Bsun Olive vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Olive mechanical keyboard switch is a tactile switch that offers a resonant, deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it a popular choice for those who seek a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch is a linear switch known for its incredibly smooth feel and low-pitched sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a frictionless typing experience. While the Olive switch is described as 'Accented' and 'Snappy', the Roselle switch is categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different 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
65g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and HC Studio Roselle both feature POM top and bottom housings, which contribute to creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This choice of material helps to enhance the overall typing experience by adding a sense of richness and depth to the sound produced when pressing down on the keys. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience due to the shared POM housing material, resulting in a consistent feel when typing on either the Olive or Roselle switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Olive and HC Studio Roselle are both made of POM material, the way they impact the sound and feel of the switches may differ slightly. The bottom housing of a switch typically influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This subtle difference in how the housing materials interact with the key press could lead to a nuanced variation in the typing experience between the two switches. Despite this distinction, both the Olive and Roselle switches maintain a consistent level of quality and performance thanks to the shared POM housing material.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and HC Studio Roselle switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The POM top and bottom housings of both switches create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is characterized by its depth and muted tones. While there may be slight differences in how the housing materials affect the sound and feel of the switches, users can expect a consistent level of performance and satisfaction from both the Olive and Roselle switches due to their shared use of POM material. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the Olive has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Roselle has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that while both switches feel the same when initially pressing a key, the Olive will provide a more substantial typing experience overall compared to the Roselle. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Roselle for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more robust feel may opt for the Olive for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the HC Studio Roselle linear switch with a 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 quicker response times. The Olive switch would be preferred for those looking for a faster and more responsive key press, while the Roselle switch would be better suited for individuals who prefer a slightly deeper key press. Overall, while the Olive switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Roselle switch, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Bsun Olive tactile switch is best known for its resonant and deep sound that sets it apart from other switches. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a subtle, low-pitched sound signature during typing. While the Olive provides a distinct and tactile auditory experience, the Roselle delivers a smoother and ethereally wispy sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Olive switch is characterized by its pronounced tactile feedback, resulting in an invigorating and sharp typing sensation. It offers a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, ensuring a satisfying keypress with each stroke. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, with a smooth and effortless feel during key presses. The Roselle's qualities fall into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users seeking a comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the Olive provides a deep and resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback, the Roselle offers a smoother and low-pitched sound profile with a frictionless and mild typing feel. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, providing users with options to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking. Whether you prefer a more tactile and accented feel or a smoother and frictionless typing experience, both switches offer a high level of quality and performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a tactile feedback that is pronounced and satisfying, the Olive switch may be the ideal choice for you. The unique design and long pole stem of the Olive switch contribute to a tactile and auditory experience that is distinctly enjoyable. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and desire an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, the Roselle switch might be more suitable for your preferences. The Roselle switch offers a subtle, low-pitched sound signature and a frictionless, mild typing experience that many users find appealing. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that align with your typing style.
Mentioned in this article
