle delivers what can be described as a gentle and mild sensation. This approachability makes the Roselle an inviting choice for users who seek comfort in their typing experience, as it balances physical feedback with fluidity.
In summary, while the Keygeek Briny offers a balanced sound profile, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch distinguishes itself with a deeper, bassy sound and an incredibly smooth feel. Although the specific feel of the Briny remains undefined, both switches cater to users who appreciate distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Roselle's unique tonal and textural qualities may be more appealing to those in search of a richer, smoother typing experience, while the Briny serves as a versatile option for a more neutral auditory preference. Ultimately, each switch caters to different tastes and typing styles, ensuring an array of choices for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it’s important to consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using them. If you prefer a slightly heavier typing experience with a bottom out force of 60 grams, the Briny may be your ideal choice, especially if you appreciate a well-balanced sound profile that complements a variety of setups. Its sound signature is more neutral, making it suitable for professional environments or casual use alike. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter touch and a notably smoother typing experience, the Roselle, with its 52 grams bottom out force and frictionless feel, might be more to your liking. The subtle, bassy sound that comes with the Roselle can create a soothing auditory backdrop, making it great for longer typing sessions or creating a calm workspace. Thus, your ultimate choice should reflect your typing style, whether you lean towards a more balanced and firm feedback with the Briny or a gentle and smooth experience with the Roselle.
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