Cherry Nixie vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the HC Studio Roselle both offer unique qualities to consider. The Cherry Nixie is a revered classic known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through its updated materials and springs. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature when typing. While the Nixie is categorized as textured, thocky, and low-pitched, the Roselle is described as bassy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Both switches have their own distinct advantages, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you determine which one is the best fit for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile while typing. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is enjoyable to type on. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle uses POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is also on the deeper side but relatively more muted. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to their different housing materials.
One key difference between the Cherry Nixie and the HC Studio Roselle is their choice of housing material for the top and bottom. While the Nixie uses nylon for both parts, the Roselle uses POM. This results in a slightly different sound profile for each switch, with the Nixie offering a fuller sound due to the absorbing nature of nylon, while the Roselle provides a more muted sound with its POM housing. However, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
In terms of typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. This means that for the Cherry Nixie with nylon housing, the bottom-out sound will be deeper and fuller, while the release sound may be slightly softer. Similarly, for the HC Studio Roselle with POM housing, users can expect a deeper and more muted sound upon bottoming out a key, and a unique sound when releasing it. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in weight between the two. The Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Roselle offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. The Nixie requires a stronger push, while the Roselle is lighter and easier to type on. The actuation force is crucial for triggering keystrokes, while the bottom out force is essential for knowing how much force is needed to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Nixie being slightly longer than the Roselle. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Roselle for faster response times, while those looking for a more substantial key press may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Nixie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie 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
When it comes to sound, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a rich and mellow tone during keystrokes. Both switches have a similar low-pitched characteristic, but the Nixie may lean towards a richer thocky sound while the Roselle has a more bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as having a textured typing experience, which can provide a unique tactile sensation for those who prefer some friction when pressing the keys. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless and mild typing experience, prioritizing smoothness and ease of use. While the Nixie switches may offer a more textured feel, the Roselle switches focus on a fluid and gentle typing experience. Again, the decision between the two will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Overall, the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Nixie switch leans towards a thocky sound and textured typing experience, while the Roselle switch provides a bassy sound and frictionless feel. Depending on whether you prefer a richer sound or a smoother typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches are excellent choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and either one would be a great option depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a textured feel and a thocky, low-pitched sound, the Cherry Nixie may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a frictionless, mild feel and a bassy, low-pitched sound, the HC Studio Roselle might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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