KTT Orange vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the KTT Orange and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The KTT Orange switches are known for their bouncy feel and frictionless typing experience, thanks to the spring design and factory-lubing that minimizes friction. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switches offer an impossibly smooth and wispy sensation, with a subtle low-pitched sound profile. While both switches share the characteristics of being low-pitched and frictionless, the Orange switch leans towards a bouncy feel, whereas the Roselle switch is described as bassy and slightly more neutral. 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
46g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Orange and the HC Studio Roselle offer contrasting sound profiles due to the differences in material composition. The Orange's polycarbonate top and bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisp and resonant. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that enhances the sound profile of a switch. In contrast, the Roselle's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper, more muted sound that provides a unique auditory experience. The POM material contributes to a softer sound profile compared to polycarbonate.
Despite the differences in sound profiles between the two switches, both the KTT Orange and the HC Studio Roselle benefit from the translucency of their housing materials. Polycarbonate's transparency allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the Orange switch. Meanwhile, POM's translucency may not be as visually striking but still allows for a subtle glow to emanate from the Roselle switch. The aesthetic qualities of these housing materials add a level of customization and personalization for users who enjoy incorporating lighting features into their keyboard setups.
When considering the overall performance of the switches, the choice between polycarbonate and POM housing materials may come down to personal preference for sound and feel. The impact of the housing material on the sound profile and typing experience is distributed between the top and bottom housings of each switch. While the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, users can choose between the sharper, clearer sound of polycarbonate in the KTT Orange or the deeper, more muted sound of POM in the HC Studio Roselle based on their preferred typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that they are quite similar in terms of their weight. The Orange has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams compared to the Roselle's 45 grams, but both have a bottom out force of 52-53 grams, making them both fall into the medium-light category. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches, as the difference in force required for actuation is minimal. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, either switch would be suitable. However, if a more substantial push feel is desired, a switch with a heavier force may be more appropriate. Overall, the KTT Orange and HC Studio Roselle switches offer comparable actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with a consistent typing experience regardless of their choice.
Travel distance
The KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant in terms of feel or performance. Ultimately, whether you choose the Orange or Roselle switch will depend on personal preference for a slightly shorter or longer travel distance. Choosing either switch will result in a similar typing experience as both fall within the shorter end of the spectrum compared to more traditional travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 KTT Orange switch is known for its low-pitched profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone during key presses. This sound signature is complemented by the smooth and frictionless typing experience offered by the switch, making for a refined auditory and tactile experience. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle switch is described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a subtle and wispy sensation that adds to its unique typing feel. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience, with the Roselle potentially providing a slightly richer and deeper tone.
When it comes to feel, both the KTT Orange and HC Studio Roselle switches excel in providing a frictionless typing experience. The Orange switch is characterized by its bouncy and elastic feedback, giving keys a lively feel and a spring-like sensation when pressed. Similarly, the Roselle switch also features a frictionless feel, allowing for smooth and effortless key presses. Additionally, the Roselle switch is noted to offer a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users.
In conclusion, both the KTT Orange and HC Studio Roselle switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Orange switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy typing feel, the Roselle switch provides a bassy sound and a more gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. However, both switches prioritize smoothness and effortless key presses, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the selection. Users can expect comparable results in terms of overall typing performance, with the nuances in sound and feel adding a personalized touch to their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Orange linear switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a switch with a bouncy and frictionless feel that provides a smooth and fluid typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Orange switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, then the HC Studio Roselle switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
