KTT Mint vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the KTT Mint and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mint and the HC Studio Roselle both stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The Mint is praised for its satisfyingly smooth typing experience, thanks to its long pole stem that provides a poppy thockiness and a light, fleeting feel. On the other hand, the Roselle distinguishes itself with an incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation that is inherent to the material blend used in the switch. While the Mint is categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Roselle is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specifics will help you make the best choice for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Mint and HC Studio Roselle differ in their choice of housing materials, with the Mint using polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, while the Roselle utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mint creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Roselle produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches aim to provide a unique sound experience for users, with the Mint offering a crisper sound and the Roselle delivering a more subtle and pleasing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Mint's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Roselle also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches prioritize sound quality and aim to create a satisfying typing experience for users. The differences in housing materials between the Mint and Roselle allow for distinct sound profiles, catering to different preferences in keyboard enthusiasts.
While the top and bottom housings of the Mint and Roselle vary in material, they both play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound profile of the switch. The bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings showcases the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience provided by each switch. Whether using polycarbonate and nylon or POM for both top and bottom housings, the Mint and Roselle aim to offer unique sound profiles that cater to the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mint linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch are quite similar. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mint has a slightly heavier force of 53 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams. This means that the Mint switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. In terms of weight, both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly heavier bottom out force with the Mint or a slightly lighter bottom out force with the Roselle.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Mint linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is clear that the Mint has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. In this case, the Mint would offer a slightly deeper key press than the Roselle. While 0.4 mm may not seem like a significant difference, it can impact the overall feel and response of the switch. Gamers who value faster response times may prefer the Roselle with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Mint. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 KTT Mint comes in at $2.91 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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Mint linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, offering a satisfyingly mellow tone that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch gives off a bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing sessions. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Mint providing a more neutral tone while the Roselle delivers a deeper bass-heavy sound.
Moving on to feel, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable for most users. The polished finish of the Mint switch results in smooth and refined key presses, reducing friction and ensuring a sleek typing experience. In comparison, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is described as frictionless and mild, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable and pleasant typing feel, with the Mint offering a more refined and polished experience while the Roselle delivers a frictionless and smooth sensation.
Overall, both the KTT Mint linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Mint provides a neutral and polished sound and feel, the Roselle offers a bassy and frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the Mint for a more neutral and refined experience or the Roselle for a deeper and smoother typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Mint linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you should take into account your preference for a poppy thockiness and light feel with the Mint, versus the impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation of the Roselle. If you enjoy a low-pitched sound profile with a neutral feel, the Mint might be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy sound with a frictionless typing experience, the Roselle could be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience.
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