Haimu Orange Sea vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can greatly affect your typing experience. The Haimu Orange Sea switch is celebrated for its impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound profile, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless and quiet typing experience. This linear switch offers a reliable performance that suits both gaming and productivity, making it an excellent choice for users who value efficiency and minimal distraction. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switch stands out with its unique material blend that ensures not just smoothness but an almost ethereal typing sensation. With a subtle low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle provides a slightly bassy feel that some typists may find more satisfying, especially for long typing sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you lean towards a neutral, smooth experience with the Orange Sea or an intriguingly soft touch with the Roselles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the HC Studio Roselle present contrasting approaches to housing materials that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and user experiences. The Orange Sea employs a polycarbonate top housing, characterized by its stiffness and translucency, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material not only enhances clarity but also benefits from its compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination. Conversely, the Roselle features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM, while also being a durable and reliable plastic, generates a more subdued auditory experience, reflecting a distinctly different approach to sound design. As a result, the sound profiles of these two switches are shaped not just by the underlying mechanism but also by the inherent properties of the materials utilized in their top housings.
The bottom housing materials of the two switches provide further differentiation, although some similarities exist. The Orange Sea's nylon bottom housing, known for its softer plastic composition, delivers a deeper and fuller sound that resonates with a more muted profile. This characteristic effectively absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Roselle uses POM for its bottom housing, which, while generating a unique sound profile that is similarly rich but on the deeper side, leans toward a more pronounced muteness. Both materials prioritize sound absorption, yet the softer nylon in the Orange Sea emphasizes a more pronounced roundness in audio, while POM combines its deeper notes with a slightly more refined clarity. Thus, while both switches are aimed at providing a satisfying auditory experience, they each achieve this through distinct sound dynamics.
Together, the combination of housing materials in the Haimu Orange Sea and HC Studio Roselle demonstrates how both switches can deliver satisfying results despite their differences. If a switch utilizes different top and bottom housing materials, the overall sound profile will be an interplay of the characteristics inherent in each material. In this case, the Orange Sea’s sharper top sound resulting from polycarbonate balances with the fuller, deeper sounds from its nylon bottom. Similarly, the Roselle blends the muted quality of its POM top housing with the deeper tones of its POM bottom, creating a uniquely pleasing auditory experience. Ultimately, users can expect distinct yet similarly engaging typing experiences, shaped by the careful selection of housing materials in both switches.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Orange Sea features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, compared to the Roselle’s medium-light actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Orange Sea is 45 grams, while the Roselle has a heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Orange Sea more comfortable, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. Conversely, the Roselle provides a more substantial typing feel, ideal for those who appreciate a heavier push. Ultimately, if you value a softer touch, the Haimu Orange Sea is the better choice, while the HC Studio Roselle caters to those who prefer more resistance.
Travel distance
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation when pressing down on the keys of either switch. Since their travel distances are the same, they will deliver comparable performance during typing and gaming, allowing for a consistent experience across boards equipped with either switch.
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 Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 Orange Sea switch boasts a neutral sound signature, making it versatile for various environments, whether for gaming or typing in an office. This neutrality suggests a balanced sound profile, suitable for users who prefer a blend of auditory feedback without overwhelming bass or treble. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch generates a subtle low-pitched sound that leans towards a bassy tone, delivering a deeper and richer auditory experience. The Roselle's sound can be characterized by its mellow frequency range, making it an excellent option for users who appreciate a more resonant key press without being excessively loud.
When it comes to feel, the Haimu Orange Sea is known for its impeccably smooth typing experience, allowing users to glide from key to key without interruption. This smoothness can contribute to a pleasant and efficient typing experience, making it appealing to both novice and experienced typists. In contrast, the Roselle switch is designed to offer a frictionless experience, prioritized for effortless key presses and fluid travel. Additionally, the Roselle's mild characteristics ensure that the typing experience is gentle and accessible to most users, making it user-friendly and suitable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Haimu Orange Sea and HC Studio Roselle switches present exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences. The Orange Sea has a neutral sound and a smooth feel, making it versatile and comfortable, while the Roselle offers a rich, low-pitched sound along with a frictionless, mild feel that enhances user experience. Given these attributes, both switches provide excellent options for newcomers looking to explore the mechanical keyboard world, allowing users to choose based on their auditory and tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you find yourself favoring a lighter touch, the Orange Sea, with its 45-gram bottom out force, allows for a quicker and more effortless typing experience that could be ideal for gaming or rapid typing tasks. The impeccably smooth feel and neutral sound signature make it a comfortable option for prolonged use without causing finger fatigue. However, if you prefer a bit more feedback without sacrificing smoothness, the Roselle's 52-gram bottom out force offers a medium-light feel, which is great for those who enjoy a moderate resistance while typing. Its unique material blend provides an ethereal smoothness and a subtle, low-pitched sound profile that can enhance the tactile experience, making it suitable for both typing and more immersive workflows. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the airy lightness of the Orange Sea or the refined depth of the Roselle, both switches have distinct qualities that can elevate your keyboard experience based on your specific needs and habits.
Mentioned in this article
