Cherry MX Silent Red vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry MX Silent Red and the HC Studio Roselle stand out as compelling options. The MX Silent Red offers a familiar typing experience akin to the MX Red but with the added benefit of operating silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Roselle impresses with its incredibly smooth and ethereal typing sensation, accompanied by a subtle low-pitched sound signature. While the MX Silent Red is praised for its muted and thocky feel, the Roselle is known for its bassy and frictionless attributes. 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
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red features a nylon top and bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle utilizes a POM top and bottom housing, creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both housing materials offer a deeper sound profile, the nylon of the MX Silent Red may provide a duller and rounder sound compared to the Roselle's POM housing.
In terms of the feel and sound impact, the bottom housing of a switch generally plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, as seen with the Cherry MX Silent Red and its nylon bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing of a switch, such as the POM top housing of the HC Studio Roselle, influences the sound when a key is released. Despite the different housing materials used in the two switches, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience by providing a unique sound profile that caters to the user's preferences.
While the Cherry MX Silent Red and HC Studio Roselle differ in their choice of housing materials, they both prioritize creating a satisfying sound profile for users. The nylon and POM housing materials each contribute to a deeper and fuller sound experience, albeit with slight variations in tone and resonance. Ultimately, whether you prefer the softer, more absorbing qualities of nylon in the MX Silent Red or the distinctive sound profile of POM in the Roselle, both switches offer a premium typing experience that enhances overall satisfaction.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we can see that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch does not have a specified bottom out force, while the Roselle switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is medium-light. This means that the Roselle switch may provide a slightly heavier typing experience when fully pressed compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red switch. In terms of weight, some may find the Cherry MX Silent Red switch more appealing for longer typing sessions due to its potentially lighter bottom out force, while others may prefer the Roselle switch for a stronger push feel during typing for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 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 shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to some users, but those who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Cherry MX Silent Red more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it affects the typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Silent Red is known for its muted and thocky sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience with a deep and satisfying tone. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, delivering a rich and mellow tone with a subtle sound signature. While the MX Silent Red offers a quieter typing experience, the Roselle provides a unique and slightly more noticeable sound when typing.
When it comes to feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as textured, offering a tactile experience with noticeable friction when pressed. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch is known for its frictionless and mild feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The Roselle switch presents a comfortable and approachable typing feel, while the MX Silent Red provides a slightly more textured sensation for those who prefer a bit of resistance.
Overall, both the Cherry MX Silent Red and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The MX Silent Red excels in providing a quieter typing experience with a slightly textured feel, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. On the other hand, the Roselle switch delivers a unique bassy sound profile and a frictionless typing feel, creating a smooth and fluid typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer satisfying qualities that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for newcomers looking for linear switch options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you value a significantly quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments, then the MX Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that provides an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the HC Studio Roselle switch would be more suitable. Consider the specific characteristics and qualities that matter most to you, whether it be the noise level, smoothness, or feel, in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
