Cherry MX Brown vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, and the HC Studio Roselle, a linear switch. The MX Brown is known for its subtlety, offering a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the MX Brown is categorized as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched', the Roselle is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. When deciding between these switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific typing 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and HC Studio Roselle both use different materials for their top and bottom housing components. The MX Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. In contrast, the Roselle uses a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to the MX Brown. Despite these differences, both switches offer a tactile typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
In terms of sound production, the nylon top housing of the MX Brown and the POM top housing of the Roselle both contribute to a similar deep and unique sound profile. However, the nylon material of the MX Brown may have a slightly rounder and duller sound compared to the Roselle's POM material, which is relatively more muted. When it comes to the bottom housing, the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be more prominent with the MX Brown's nylon housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the Roselle's POM housing.
Overall, the choice between the Cherry MX Brown and HC Studio Roselle housing materials will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience with unique sound characteristics stemming from their top and bottom housing materials. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound profile with a rounder sound from nylon or a more muted, unique sound profile with POM, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch are quite similar, with both switches having a relatively light to medium-light feel. The Cherry MX Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. In terms of weight, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience for extended periods, making them suitable for work or gaming. However, for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown with a slightly higher bottom out force may be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown 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 MX Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Roselle switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the MX Brown being on the longer side and the Roselle being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a deeper key press sensation or a quicker response time.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, both the Cherry MX Brown and HC Studio Roselle switches share similar qualities, being described as bassy and low-pitched. This means that you can expect a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, with a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, the Roselle also adds a neutral descriptor, indicating a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Ultimately, the sound of the switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Brown is noted for its textured feel, which can provide a slightly tactile typing experience with noticeable friction. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, with an impossibly smooth and effortless travel that minimizes resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This means that users can expect a gentle and approachable typing feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of feedback.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Brown and HC Studio Roselle switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Brown offers a subtler tactility and sound feedback, while the HC Studio Roselle provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a unique low-pitched sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a slightly textured feel or a frictionless one, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are capable of delivering a pleasant typing experience, offering options for users to experience different levels of tactility and sound feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle linear switch is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing feel and sound profile you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. Choose wisely based on what best suits your typing needs and preferences.
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