Gateron Luciola vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Luciola and HC Studio Roselle are both excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for linear switches with unique characteristics. The Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow in the dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle is praised for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, as well as a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Luciola offers a snappy and lively typing experience, the Roselle provides a more refined and neutral feel. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the HC Studio Roselle differ in terms of sound profile and feel. The Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings create a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Roselle's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and more muted sound profile. This results in a different auditory experience for users of each switch, with the Luciola providing a sharper sound and the Roselle offering a softer tone.
In terms of feel, the housing materials of the two switches also vary. The Luciola's INK blend bottom housing contributes to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Roselle creates a more impactful and deep bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the top housing of each switch influences the sound when a key is released, with the INK blend top housing of the Luciola producing a clacky sound upon key release, and the POM top housing of the Roselle delivering a muted tone.
While the housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the HC Studio Roselle differ in terms of sound profile and feel, both switches offer unique auditory experiences to users. The proprietary INK blend of the Luciola provides a sharper and clacky sound profile, while the POM material of the Roselle produces a deeper and more muted tone. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired sound and feel when typing.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch with 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams while the Roselle needs 52 grams. This makes the Roselle the lighter option in both categories, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light force range, providing a balance between comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. Therefore, when it comes to feeling the switch travel from the top to the bottom, users can expect similar results from both switches. This means that whether you choose the Luciola or the Roselle, you will experience the same distance traveled when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, both switches offer the same level of tactile feedback and responsiveness in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is characterized by a clacky and chirpy sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches have unique acoustic signatures that set them apart, with the Luciola being more crisp and bright, while the Roselle leans towards a more bass-heavy and mellow sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is noted for its medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, offering a snappy and buttery typing experience that is super responsive. In comparison, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch delivers an impossibly smooth and frictionless typing sensation, creating a gentle and mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a polished and refined typing experience, with the Luciola feeling more alive and the Roselle offering a seamless and effortless key press.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch each have their own distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Luciola excels in providing a clacky and snappy typing sound with a smooth and bouncy feel, while the Roselle offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with an impossibly smooth and frictionless typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver satisfying results depending on your specific preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following guidelines based on your preferences. If you enjoy a medium-bottom out force, eye-catching design with glow-in-the-dark features, and a clacky and bouncy typing feel, opt for the Gateron Luciola. Alternatively, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, an impossibly smooth typing sensation, and a subtle low-pitched sound profile, then the HC Studio Roselle may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing experience and style.
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