KTT Matcha vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the KTT Matcha and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, and the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch. The KTT Matcha is praised for its comfortable and snappy tactility when typing, providing a clean bottom-out sound with its long pole stem. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle stands out for its incredibly smooth and ethereal feel, offering a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Matcha is categorized as stepped, snappy, and clacky, the Roselle is known for being bassy, frictionless, and low-pitched. Each switch presents unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Matcha features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is relatively stiff, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. It is also translucent, making it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. This material offers a unique sound experience that appeals to users looking for a different acoustic experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the KTT Matcha and the HC Studio Roselle utilize different materials. The Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing shares the same qualities as the top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. Conversely, the Roselle's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of a switch, impacting the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the KTT Matcha and the HC Studio Roselle will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate housing in the Matcha offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM housing in the Roselle provides a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer unique experiences based on the housing materials used, with the top and bottom housings contributing to different aspects of the sound profile. Ultimately, users can expect a distinct typing experience with either switch due to the differences in housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we see that the Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Roselle's actuation force of 45 grams, making the Matcha lighter in this aspect. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Matcha has a bottom out force of 45 grams while the Roselle has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making the Roselle heavier in this regard. The Matcha offers a light and smooth typing experience with both its actuation and bottom out forces being on the lighter side, while the Roselle provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a slightly higher actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences to cater to different preferences, with the Matcha being lighter overall and the Roselle leaning towards a heavier feel.
Travel distance
The KTT Matcha tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Roselle. A 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. The Matcha's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, offering a greater depth when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Roselle's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, making it more suitable for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their varying travel distances, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and desired typing or gaming style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 KTT Matcha tactile switch is often described as producing a clean and crisp bottom-out noise, giving it a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its low-pitched and subtle sound signature, delivering a bassier tone during key presses. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Matcha catering to those who prefer a sharper sound, while the Roselle appeals to those who enjoy a deeper and mellow sound.
In terms of feel, the Matcha tactile switch provides users with a stepped and snappy typing experience, offering a comfortable and tactile sensation during key presses. The switch is also described as being accented and feathery, allowing for a light and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Roselle linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke. The Roselle's qualities make it approachable to most users, offering a gentle and comfortable typing feel.
Overall, the KTT Matcha and HC Studio Roselle switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Matcha provides a clacky and tactile typing experience with a clean bottom-out sound, the Roselle offers a bassier and smoother keystroke with a subtle sound signature. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Matcha appealing to those who enjoy a sharper tactile feel and crisper sound, and the Roselle being suitable for users who prefer a smoother and more mellow typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with both switches providing high-quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Matcha tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a light actuation force and enjoy a comfortable, snappy tactility with a clean bottom-out sound, the Matcha might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a medium-light switch that offers an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the Roselle could be the better option. Think about whether you prefer a clacky sound profile with a stepped, snappy, accented feel (Matcha) or a bassy, low-pitched sound with a frictionless, mild feel (Roselle). Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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