TTC Ice vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two interesting contenders are the TTC Ice and the HC Studio Roselle, both of which are linear switches designed for smooth typing experiences. The TTC Ice switches stand out with their striking crystal-clear transparent design and provide a responsive, satisfying feel with a pleasant bottom-out sound, making them appealing for both gaming enthusiasts and everyday typists. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle boasts an incredibly smooth typing sensation due to its unique material blend, which eliminates the need for lubrication to achieve that silky feel. Additionally, the Roselle features a low-pitched sound profile that enhances the typing experience without the harshness often associated with other switches. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the Ice excels in visual appeal and acoustic feedback, while the Roselle prioritizes a whisper-quiet experience and unrivaled smoothness. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the HC Studio Roselle exhibit contrasting housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles. The Ice employs polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housings, a choice that yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear resonance, making it an ideal candidate for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. This attention to aesthetics not only enhances the visual appeal but also supports an audio experience that is clean and articulate. The polycarbonate’s rigidity provides users with a more pronounced keystroke feedback, contributing to a lively typing experience.
In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housings, which generates a sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted spectrum. The POM material's unique properties contribute to a pleasing auditory experience that can be described as smooth and rounded. This can provide a sense of luxury in the keystroke, although it may lack the same clarity and sharpness found in the polycarbonate counterparts. The Roselle’s POM construction creates a distinct sound that emphasizes a softer impact, which may cater to users who prefer a more subtle auditory experience from their switches.
Ultimately, while the TTC Ice and HC Studio Roselle utilize different materials that lead to contrasting auditory sensations, both designs highlight the importance of housing in shaping sound profile and user experience. The Ice’s polycarbonate constructions deliver a crisper and more dynamic response, while the Roselle’s POM offers a muted, deeper resonance. If one were to combine the acoustical characteristics of both switches by incorporating polycarbonate in the top housing and POM in the bottom housing, one could achieve a unique hybrid sound profile, marrying the clarity of polycarbonate with the smoothness of POM, potentially appealing to a broader range of preferences in both sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we find some similarities and notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive when registering keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ: the Ice switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Roselle's bottom out force is lighter at 52 grams. This means that while both switches require the same force to actuate a keypress, the TTC Ice provides a more substantial “bottoming out” experience due to its heavier force. As a result, those who prefer a lighter feel for long typing or gaming sessions might gravitate towards the Roselle switch, while those seeking a more robust typing experience may favor the Ice switch. Overall, the TTC Ice switch is the heavier option, offering a firmer tactile experience, whereas the HC Studio Roselle is the lighter alternative, promoting comfort over extended use.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Ice linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they provide the same keypress experience when pressed down. This similarity ensures that users will achieve comparable results in terms of responsiveness and feel during typing or gaming. Since the travel distance is equal, both switches offer the same length, contributing to a consistent tactile experience across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 TTC Ice linear switch is characterized by a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and daily use. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch offers a more nuanced auditory experience with its subtle, low-pitched sound profile, which can be described as bassy; this deeper tone adds richness and warmth to the keystrokes. Both switches provide a responsive acoustic feedback, but the Ice focuses more on a pleasant pop sound while the Roselle delivers a mellow and smoother tone, making it a more subdued option.
Regarding feel, the Ice switch provides a smooth and responsive typing experience that many users find premium and enjoyable. The Roselle, on the other hand, is known for delivering an impossibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, allowing for effortless key presses. While the Ice provides a solid feel, the Roselle's experience can be described as ethereal, offering an engaging yet gentle touch that makes it accessible for users of all skill levels. Both switches cater to comfort and satisfaction but do so in slightly different ways, emphasizing a fluid travel versus that satisfying resistance.
In summary, both the TTC Ice and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ice switch focuses on an engaging bottom-out sound and responsive feel, making it versatile for various use cases. Conversely, the Roselle prioritizes a uniquely smooth tactile experience paired with a low-pitched, richer sound profile, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued auditory feedback. Ultimately, while both switches excel in their respective areas, users can expect a satisfying typing experience whether they choose the Ice or the Roselle, depending on their personal inclinations toward sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switches and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a slightly heavier switch with a bit more tactile feedback during intense gaming sessions or fast typing, the Ice switch, with its 60 grams of bottom-out force and a satisfying sound, will likely cater to your needs. Its transparent design can also enhance the visual aspects of your keyboard, making it a solid option for both aesthetic and performance-oriented builds. On the other hand, if comfort and a smooth, almost frictionless typing experience are paramount for you, especially during long hours of typing or if you prefer a lighter touch, the Roselle switch is your go-to choice. With its 52 grams of bottom-out force and an ethereal sound profile that feels soothing rather than intrusive, the Roselle is ideal for both casual use and extended work sessions. In essence, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it sound, feel, or force—before making your decision.
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