Cherry MX Red vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Red and HC Studio Roselle both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The MX Red is a classic Cherry switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, along with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature when typing. While the MX Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the Roselle is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that may appeal to different users based on their preferences. 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
N/A
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
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 Red and HC Studio Roselle both use different materials for their top and bottom housing, with the MX Red using nylon for both top and bottom, while the Roselle uses POM for both top and bottom. The nylon top housing of the MX Red creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Roselle produces a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the MX Red's nylon and the Roselle's POM contribute to the overall typing experience by impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The softer nature of nylon in the MX Red leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the POM material in the Roselle produces a relatively more muted sound. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective bottom housings.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the housing materials of the Cherry MX Red and HC Studio Roselle play a significant role in influencing the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the nylon top housing of the MX Red results in a deeper and rounder sound, the POM top housing of the Roselle creates a more unique and muted sound profile. Similarly, the bottom housings of both switches contribute to the overall typing feel, with the softer nylon of the MX Red providing a fuller sound compared to the POM material of the Roselle. Despite their differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and HC Studio Roselle linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will both offer a similar light touch when typing. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red has an unknown value while the Roselle has a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that while typing on the Roselle switch, users may feel a bit more resistance when fully pressing down on the keys compared to the Cherry MX Red. The difference in weight can affect the typing experience, with some users preferring the lighter actuation of the Cherry MX Red for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Roselle for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Roselle offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Roselle, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the MX Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry MX Red switch is often praised for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, delivering a satisfying and deep auditory experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound that is described as ethereally wispy, providing a unique typing sound that may appeal to those looking for a more subtle and mellow experience. Both switches offer a rich sound profile, but the Roselle switch stands out with its neutral sound signature, which makes it suitable for a wide range of users and typing environments.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its slightly textured feel, providing a tactile sensation that some users may enjoy. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, with an extremely smooth and effortless key press that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction. The Roselle switch's mild characteristics make it approachable to most users, offering a comfortable typing feel that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Red and HC Studio Roselle switches both fall under the linear switch category, they offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences. The MX Red switch provides a classic thocky sound and slightly textured feel, ideal for users seeking a robust and slightly heavier typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle switch stands out with its bassy and ethereally wispy sound, paired with a frictionless and mild typing feel that delivers an incredibly smooth and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance, with the choice between them coming down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Regardless of the option chosen, both switches promise a satisfying and responsive typing experience for newcomers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile, along with a classic Cherry switch known for its responsiveness and satisfying auditory depth, then the MX Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, the Roselle switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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