Kailh Plum vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Kailh Plum and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Kailh Plum and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, you are presented with distinct options to suit different preferences. The Plum offers a unique tactile experience with a noticeable weightiness and a subtle tactile bump, setting it apart from typical tactile switches. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its exceptional smoothness and low-pitched sound signature, thanks to its material blend rather than external lubing. While the Plum is categorized as neutral, mild, and stepped, the Roselle falls into categories like bassy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, and neutral. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that cater to varying typing preferences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
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
The Kailh Plum and HC Studio Roselle both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Plum's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, perfect for those wanting a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Roselle's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, offering a more subdued typing experience. This contrast in sound profiles makes each switch suitable for different preferences, with the Plum catering to those who prefer a clear and resonant sound, while the Roselle appeals to those who enjoy a deeper and more subtle typing sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Plum uses nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound, giving typists a satisfying typing experience. Similarly, the Roselle's POM bottom housing contributes to the switch's pleasing and unique sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience with its deep and muted tones. Despite the difference in materials, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound quality, with the bottom housing playing a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys. Typists can expect a consistent typing experience with either switch, regardless of the specific housing material used.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Plum and HC Studio Roselle ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. While the Plum offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Roselle provides a deeper and more muted sound with its POM top housing. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective bottom housing materials, whether it be the nylon in the Plum or the POM in the Roselle. Typists looking for a more resonant typing experience may lean towards the Plum, while those seeking a deeper and more subdued sound may prefer the Roselle. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience with their unique housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, we can see clear differences in weight. The Plum has no specified actuation force, making it unknown how much force is needed to trigger a keystroke, but it has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in terms of triggering a keystroke, and a bottom out force of 52 grams, which is medium-light. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Roselle more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Plum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is the same at 3.6 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation point regardless of whether they choose the Plum or Roselle switch. In terms of travel distance, neither switch is shorter or longer than the other.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. While the Plum switch delivers a straightforward sound output, the Roselle switch brings a more distinctive and melodic tone to the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as mild and provides a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle ground. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a frictionless and incredibly smooth typing sensation, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches are designed to cater to users who prefer a more subtle and effortless typing experience, with the Plum switch focusing on a milder feel while the Roselle switch emphasizes a smoother travel.
Overall, the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Plum switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, while the Roselle switch delivers a bassy sound and a frictionless typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound richness and typing smoothness, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can elevate your typing experience to new levels of comfort and satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Kailh Plum tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preference for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Plum may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Roselle may be more suited to your preferences. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a unique feel that offers a subtle tactile bump, the Plum may be the way to go. However, if you prefer a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Roselle could be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and actuation force.
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