HMX Cheese vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Cheese and HC Studio Roselle both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The HMX Cheese switch is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, along with a satisfying clacky and poppy sound signature. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth feel and subtle, low-pitched sound when typing. While the Cheese switch is lighter and offers a crisp typing experience, the Roselle switch boasts a more bassy and frictionless 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX Cheese and HC Studio Roselle switches both offer unique sound profiles that contribute to the overall typing experience. The nylon top housing of the Cheese provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the POM top housing of the Roselle produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both materials offer a deeper sound profile, the Cheese's nylon top housing may provide a slightly fuller sound compared to the Roselle's POM top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the HMX Cheese's nylon bottom housing and the HC Studio Roselle's POM bottom housing contribute to the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softer nylon material of the Cheese absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out keys. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Roselle also offers a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Despite their differences, both housing materials impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches in their own distinct ways, leading to a personalized typing experience.
When the top and bottom housing materials differ within a switch, the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the overall sound and feel when typing. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. In the case of the HMX Cheese and HC Studio Roselle switches, the nylon and POM housing materials offer their own unique sound profiles, providing users with a diverse range of typing experiences depending on which switch they choose. While the specific qualities may vary between the two switches, the overall result is a satisfying typing experience tailored to the individual preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is clear that the Cheese is the lighter option while the Roselle is the heavier option. The Cheese has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a light switch overall. In contrast, the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences, with the Cheese offering a smoother and more effortless keystroke due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Roselle provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, ideal for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but those who are more sensitive to key feel may prefer the Roselle for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for responsiveness versus a more tactile typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch is best known for its satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a more subtle and low-pitched sound profile. The Cheese switches provide a unique ultra-light typing experience that is accompanied by a distinct auditory feedback, making them stand out in terms of sound. On the other hand, the Roselle switches deliver a smoother and more ethereal typing experience with a mellow low-pitched sound, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the HMX Cheese linear switches are praised for their unparalleled smoothness and pristine typing experience, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switches are known for their frictionless and mild typing feel. The Cheese switches offer a smooth typing experience that is unmatched, providing a seamless keystroke with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Roselle switches offer a gentle and fluid typing experience, making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a more approachable typing feel.
Overall, both the HMX Cheese and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Cheese switches excel in providing a crisp and clacky sound with an ultra-light typing experience, the Roselle switches stand out for their smooth and low-pitched sound profile with a frictionless and mild typing feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the distinct characteristics of each switch to achieve a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, with either switch, users can expect a high-quality and premium typing experience that meets their specific needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 46 grams, opt for the Cheese switch. This switch offers a smooth typing experience with a satisfying clacky sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a bottom out force of 52 grams, the Roselle switch may be more suitable for you. This switch provides an incredibly smooth typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a lighter or medium-light bottom out force and the specific typing experience and sound profile you desire.
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