Gateron Glory Red vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Glory Red and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Glory Red and the HC Studio Roselle both present compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a linear switch experience, each with its distinct characteristics. The Gateron Glory Red is celebrated for its lighter touch, offering a smooth keystroke with an enjoyable travel distance that makes typing feel effortless and satisfying. This switch is particularly appealing for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typist's journey. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle stands out not only for its unique material blend that creates a remarkably smooth and delicate typing sensation, but also for its subtle, low-pitched sound signature, adding an auditory layer to the typing experience. While the Roselles may cater to those who appreciate a quieter, more nuanced feedback, the Glory Red serves well for gamers and fast typists seeking agility and seamless performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POK
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 housing materials of the Gateron Glory Red switches and the HC Studio Roselle switches, we find a significant difference in the composition; the Glory Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, while the Roselle features polyoxymethylene (POM) for its housings. Nylon, a classic switch housing material, is softer and known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder acoustic profile. This characteristic is consistent across both the top and bottom housings of the Glory Red, thereby enhancing the overall sound quality and ensuring that the bottom-out experience feels full and satisfying.
In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle’s POM housing offers a unique sound profile that is also on the deeper side but presents a slightly different auditory experience. POM is known for its harder composition, which can contribute to a more distinct sound with a gradual attack. While POM absorbs sound as well, its overall sound may lean towards a more muted and crisp quality compared to the Glory Red's nylon. Given that the Roselle’s top and bottom housings both use POM, the sound produced when typing may be slightly more nuanced, but will still exhibit that desired deeper and muted quality which aligns closely with the nylon experience but through a different material characteristic.
Ultimately, while the Gateron Glory Red switches and the HC Studio Roselle switches feature different housing materials, the results can yield similar auditory experiences when typing. Both switches are designed to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, albeit through different pathways. For users, this means that regardless of the material differences, both types of switches will deliver satisfying acoustics during use, with the Glory Red's nylon creating a rounder sound and the Roselle's POM providing a more crisp, yet muted experience. Consequently, users can experience comparable satisfaction in sound quality, depending on personal preference for material feel and acoustic output.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keystroke activation. However, the bottom out force for the Roselle is specified at 52 grams, indicating that it requires a heavier push to bottom out compared to the Glory Red, for which this value is unknown. Consequently, while both switches provide a consistent actuation experience, the Roselle will feel heavier when pressed down completely. This makes the Glory Red switch lighter overall, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the Roselle may appeal to those who desire a more substantial and tactile feel during use.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Glory Red linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is identical, with both switches featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch, resulting in a consistent typing or gaming experience regardless of the switch used. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals seeking similar tactile feedback and resistance will find either option satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron Glory Red and HC Studio Roselle linear switches, the differences become quite apparent. The Glory Red is best known for delivering an overall neutral sound, making it a versatile choice that caters to a wide range of preferences and contexts, whether in a quiet office or home setup. In contrast, the Roselle has a more notable low-pitched and bassy sound signature. This deeper tone adds richness to the acoustic experience, lending an air of subtle sophistication to each key press. The Roselle's sound embodies a mellow and impactful character, making it feel more substantial in comparison to the more reserved output of the Glory Red.
When it comes to feel, the Glory Red switch is characterized as offering a smooth keystroke with a pleasing travel distance, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience. However, the Roselle takes it a step further by providing a frictionless sensation, making the actuation feel astonishingly effortless. The Roselle not only emphasizes smoothness but also maintains a mild profile that offers an approachable typing experience for all users, regardless of their expertise. This lack of resistance creates an almost ethereal typing experience, contrasting with the smoothness of the Glory Red, which remains more conventional in its tactile delivery.
In summary, while the Gateron Glory Red is well-regarded for its neutral sound and smooth travel, the HC Studio Roselle stands out with its bassy sound and frictionless feel. Both switches can deliver pleasing results, but the Roselle offers a uniquely refined experience in sound and actuation. If you prefer a typing experience that is fluid and rich in acoustic texture, the Roselle is an excellent choice. However, for those who value a more neutral profile with solid performance, the Glory Red remains a strong contender.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Glory Red and the HC Studio Roselle switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prioritize a very light and smooth keystroke that allows for effortless typing, the Glory Red may be the ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a straightforward, distraction-free experience. Its lighter bottom-out force could benefit you if you often type for extended periods and want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a richer auditory experience and a slightly firmer keystroke, the Roselle is well-suited for you. With its medium-light bottom-out force and a subtly bassy sound profile, it delivers a unique typing feel that's not only smooth but also engaging. If you’re looking for a switch that strikes a balance between performance and auditory pleasure, the Roselle would be the choice that enhances your typing environment. Ultimately, consider what attributes resonate the most with you, and you’ll find the perfect match for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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