Gateron Mars vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron Mars and the HC Studio Roselle can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Gateron Mars switches stand out due to their innovative design, which features a POK stem and a housing blend of Nylon and POM, promising a responsive and fluid keypress that is favored by many gamers and typists looking for precision and consistency. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switches offer an exceptionally smooth experience, thanks to their unique material blend that delivers an ethereal typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, making them a great option for those who prioritize an auditory element along with a comfortable keystroke. While both switches cater to different preferences, choosing between the two ultimately comes down to the specific feel and sound you desire when typing or gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the HC Studio Roselle switches, it’s essential to note that the top housing materials differ significantly; the Mars employs nylon while the Roselle utilizes POM. Nylon is known for its softer nature, which contributes to a deeper and rounder sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for users seeking a typing experience that is both fuller and less harsh. In contrast, the Roselle's top housing of POM is designed to create a unique, deep, and relatively muted sound profile as well. While both switches aim for a pleasant auditory experience, the use of nylon in the Mars lends it a distinctive tone by absorbing more sound, while the POM in the Roselle offers a slightly different type of sound quality, though both are on the deeper side.
On the bottom housing front, both the Gateron Mars and the HC Studio Roselle utilize POM, which dramatically influences the overall sound and feel of the switches. POM is reputed for its ability to generate an appealing sound profile, one that tends to be deeper and more muted compared to that produced by materials like nylon or ABS. Here, the similarities become pronounced: because both switches feature POM in their bottom housing, they will likely deliver a comparable feel when bottomed out, reassuring users that they can expect a satisfying tactile experience regardless of the switching mechanism. This shared material suggests that, when pressed, the impact of the sound and feel will be quite similar, contributing to a cohesive typing feel across both types of switches.
In terms of overall performance, the interaction of the differing top housing materials with the shared bottom housing creates a unique experience for each switch. With the Mars's nylon top dampening sound more effectively and offering a rounder auditory experience, while the Roselle's POM top presents a crisp, albeit muted sound, users may find their preferences leaning toward one switch type or the other based on auditory taste. However, the foundation laid by the POM bottom housing ensures that both switches will resonate similarly when it comes to the deeper sound profile encountered during use. Therefore, switching between these two options could yield similar tactile feedback while allowing for a degree of variation in sound, catering to different user preferences in typing acoustics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a uniform touch when triggering a keystroke on either switch, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces diverge significantly: while the bottom out force of the Gateron Mars switch is unknown, the Roselle switch provides a bottom out force of 52 grams. This indicates that the Roselle switch is the heavier option, offering a more substantial typing experience due to the extra force required to fully depress the key. Consequently, while both switches act similarly at the actuation point, the Roselle switch will demand more strength to bottom out, which may appeal to users who prefer a firmer feel, whereas the Mars may be more appealing for those seeking a lighter touch overall.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. With both switches featuring the same travel distance, they will deliver similar results in terms of key feel and responsiveness, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a linear switch without any tactile bump or audible click during operation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The Gateron Mars linear switch offers a sound profile that is notably absent from the provided details, making it difficult to provide an accurate comparison. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a subtle, low-pitched sound that leans towards a bassy tone, allowing for a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. This low-pitched sound signature contributes to a soothing typing environment, striking a balance that is suitable for various settings, whether at home or in an office. However, since the sound profile of the Mars isn't specified, it's undetermined how the two might compare in this regard.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Mars switch lacks a specific description, leaving a gap in the comparison. The Roselle switches, on the other hand, are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable for users of all skill levels. This mild characteristic offers a comfortable balance, ensuring that the feel of the switch does not overwhelm but still delivers an engaging typing sensation. Without knowing the feel of the Mars switch, we cannot directly compare its tactile experience with that of the Roselles.
In summary, while the specifics of the Gateron Mars switch are elusive, the HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer a rich, low-pitched sound and a gentle, mild feel that makes them versatile for many users. If the Mars switch features similar sound or feel qualities, you would likely find comparable typing experiences. However, without additional information on the Mars, a full assessment remains incomplete.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Mars linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences in typing feel and sound. If you value a lightweight typing experience and are drawn to innovative designs, the Gateron Mars could be the better choice for you, especially if unfamiliar factors like bottom-out force aren’t a deterrent. Keep in mind, however, that its distinct characteristics like sound profile remain less defined in comparison to the Roselle, so if you seek something smooth yet substantial, the Mars may not wholly satisfy your auditory expectations. On the other hand, if you prefer a more deliberate actuation force, the Roselle, with its 52-gram bottom-out force, provides that medium-light resistance while delivering an ethereal typing sensation. Its unique material blend not only enhances smoothness but also produces a low-pitched, rich sound profile that can elevate your typing experience, making it a great fit for long hours of work or gaming. Therefore, if you desire a switch that balances tactile feedback with a pleasant acoustics experience, the HC Studio Roselle would likely serve you better.
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