KTT Mallo vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and HC Studio Roselle offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Mallo is praised for its gentle tactility and medium-light typing feel, making it a balanced choice for typists who seek feedback without overwhelming sensations. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its incredibly smooth and ethereal typing experience, with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. Both switches cater to different needs and preferences, with the Mallo being more subtle and neutral, while the Roselle offers a bassy and frictionless 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the HC Studio Roselle, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Mallo's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Roselle's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound quality highlights how different housing materials can significantly affect the overall typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the user's auditory experience through the careful selection of housing materials.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Mallo features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM bottom housing also offers a deep and muted sound profile. While the specific qualities of each material may vary slightly, both switches prioritize providing a satisfying typing experience with their unique bottom housing materials. The use of softer plastics like nylon and POM allow for sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and more dull sound profile that is preferred by many keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Mallo and the HC Studio Roselle ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Mallo's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Roselle's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon and POM bottom housing materials to create a fuller and more satisfying sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in achieving a desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that they are both relatively light switches. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Roselle has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. Additionally, the Mallo has no specified actuation force, while the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a medium-light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Roselle may be the better option, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Mallo. In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches offer a comfortable typing experience with minimal fatigue, making them ideal choices for various typing preferences.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the 3.6 mm travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch. With the Mallo having a slightly longer travel distance, it may provide a slightly more tactile feel compared to the Roselle. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Roselle with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper press may lean towards the Mallo. In general, both switches offer a good balance between response time and key depth, so either option can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo tactile switch is best described as having a neutral and subdued sound profile. This means that it provides a moderate sound level that is not overpowering, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and bassy sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Mallo being more neutral and the Roselle delivering a richer, bass-heavy sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Mallo tactile switch is likened to a feathery and mild typing experience. This means that it offers a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides a comfortable typing experience. The Roselle linear switch, on the other hand, is described as frictionless and mild, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing feel with minimal resistance. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Mallo catering to those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Roselle delivers a buttery smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo and HC Studio Roselle switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo provides a neutral and subdued sound profile with a feathery and mild typing feel, striking a balance between subtlety and finesse. In contrast, the Roselle delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound with a frictionless and mild typing experience, focusing on smoothness and rich tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a more neutral sound with a light touch or a deeper, bass-heavy sound with effortless typing, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles for an enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mallo tactile switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing experience. If you are looking for a switch that offers a balanced tactile feedback with a subtle sound profile, the Mallo might be the perfect fit for you. However, if you prioritize an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle could be the better choice. Consider your typing style, whether you prefer a feathery feel or a frictionless one, and the sound profile that best suits your preferences when making your decision between these two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches.
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