HMX Deep Navy vs. HC Studio Roselle

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Deep Navy and the HC Studio Roselle offer two unique yet appealing options for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Deep Navy is celebrated for its full nylon construction, which contributes to a rich, sharp sound profile and a silky smoothness attributed to its Ly stem design, making it ideal for those who value a satisfying auditory and tactile experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Roselle distinguishes itself with an ethereal, frictionless feel that stands out, thanks to its proprietary material blend, delivering a low-pitched, subtle sound signature that many users find soothing and pleasant for extended typing sessions. While both switches are linear and prioritize smooth keystrokes, their sound profiles and construction materials cater to different preferences in user 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

HMX Deep Navy Linear

HC Studio Roselle Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

$5.90

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the HMX Deep Navy and the HC Studio Roselle, we note that both switches utilize softer plastics as their primary materials, albeit different types. The HMX Deep Navy features a nylon top and bottom housing, renowned for its classic acoustic properties. Nylon, known for its softer nature, effectively absorbs sound waves, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This quality enhances the overall typing experience, creating a duller and rounder auditory feedback that users often find satisfying. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle employs polyoxymethylene (POM) for both its top and bottom housings. POM is celebrated for producing a uniquely pleasing sound that, while also deeper, leans more towards being muted. This distinction in material creates a nuanced difference in auditory feedback, evident during both the bottoming-out and releasing phases of key presses.

While both switches deliver a similarly muted and deeper sound profile, their individual materials lead to different acoustic experiences. The nylon in the Deep Navy effectively dampens noise on both upstroke and downstroke, providing a consistently fuller auditory response. Conversely, the POM housing of the Roselle, while achieving a deeper sound signature, emphasizes more pronounced differentiation between the bottom-out feel and the release sound. The unique characteristics of POM enhance the clarity and crispness of the sound during key releases, offering a different auditory pleasure than the more rounded qualities of nylon. Thus, while the general sound profile of both might lean towards the deep and muted, the layered experiences they provide diverge based on individual usage.

Ultimately, while the HMX Deep Navy and the HC Studio Roselle showcase different housing materials, users can expect to achieve similar desirable results in terms of sound dampening and typing comfort. Both nylon and POM contribute to a satisfactory typing experience, emphasizing a more muted and deep sound profile that minimizes disruptive noise. Thanks to their relatively softer properties, both materials absorb sound effectively, creating an environment conducive to less audio distraction. Therefore, irrespective of the differences in material—nylon versus POM—keyboard enthusiasts can appreciate the intended calm and satisfying auditory experience derived from both switch types.

Weight

When comparing the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Deep Navy switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more responsive feel and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Roselle switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. These distinctions indicate that the Deep Navy is the lighter option, while the Roselle is medium-light, providing some variation for different user preferences. As such, users looking for a lighter feel should lean towards the Deep Navy, while those who enjoy a heavier tactile response may find the Roselle more appealing.

Travel distance

Both the HMX Deep Navy linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in similar tactile experiences when pressing the keys. Since their travel distances are identical, users can expect comparable results in terms of keystroke feel and responsiveness. With both switches providing the same travel distance, switching between them is likely to yield little to no difference in terms of key actuation and feedback during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the HMX Deep Navy switch is distinctively sharp, produced by its full nylon construction, which provides a rich auditory experience with each keystroke. This allows for a clear and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch showcases a subtle, low-pitched sound signature characterized by deeper, bassy tones, giving it an ethereal quality that contrasts with the sharper notes of the Deep Navy. This bass-heavy sound can enrich the overall typing experience, especially in quieter environments, while also maintaining a neutral profile that appeals to a broad audience.

When it comes to feel, the Deep Navy is known for providing a silky smooth experience with every keypress owing to its Ly stem design, creating a traditional yet enjoyable linear feel. Meanwhile, the Roselle is celebrated for its frictionless action, giving users an incredibly effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. This seamless travel makes the Roselle feel fluid and graceful during typing sessions. Additionally, the Roselle offers a mild sensation, making it approachable for users who prefer a gentler touch, which may be in contrast to the more pronounced smoothness of the Deep Navy.

In conclusion, both the HMX Deep Navy and HC Studio Roselle switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences while still delivering a pleasing experience. The Deep Navy emphasizes a sharper sound and silky smooth keystrokes, while the Roselle offers a deeper sound profile along with a frictionless, mild feel. Depending on individual preferences regarding sound and touch, users can find similarly satisfying experiences with either switch; the choice will ultimately come down to personal taste and the specific typing experience one desires.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the HMX Deep Navy and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences regarding key feel, sound, and application. If you favor a lighter actuation force and enjoy typing on switches that produce a rich and deeper sound profile, the Deep Navy may be your best bet. Its smoothness, attributed to the Ly stem and full nylon construction, makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons where speed and comfort are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a typing experience defined by an impossibly smooth feel with a low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle switches would be more suitable. Their frictionless, mild characteristics lend themselves well to a balanced typing experience that can be enjoyed in both casual and professional settings. Ultimately, your specific needs and how you intend to use your keyboard will guide you in making the right choice.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Deep Navy Linear

$3.50

$2.79 per 10

Learn more

HC Studio Roselle Linear

$5.90

$4.70 per 10

Learn more