Gateron Quinn vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Gateron Quinn and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a keyboard switch. The Quinn offers a unique combination of tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound profile, providing users with a satisfying typing experience that is both crisp and immersive. On the other hand, the Roselle is known for its exceptionally smooth keystrokes and subtle, low-pitched sound signature, making it a popular choice for those seeking a frictionless typing experience. Each switch has its own distinct characteristics and advantages, catering to different preferences and typing styles. 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
59g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Quinn and HC Studio Roselle, it is evident that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing. The Quinn features a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Roselle utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted compared to nylon. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Quinn and Roselle switches also differ in material choice. The Quinn's nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a duller and rounder sound that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Roselle incorporates a POM bottom housing, which also creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. Despite the variation in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing sound and feel, with each material contributing its own characteristics to the overall performance of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Quinn and HC Studio Roselle ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience. While the Quinn's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound with a softer feel, the Roselle's POM housing provides a unique and muted sound that may appeal to a different set of users. Regardless of the differences in materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their housing choices, ensuring that users can enjoy a satisfying sound profile that meets their individual preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience compared to the HC Studio Roselle linear switch. In contrast, the Roselle switch offers a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of weight, with the Quinn being on the heavier side and the Roselle on the lighter side. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between a medium-heavy feel with the Quinn or a medium-light feel with the Roselle for their typing needs. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience and feedback provided by each switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall on the shorter end of the spectrum when compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may find the Quinn more appealing due to its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times during intense gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Roselle with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 Gateron Quinn tactile switch is characterized as having a bassy and clacky sound profile, with resonant tones that add depth and character to each keystroke. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, with the Quinn switches delivering a sharper and more percussive sound compared to the Roselle switches, which offer a smoother and more mellow tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference in terms of sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is described as snappy, polished, bouncy, accented, buttery, and creamy, providing a lively and smooth typing experience with a medium level of tactility. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is characterized as frictionless and mild, offering an extremely smooth and gentle typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and seamless typing sensation, with the Quinn switches leaning towards a more tactile and responsive feel, while the Roselle switches prioritize a smoother and softer touch. Choosing between the two would depend on the desired level of tactile feedback and keypress smoothness.
Overall, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch each offer their unique strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Quinn switches provide a crisp and resonant sound profile with a snappy and buttery typing feel, while the Roselle switches offer a mellow and low-pitched sound with a frictionless and mild typing experience. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile and lively typing experience or a smoother and gentler feel, you can achieve similar results in either case by considering your personal preferences and typing style. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences and typing needs, ensuring a tailored experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Gateron Quinn tactile switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a deep, resonant sound profile, then the Quinn switches would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and value an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the Roselle switches would be the better option. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your decision.
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