Haimu Neo White vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Haimu Neo White and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Neo White and HC Studio Roselle both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Neo White switch is recognized for its medium weight and smooth actuation, providing a satisfying typing experience with slightly reduced total travel. In comparison, the Roselle switch stands out for its incredibly smooth feel and low-pitched sound signature, thanks to its material blend. While the Neo White is categorized as 'Mild' and 'Neutral', the Roselle is labeled as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. These general descriptions offer a glimpse into what each switch has to offer, but it is essential to delve deeper into the specifics to make an informed decision on which switch is the best fit for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and the HC Studio Roselle, one key difference lies in their top housing material. The Neo White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Roselle features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials have their distinct sound characteristics, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for sound profile.
On the other hand, the bottom housing material of these switches also varies, with the Neo White having a nylon bottom housing and the Roselle having a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, while POM provides a unique and pleasing sound profile that is also on the deeper side. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with nylon absorbing more sound and creating a duller sound compared to the POM material.
While the housing materials of the Haimu Neo White and HC Studio Roselle differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique and pleasing sound profile for keyboard enthusiasts. The polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White offers a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM top housing of the Roselle creates a deeper and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Neo White and the POM bottom housing of the Roselle both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with nylon creating a fuller sound and POM providing a unique sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to individual preferences for sound characteristics and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it's clear that the Roselle is a lighter option overall. The Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Roselle's 52 grams. However, the actuation force of the Roselle is lower at 45 grams compared to the Neo White's unknown actuation force. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of bottom out force, but the Roselle is categorized as medium-light due to its lower actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Roselle may be the better choice, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may lean towards the Neo White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch are both 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is identical, so you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience with the same actuation force required. This makes them ideal for users who prefer a consistent typing experience without a tactile bump. Overall, whether you choose the Neo White or the Roselle, you can expect a similar travel distance and typing feel from both switches.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its bassy and low-pitched sound signature, providing a deeper and richer tone during key presses. While the Neo White offers a more versatile sound experience, the Roselle emphasizes a bass-heavy and mellow tone that some users may find more appealing. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is characterized as providing a mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its frictionless typing experience, delivering an exceptionally smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches fall within the mild category, emphasizing a comfortable typing experience without extreme characteristics. Whether users prefer a more gentle or frictionless feel, both the Neo White and Roselle switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience.
Overall, the Haimu Neo White and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Neo White excels in providing a medium weight typing feel with smooth actuation, while the Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth sensation and low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel. However, users can expect a satisfactory typing experience from both switches, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Haimu Neo White linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a smooth actuation and a neutral sound profile, the Neo White may be the best choice for you. The Neo White offers a distinctive typing feel with its medium weight and reduced total travel, making each keystroke smooth and satisfying. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter switch with an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Roselle might be more appealing to you. The Roselle stands out for its unique material blend that delivers a frictionless and smooth typing experience, along with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for weight, typing feel, and sound profile.
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