Durock Light Tactile vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile 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 Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch, and the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is praised for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more refined typing experience compared to other tactile switches on the market. In contrast, the Roselle switch from HC Studio is known for its incredibly smooth and almost ethereal feel, providing a frictionless typing experience with a unique low-pitched sound signature. While the Light Tactile excels in providing a polished and mild tactile feedback, the Roselle stands out for its bassy feel and neutral frictionless action. 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
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the HC Studio Roselle, it is clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Light Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is especially enhanced when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Roselle features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference for sound characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Light Tactile incorporates a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic compared to other options, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. Similarly, the Roselle's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, aligning with the overall characteristics of the switch. Despite the difference in material, both switches offer a similar sound experience with their bottom housing materials enhancing the sound when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the HC Studio Roselle will ultimately come down to personal preference for sound characteristics. While the Light Tactile offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the Roselle provides a unique deep and muted sound profile with its POM top and bottom housings. Both switches offer distinct sound experiences based on their housing materials, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their typing preferences.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch. The Light Tactile requires 52 grams of force to actuate and 67 grams to bottom out, while the Roselle needs 45 grams to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out. While the differences between the two switches are not drastic, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Roselle, while those who prefer a bit more resistance might opt for the Light Tactile. Both switches offer a good balance between actuation and bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference for typing feel and whether a lighter or heavier switch is desired.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. The traditional distance of 4 mm is suitable for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress, while the shallower 3.6 mm of the Roselle may appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both options offer different tactile experiences, with the Light Tactile providing a deeper feel and the Roselle offering a more responsive touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral profile with a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it suitable for various preferences and environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch presents a bassey and low-pitched sound profile that provides a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the Light Tactile being more neutral and versatile, while the Roselle delivers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Durock Light Tactile is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish for sleek key travel. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch is characterized by its frictionless feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. While both switches fall under the mild category for typing experience, the Light Tactile focuses on a polished and refined feel, whereas the Roselle emphasizes a frictionless and fluid key travel sensation.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, offering a neutral sound profile and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch impresses with an incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy feel, accompanied by a bassy and low-pitched sound signature. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to a range of typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers and seasoned mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile and the HC Studio Roselle switches, consider the following guidelines: If you prefer a gentle and jelly-like tactility with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Light Tactile switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a lower bottom out force, the Roselle switch may be more suitable for you. Furthermore, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a polished typing feel, the Light Tactile switch would be ideal. Conversely, if you appreciate a bassy and low-pitched sound with a frictionless typing experience, the Roselle switch would be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for tactility, force requirement, sound profile, and typing feel.
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