Durock Mamba vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Mamba and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately see the distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Mamba is revered for its gliding typing sensation and rich auditory experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a polished and mild linear switch. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its incredibly smooth and ethereal typing experience, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. Categorized as bassy, frictionless, and low-pitched, the Roselle offers a unique typing feel unlike any other linear switch. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal, but diving deeper beyond generalities will help you make the best decision based on your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the HC Studio Roselle differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Mamba features a unique Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing that offers a bright and pleasant sound profile, while the Roselle utilizes POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use POM material to provide a similarly pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted.
Despite their differences in top housing materials, both the Durock Mamba and HC Studio Roselle switches share similarities in the sound profiles created by their POM bottom housings. This suggests that the bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a larger role in determining the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in crafting a switch's sound profile and feel.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Durock Mamba and HC Studio Roselle switches result in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offer a brighter sound, while the Roselle's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted tone. However, the shared POM bottom housing between the two switches ensures a consistent level of pleasing and unique sound profile that remains on the deeper side and relatively muted. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal sound preferences and whether a brighter or deeper tone is desired.
Weight
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a medium level of resistance when typing or gaming. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option. The Mamba provides a consistent feel with a firm bottoming out force, while the Roselle offers a slightly lighter touch for a smoother typing experience. Both switches are suitable for individuals who prefer a moderate to light actuation force, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a heavier or lighter typing feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba 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, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two switches may not be noticeable to some users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Roselle may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Mamba linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we can see that the Mamba offers a neutral sound profile with a thocky characteristic, providing a moderate and satisfying typing experience suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Roselle presents a bassy and low-pitched sound signature, resulting in a deeper and richer auditory feedback that adds a touch of sophistication to the typing experience. Ultimately, if you prefer a neutral sound with a thocky texture, the Mamba switch would be a great choice, while those who enjoy a bass-heavy and mellow tone may lean towards the Roselle switch for a more refined typing sound.
In terms of the typing feel, the Durock Mamba switch offers a mild and polished sensation, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone appreciated by most users. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle switch boasts a frictionless feel that enhances the typing experience with an extremely smooth and effortless key press, reducing any sense of resistance or friction for a fluid and seamless typing sensation. If you prefer a mild and polished typing feel, the Mamba switch would cater to your preferences, whereas those seeking an ultra-smooth and frictionless typing experience may find the Roselle switch more appealing for its effortless key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Mamba and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mamba provides a neutral sound with a thocky feel that is gentle and approachable, the Roselle offers a bassy sound and frictionless feel that exudes a sense of refinement and sophistication. Depending on your preference for typing sound and feel, both switches cater to different tastes, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience whether they opt for the Mamba or the Roselle switch. Ultimately, despite their differences, both switches promise a high-quality typing experience that delivers on performance and comfort.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Durock Mamba and the HC Studio Roselle linear switches, consider the characteristics that align with your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile with a thocky sound, the Mamba may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, and a frictionless typing experience, the Roselle would be a suitable option. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Roselle may excel in providing a unique and ethereal typing sensation. Make your decision based on these factors and enjoy the satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
