Outemu Crystal Brown vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, one immediately notices their distinct characteristics. The Crystal Brown is a tactile switch, offering a satisfying bump during key presses, while the Roselle stands out as a linear switch with an exceptionally smooth and quiet typing experience. The Crystal Brown provides a tactile feedback that some users prefer for increased typing accuracy and feedback, while the Roselle's smoothness and low-pitched sound signature make it a popular choice for those seeking a more fluid and quiet typing experience. These general pointers can help guide your decision on which switch to choose; 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
55g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HC Studio Roselle, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharp, high-pitched, and clear sound profile, perfect for those looking for a more resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM top housing delivers a deeper and more muted sound, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. While both materials have their own distinct qualities, they both excel in creating a pleasing sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This creates a duller and rounder sound that is sure to please typists looking for a more subdued sound. Similarly, the Roselle's POM bottom housing provides a deep and muted sound profile, aligning with the qualities typists look for in a switch. Despite being made of different materials, both bottom housings offer a unique sound profile that adds depth and character to the typing experience.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HC Studio Roselle differ in composition, they both bring something special to the table. Whether you prefer the sharper and clearer sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Regardless of the materials used, typists can expect a pleasant and satisfying typing experience with either switch, making them both solid choices for those looking to enhance their typing setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we see that both switches have a similar actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Crystal Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams. This means that the Crystal Brown switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter keypress may lean towards the Roselle switch, as it has a slightly lighter bottom out force. Overall, both switches fall into the medium-light category in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a comfortable typing experience for users seeking a balance between keypress weight and fatigue reduction.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is 4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Crystal Brown being on the longer side and the Roselle on the shorter side. Gamers may prefer the Roselle for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is known for being neutral in terms of its sound profile, making it a versatile choice suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a unique low-pitched and bassy sound signature, adding a rich and deep tone to your typing experience. The Roselle's sound is described as subtle yet distinctive, enhancing the auditory feedback during use.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Crystal Brown switch's tactile feedback qualities are not explicitly defined. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience. The Roselle's smoothness is inherent to the material blend of the switch, delivering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation with minimal resistance, allowing for a fluid travel of the keys. The mild characteristics of the Roselle ensure a gentle and approachable typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Crystal Brown and the HC Studio Roselle switches offer different sound and feel experiences, both switches cater to specific preferences and typing styles. The Crystal Brown's neutrality makes it a versatile option, while the Roselle's unique low-pitched sound and frictionless feel provide a distinctive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound or feel, you can expect to achieve comparable results with either of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, you should take into account your preference for smoothness and sound. If you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Crystal Brown tactile switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
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