HC Studio Roselle vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and Akko Rosewood stand out as solid choices for linear enthusiasts, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The Roselle is renowned for its exceptionally smooth feel, thanks to an innovative material blend that ensures a frictionless and ethereally light touch with a subtle low-pitched sound, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a quieter, more understated auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deeper, more resonant thocky sound, which is immediately satisfying and perfect for users who relish that auditory feedback while typing. Both switches offer a linear profile, providing a consistent keystroke without tactile bumps to interfere with your rhythm, but they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle and the Akko Rosewood keyboards differentiate themselves through the materials used for their housing, which significantly influences the sound and feel of each switch. The Roselle uses POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, while the Rosewood features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. POM is known for producing an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that leans towards a deeper and more muted profile. In contrast, nylon, being a softer plastic, enhances sound absorption, leading to a deeper and fuller sound. This fundamental difference sets the stage for varying auditory experiences when typing, as POM tends to create a sharper contrast in sound compared to the more rounded tones produced by nylon.
In terms of performance, both types of housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of their respective switches, but they manifest this contribution in distinct manners. The POM bottom housing of the Roselle amplifies a muted, yet unique sound, especially when bottoming out, which is reflective of its hard plastic properties. Meanwhile, the nylon components of the Akko Rosewood allow for more sound absorption due to their softer nature, resulting in a less pronounced impact when the keys are pressed all the way down. Consequently, while both switches offer a deeper and pleasing sound, the experience differs substantially based on the material composition—POM emphasizing a sharper, unique sound whereas nylon fosters a duller, rounder auditory profile.
When typing, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in the sound experience. The POM top housing of the Roselle focuses on enhancing the sound created during the release of the key, contributing to a more pronounced acoustic character when letting go of a key. Conversely, the Rosewood’s nylon top housing continues the trend of a fuller sound profile but with a more subdued response. Therefore, while both keyboards produce a deeper sound experience overall, they provide different tactile and auditory feedback influenced by the combination of their material properties. For those seeking a specific sound profile, understanding these differences can aid in making a more informed choice, while also acknowledging that both setups will deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Roselle features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, classifying it as medium-light, while the Rosewood is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. As a result, the Rosewood switch requires less force to actuate, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Roselle's slightly heavier actuation force provides a more substantial push, catering to users who appreciate a firmer response when keying in commands. Overall, while both switches have different force dynamics, the Roselle's medium-light feel will offer a different typing experience compared to the lightness of the Rosewood.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the HC Studio Roselle stands out with a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Rosewood offers a slightly longer distance at 4 mm. This difference in travel distance suggests that users who favor quicker response times may prefer the Roselle, as its shorter travel can lead to faster actuation, a quality often sought after by gamers. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced feel and depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the Rosewood, as its longer travel distance provides a more traditional typing experience. In essence, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Roselle would be the more suitable choice, while the Rosewood caters to those seeking a deeper keystroke experience.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 HC Studio Roselle switches present a subtle, low-pitched audio profile that is notably characterized by its bassy tones, creating a deeper and richer sound during key presses. This sound signature offers a soft and mellow typing experience but maintains a certain neutrality, making it versatile for various environments. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switches deliver a deep, thocky sound that resonates with a satisfying quality, perfect for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback directly from the box. While both switches emit unique auditory sensations, the Roselle's tone is more understated and warm compared to the Rosewood’s fuller, impactful sound.
Regarding feel, the Roselle excels with its frictionless properties, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless typing experience. The combination of its special material blend ensures that the key presses glide fluidly, creating a typing experience that is remarkably mild and approachable for users of all levels. The Rosewood, however, does not boast specific descriptions in this area, leaving its tactile feedback to be assessed through personal experience. Therefore, while the Roselle's smoothness is a clear selling point, the Rosewood's feel remains an unknown variable until further investigated by the user.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Roselle and Akko Rosewood linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, making them appealing choices for different types of users. The Roselle shines with its smooth, low-pitched sound and frictionless feel, providing a refined experience, while the Rosewood stands out with its deeper, thocky sound directly out of the box. Each switch serves unique preferences, with the Roselle tailored for those who enjoy a subtle and smooth operation, whereas the Rosewood caters to individuals seeking more pronounced auditory feedback. Selecting between the two will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the HC Studio Roselle and the Akko Rosewood linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing requirements. If you prioritize a smooth, frictionless typing experience paired with a subtle, low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle switches may be ideal for you. Their medium-light actuation of 52 grams allows for comfortable, prolonged typing sessions without much strain, making them suitable for both work and leisure. Conversely, if you’re drawn to a more tactile acoustic experience, where each keystroke emits a deep, satisfying thock, the Rosewood switches would be your go-to choice. With a light actuation force of just 50 grams and a factory-applied lubricant that enhances sound, these switches can provide an enjoyable and responsive feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard, whether it be for gaming, professional tasks, or casual typing.
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