KTT Cream Yellow vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the KTT Cream Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle, both linear switches. The Cream Yellow is known for its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel due to its shortened bottom-out distance, long-pole stem, and lengthened spring. On the other hand, the Roselle is praised for its incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience, with a subtle low-pitched sound signature. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Roselle is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Cream Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle have contrasting housing materials in their top housings. The Cream Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle comes with a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the Cream Yellow is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting, the Roselle offers a unique sound experience on the deeper end of the spectrum. Despite their differences, both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housings, the KTT Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is achieved because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the HC Studio Roselle also features a POM bottom housing, offering a similar deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their respective bottom housing materials, providing a satisfying sound while typing.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the KTT Cream Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle allows for a diverse typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings impacts the sound and feel of each switch differently. While the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to individuals seeking specific sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Cream Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Roselle's 45 grams, making it slightly heavier in terms of force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Yellow requires 58 grams while the Roselle requires 52 grams, making the Cream Yellow the heavier option overall. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Roselle with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may prefer the Cream Yellow for a slightly more substantial typing feel. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range of force, providing users with a comfortable typing experience that is not too taxing on the fingers.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch is 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 that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cream Yellow is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm, but the difference is minimal. Both switches offer a relatively shallow travel distance compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm standard. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for the slight difference in travel distance, with the Cream Yellow offering slightly faster response times and the Roselle providing a slightly deeper feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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 Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, and percussive, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Roselle linear switch offers a different auditory experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound that is impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy. The Roselle provides a richer and deeper sound profile compared to the Cream Yellow, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more mellow typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow linear switch is renowned for its bouncy typing sensation achieved through its lengthened spring, providing a lively and spring-like feedback when keys are pressed. Conversely, the Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless typing experience with an extremely smooth and effortless feel, reducing any sense of resistance or friction when typing. Additionally, the Roselle switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Roselle linear switches each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clacky and bouncy typing experience with a sharp and snappy sound, the Cream Yellow switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides a smooth, frictionless feel with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Roselle switch would be an excellent option. Ultimately, your preference for sound and feel will determine which switch is best suited for your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow might be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a smoother, frictionless typing experience with a bassy and low-pitched sound, the Roselle could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience. It's essential to try out both switches if possible to determine which one suits your preferences best.
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