Gateron Mountain Top vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mountain Top and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Mountain Top and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique features to cater to different user preferences. The Mountain Top from Gateron is ideal for office environments, providing a quiet yet tactile typing experience with a light actuation force. It is designed for unobtrusive and continuous typing in professional settings. On the other hand, the Roselle from HC Studio stands out for its incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience, complemented by a subtle and low-pitched sound signature. While the Mountain Top offers a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, the Roselle boasts a more bassy and low-pitched sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and specific needs. 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mountain Top and the HC Studio Roselle, both switches use different materials for the top and bottom housings. The Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Roselle features a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing, creating a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted compared to nylon. Despite the different materials used, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
The use of nylon in the Gateron Mountain Top's housing materials results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the HC Studio Roselle's POM housing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, enhancing the overall sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, POM's unique sound profile on the Roselle creates a deeper and more muted sound experience. While both materials offer their own advantages, nylon's ability to create a fuller sound may appeal to those looking for a richer typing experience, while POM's distinct sound may cater to users seeking a quieter typing experience.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Mountain Top and the HC Studio Roselle comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The nylon housing of the Mountain Top provides a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the POM housing of the Roselle delivers a unique and muted sound, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, each with its own unique sound characteristics.
Weight
The Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch. The Mountain Top requires 40 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, while the Roselle requires 45 grams to actuate and 52 grams to bottom out. In terms of weight, the Mountain Top is lighter and may be preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Roselle provides a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, with the Roselle being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we find that the Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Roselle has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Mountain Top offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking faster response times, particularly among gamers. On the other hand, the Roselle provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may be more suitable for individuals who prefer a deeper key press sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Mountain Top 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 Mountain Top linear switch is known for providing a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches provide different auditory experiences, with the Mountain Top being more versatile while the Roselle offers a unique and rich sound signature.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle. These qualities suggest a tactile and responsive typing experience with a light actuation force and minimal resistance. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. While both switches offer a gentle typing experience, the Mountain Top emphasizes responsiveness and rebound, while the Roselle focuses on smoothness and fluid travel.
Considering all available information, the Gateron Mountain Top and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mountain Top switch is best suited for professional settings with its neutral sound profile and bouncy, easy-to-press feel, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Roselle switch excels in delivering a rich and deep sound experience with a frictionless and mild feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a unique sound signature. Depending on personal preferences and the desired typing experience, users can choose between the versatile and responsive Mountain Top or the smooth and rich Roselle switch to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using them. If you're in a professional setting where quiet typing is essential, the Mountain Top switch may be the better option with its light actuation and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a hint of bass in the sound signature, the Roselle switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your typing environment. Whether you opt for the Mountain Top for its easy-to-press and bouncy feel or the Roselle for its frictionless and smooth sensation, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
