Gateron Ink Yellow vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Ink Yellow and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique experiences for users to consider. The Ink Yellow is best known for its shorter travel and provides a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, this switch is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Clacky', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its incredibly smooth and ethereal feel, delivering a subtle, low-pitched sound signature while typing. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral', the Roselle offers a distinct typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics to consider when choosing the best option for your needs. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Yellow and HC Studio Roselle switches differ in terms of their sound profiles and characteristics. The Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing creates a higher-pitched and clacky sound, while the Roselle's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's bottom housing also features the INK blend, resulting in a similar high-pitched and clacky sound profile, whereas the Roselle's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more subdued sound experience.
In terms of sound profiles, the Gateron Ink Yellow and HC Studio Roselle switches offer contrasting tones due to their distinctive housing materials. The INK blend top and bottom housing of the Ink Yellow provides a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound throughout key presses, while the POM top and bottom housing of the Roselle offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. These differences in sound characteristics give users a choice between a sharper and more distinct typing experience with the Ink Yellow or a smoother and more subdued sound with the Roselle.
Although the Gateron Ink Yellow and HC Studio Roselle switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. While the Ink Yellow focuses on a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile with its INK blend housing, the Roselle offers a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing. Despite these differences, both switches excel in offering unique and pleasing sound profiles to cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Roselle is the lighter option while the Ink Yellow is the heavier one. The Ink Yellow has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy in terms of resistance. In contrast, the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Roselle would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without exerting too much pressure. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. In essence, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference based on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers seeking quick response times. The Ink Yellow is slightly shorter in travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a more immediate response when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a slightly deeper press, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial key feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for travel distance and the tactile feedback desired.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various typing purposes. This switch also provides a clacky sound with sharp and percussive characteristics, adding a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch delivers a unique sound signature with a low-pitched and bassy tone, creating a deeper and richer sound profile. The inherent material blend of the Roselle contributes to an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience with subtle, low-pitched sound notes. Depending on your preference, both switches offer distinct sound qualities that can complement different typing styles.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a gentle tactile feedback suitable for a wide range of users. The polished finish of this switch ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction, contributing to a refined typing sensation. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle switch is characterized by a frictionless typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. This frictionless feature, combined with the mild typing characteristics of the Roselle, creates a fluid and enjoyable typing feel that can enhance your overall typing efficiency and comfort.
In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Ink Yellow offers a neutral and clacky sound profile with a mild and polished typing feel, the Roselle provides a low-pitched and bassy sound signature with a frictionless and mild typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Gateron Ink Yellow or the HC Studio Roselle, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that aligns with your individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and clacky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. It offers a pleasant feel that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, making it a versatile option for both work and leisure. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force that provides an incredibly smooth and bassy typing experience, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is the way to go. Its unique material blend delivers a frictionless and ethereally smooth feel, coupled with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature that sets it apart. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force, as both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.
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