Everglide Rice Pudding vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each offering unique characteristics to enhance the typing experience. The Everglide Rice Pudding switches stand out with their smooth operation and deep sound, providing a satisfying and precise typing experience that appeals to many users. These hall effect switches are especially versatile, as they are fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, making them a great choice for those looking to combine performance with adaptability. In contrast, the HC Studio Roselle switches offer an enticingly smooth and ethereal sensation, attributed to their unique material blend, rather than reliance on lubrication. With a subtle, low-pitched sound profile, the Roselles cater to users who appreciate a quieter yet equally engaging typing experience. While the Rice Pudding emphasizes versatility and depth, the Roselle highlights a frictionless feel and mellowness. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HC Studio Roselle, we see a distinct difference in their top housing materials, while the bottom housing materials display some similarities. The Rice Pudding’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This results in a sound profile described as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper, particularly when coupled with RGB lighting effects in a keyboard. In contrast, the Roselle features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing. While POM also adds resonance, it leans towards producing a deeper and more muted sound. This divergence in materials leads to two distinct auditory experiences; users may prefer the brighter notes of the Rice Pudding or the deeper tones of the Roselle based on personal taste.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both keyboards utilize nylon for the Rice Pudding and POM for the Roselle. Nylon, as the bottom housing for the Rice Pudding, contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound better than harder plastics. The Roselle’s use of POM similarly delivers a muted, yet pleasing sound. While both materials provide a deeper auditory experience, nylon's absorbing qualities create a duller sound compared to the unique characteristics of POM. Consequently, the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing keys differ between the two switches, with the Rice Pudding evoking a more rounded and rich sound, while the Roselle maintains a subtle warmth with a hint of depth.
Ultimately, despite their different top and bottom housing materials, both switches achieve captivating sound profiles. Since the top housing fundamentally influences the sound upon release, the Rice Pudding’s polycarbonate clarity and the Roselle’s muted POM tone will yield distinct auditory responses when typing. However, the deeper sounds experienced in both switches hinge on the bottom housing, balancing their characteristics. In this regard, while the two switches offer varied experiences depending on which aspect of typing one engages with, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and the HC Studio Roselle can provide satisfying outcomes for keyboard enthusiasts, catering to those who appreciate either crisp clarity or muted depth.
Weight
The Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can influence user preferences based on typing style and comfort. The Rice Pudding switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who appreciate a gentler touch, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Roselle switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, providing a firmer feedback that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. This makes the Roselle switch the heavier option compared to the Rice Pudding. While the lighter Rice Pudding could promote prolonged use with less fatigue, the medium-light Roselle might cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced press, ensuring a comfortable balance for varying user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, the Rice Pudding features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Roselle has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference makes the Rice Pudding the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience that may cater to gamers and users seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Roselle’s 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, offering a slightly less abrupt feel. Both switches fall within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, targeting users looking for efficiency and speed, yet the Roselle's distance offers just a tad more for those who appreciate a more pronounced bottom-out sensation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding switch is known for its smooth operation paired with a deep sound profile, providing a satisfying auditory experience during typing. While the specific sound characteristics of the Rice Pudding have not been explicitly detailed, it’s often noted that its overall acoustic performance feels balanced and pleasing. In comparison, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch produces a low-pitched, bassy sound, giving it a rich and mellow tone during use. This deeper sound profile can create a more immersive typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more substantial auditory feedback while typing. Both switches, though distinct, can provide enjoyable sound experiences, and factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can further influence how these characteristics manifest.
When it comes to feel, the Rice Pudding switch offers a unique blend of smoothness and precision, but specific details about its tactile experience are not provided. Conversely, the Roselle linear switch is designed to be frictionless, offering an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. It combines this smoothness with a mild actuation, striking a balance that makes it approachable for both beginners and advanced users alike. The Roselle's fluid travel enhances the overall sensation of typing, which can be particularly satisfying for those who value comfort during extended periods of use. While the exact feel of the Rice Pudding remains unspecified, its smoothness suggests that it may parallel the effortless experience of the Roselle.
In summary, both the Everglide Rice Pudding and HC Studio Roselle switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Rice Pudding impresses with its deep sound and smooth operation, while the Roselle stands out for its frictionless feel and bassy sound signature. Choosing between them may ultimately come down to personal preference regarding sound profile and typing feel, but you can expect satisfying results with either option. As such, both switches can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience significantly, aligning with the desires of enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a lighter touch and are looking for a responsive switch that delivers a smooth, satisfying sound profile, the Rice Pudding switch is an excellent option, particularly if you aim for versatility and performance compatibility with innovative keyboards. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying bottom-out experience without feeling too much resistance, making it great for both casual typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel with a smooth, frictionless typing experience, the Roselle may be the better option for you. With its slightly higher actuation force and an ethereal low-pitched sound signature, the Roselle switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable yet refined, suitable for both work and leisure. In summary, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the right choice between these two remarkable switches.