SP-Star Polaris Purple vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HC Studio Roselle. The Polaris Purple is revered for its pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying typing experience with a snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its incredibly smooth feel, attributed to the unique material blend that sets it apart from other linear switches. While the Polaris Purple is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Roselle is described as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch offers distinct advantages depending on individual preferences, from the tactile feedback of the Polaris Purple to the smoothness of the Roselle. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Polaris Purple and the HC Studio Roselle, we can see that both keyboards utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Polaris Purple features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Roselle employs a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing is known for enhancing the clarity and resonant sound of the switch, the Roselle's POM housing offers a unique and pleasing sound profile with a deeper tone.
Despite the differences in sound profiles, both the Polaris Purple and the Roselle share similarities in how their housing materials impact the overall feel and performance of the keyboard switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Polaris Purple allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. Similarly, the POM top housing of the Roselle may offer a different sound profile but still contributes to the overall typing experience. Both keyboards benefit from having a stiffer plastic material in their bottom housing, which helps in creating a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice between the Polaris Purple and the Roselle will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. While the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate housing delivers a sharper and clearer sound, the Roselle's POM housing offers a unique and deeper tone. Whether you prefer a higher-pitched, crisper sound or a more muted and pleasing sound, both keyboards provide quality housing materials that impact the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on your individual preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is evident that the Polaris Purple requires no specific actuation force while the Roselle needs 45 grams. However, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Roselle's 52 grams. This makes the Polaris Purple heavier overall in terms of bottoming out force, while the Roselle is lighter. The lighter actuation force of the Roselle may appeal to those looking for a smoother typing experience, while the heavier bottom out force of the Polaris Purple might provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on one's preference for a lighter or heavier mechanical feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it is clear that the Polaris Purple has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Roselle's 3.6 mm. The Polaris Purple offers a more traditional travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press. On the other hand, the Roselle's slightly shorter travel distance may appeal to individuals looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, with the Polaris Purple providing a more pronounced keystroke feel while the Roselle delivers a more rapid key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key response.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized by a bassy and low-pitched sound signature, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preference and the accompanying keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Polaris Purple switch is known for its mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle yet refined feel with smooth key travel. In contrast, the Roselle switch provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, delivering an extremely smooth and effortless key press sensation. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with their respective tactile and linear characteristics, catering to users who prefer different levels of feedback and smoothness in their keystrokes.
Considering the qualities of the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, both switches offer distinct advantages in sound and feel. The Polaris Purple provides a neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Roselle switch offers a bassy sound signature along with a frictionless and mild tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, as each switch offers a unique typing experience that can enhance your overall mechanical keyboard setup. If similar results are desired, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience based on the provided information.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a tactile bump and snappy sound, the Polaris Purple may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and ethereal typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Polaris Purple is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, the Roselle would be more fitting. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what typing experience and sound profile you find most appealing.
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