Gateron Melodic vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron Melodic and the HC Studio Roselle are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experience. The Melodic, a clicky switch by Gateron, offers users a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a buttery and invigorating feel. On the other hand, the Roselle from HC Studio is a linear switch known for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature when typing. While the Melodic provides a crunchy typing experience, the Roselle offers a more mild and neutral feel. If you prefer a switch with a more resonant and crunchy sound, the Melodic might be the way to go. However, if you prioritize a bassy and frictionless typing experience, the Roselle could be the better choice for you. 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
60g
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
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
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
The Gateron Melodic and HC Studio Roselle both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Melodic features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more crisp typing experience. In contrast, the Roselle boasts a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound that is equally pleasing in its own right. While the Melodic's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the Roselle's POM bottom housing complements the top housing by enhancing the overall sound profile with its unique characteristics.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron Melodic and HC Studio Roselle aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their carefully chosen housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the Melodic's top housing allows for a clear and resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the Roselle offers a more subdued yet enjoyable typing experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Melodic and POM bottom housing of the Roselle both contribute to a deeper sound profile, albeit in slightly different ways. Overall, both switches prioritize sound quality and tactile feedback, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and HC Studio Roselle ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While the Melodic leans towards a sharper and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Roselle offers a deeper and more muted typing experience with its POM top and bottom housings. Both switches excel in providing a unique and pleasing sound that caters to different preferences, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard. Whether you prefer a sharper or deeper sound, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that they have some differences. The Melodic switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning it is extremely light to trigger a keystroke, while the Roselle switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is still relatively light but requires a bit more pressure. On the other hand, the Melodic switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance when pressing all the way down, whereas the Roselle switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. In terms of weight, the Roselle switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Meanwhile, the Melodic switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Roselle has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. The 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the overall feel and tactile feedback of the switch. Those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keypress may opt for the Roselle, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience may lean towards the Melodic. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances, catering to varying preferences among users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and clean, sharp clicks reminiscent of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and neutral sound, offering a deeper and richer tone with a mellow quality suitable for various environments. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback tailored to individual tastes.
When it comes to feel, the Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth, fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Roselle switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, with extremely smooth and effortless key presses that minimize resistance and provide a fluid travel. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of typing sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in providing a resonant, crunchy sound with a buttery, invigorating feel, ideal for those seeking a tactile and auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched sound profile paired with a frictionless, mild feel, suitable for users looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a classic clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback, the Gateron Melodic would be a great choice with its medium 60g bottom out force. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and ethereal typing experience with a lower bottom out force of 52g, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch would be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Melodic switch would be ideal. However, if you prefer a bassy, low-pitched sound with a frictionless and mild feel, then the Roselle switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, bottom out force, and overall typing experience.
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