Gateron CM vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron CM and HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CM switch stands out for its full nylon housing, which adds depth to its sound signature and provides a smooth typing experience thanks to its impeccable factory lube job. With a dual-staged spring for a bouncy feel, the CM switch is described as 'buttery', 'bassy', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch is praised for its inherent material blend that delivers an incredibly smooth typing sensation without the need for additional lubrication. Known for its subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle switch is categorized as 'bassy' and 'frictionless'. 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
63.5g
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
POM
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
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the HC Studio Roselle both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, with the CM featuring nylon housings and the Roselle using POM housings. The CM's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties, creating a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Roselle's POM top housing produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon housing of the CM may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the POM housing of the Roselle.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gateron CM and HC Studio Roselle maintain their differences with the CM utilizing nylon and the Roselle featuring POM. The nylon bottom housing of the CM contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing, creating a consistent typing experience. In contrast, the Roselle's POM bottom housing also maintains the unique and pleasing sound profile of its top housing, providing a more muted and deeper sound. Overall, the choice of housing material for the bottom components of these switches further enhances the overall typing experience and sound signature of each switch.
Overall, while the Gateron CM and HC Studio Roselle utilize different housing materials for both their top and bottom components, they both aim to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience. The nylon housing of the CM offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM housing of the Roselle provides a more muted and unique sound experience. Despite these differences, both switches prioritize sound quality and typing feel, ensuring that users will enjoy a satisfying and personalized typing experience with either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that there are distinct differences between the two. The Gateron CM linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This means that the Gateron CM switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Roselle switch offers a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference - whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the travel distance. Whether you choose the CM or the Roselle, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback provided by the travel distance of the switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Gateron CM and HC Studio Roselle switches are described as having a deep and rich bassy sound profile with low-pitched tones. This means that when typing on either switch, you can expect a more mellow and bass-heavy sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference, as both offer a similar experience in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM switches are often described as buttery, polished, and creamy, giving a smooth and effortless typing sensation. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switches offer a frictionless and mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel to most users. While the CM switches focus on providing a luxurious and refined typing experience, the Roselle switches aim for a more universally comfortable feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CM and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer a high-quality typing experience with their unique sound and feel characteristics. While the CM switches boast of a fuller sound signature and a bouncy typing experience, the Roselle switches provide an impossibly smooth and ethereal typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on whether you prefer a more luxurious and polished typing experience with the CM switches or a universally comfortable and gentle feel with the Roselle switches. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a premium typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on their characteristics. Choose the Gateron CM if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, enjoy a rich and deep sound signature with a bouncy typing experience, and desire a switch that feels buttery, polished, creamy, or frictionless. Opt for the HC Studio Roselle if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, appreciate a smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation with a low-pitched sound signature, and prefer a switch that feels frictionless or offers a mild typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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