Gateron Mini i vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mini i and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Mini i and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with two distinct options. The Gateron Mini i offers a tactile typing experience with gentle tactility in each keystroke, making it an ideal choice for office settings where a quiet professionalism is required. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound signature, giving off a sense of elegance and refinement. While the Mini i is great for those who prefer a bouncy and easy-to-press switch, the Roselle caters to individuals looking for a linear switch with a subtle and neutral 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
40g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Mini i and the HC Studio Roselle both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Mini i featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Roselle uses POM for both top and bottom housing. The nylon housing of the Mini i is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the POM housing of the Roselle produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted.
Despite the difference in housing materials between the two switches, both the Gateron Mini i and the HC Studio Roselle offer a similar experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon top and bottom housing of the Mini i and the POM top and bottom housing of the Roselle both contribute to a deep and fuller sound, albeit with slight variations in the specific tonality and intensity of the sound. This means that users can expect a similar overall sound experience regardless of which switch they choose, with the nuances being more noticeable to discerning ears.
When it comes to the tactile and auditory feedback of the switches, the impact of the bottom housing is significant in determining the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when the key is released. This means that the choice between the nylon and POM housing materials in the Gateron Mini i and HC Studio Roselle can influence not only the sound profile but also the overall typing experience, making it a crucial factor to consider when selecting a switch for a keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience, with the housing materials contributing to their unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Mini i is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Roselle. The Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. The Mini i provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Roselle offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the option that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Mini i falls on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the Roselle. Both switches offer a slightly shorter travel distance than the traditional 4.0 mm, which can be beneficial for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Roselle with its slightly longer travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 Mini i tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between being audible without being too disruptive, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a bassy and low-pitched sound signature that adds a deep and rich tone to the typing experience. If you prefer a more subtle sound profile, the Mini i would be a better choice, while the Roselle is ideal for those who enjoy a bass-heavy typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Mini i tactile switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience that is gentle on the fingers, ideal for long typing sessions without causing fatigue. It also offers a mild and subtle resistance, making each keystroke comfortable and responsive. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, with an incredibly smooth and effortless feel that minimizes any resistance when typing. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Mini i focusing on bouncy and snappy feedback, while the Roselle emphasizes a smooth and frictionless sensation.
Overall, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you value a subtle and neutral sound profile with a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Mini i would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a bassy and low-pitched typing sound with a frictionless and mild feel, the Roselle would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, so you can expect similar levels of satisfaction in terms of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Mini i tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, the Mini i may be the right choice for you, especially for office settings where quiet professionalism is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with an impossibly smooth feel and a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle may be more up your alley. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of feel and sound, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what kind of typing experience you prioritize.
Mentioned in this article
