HC Studio Roselle vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the Kailh Sage offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Roselle is admired for its exceptionally smooth and frictionless feel, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a mild and neutral typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage stands out for its clicky nature, providing a hefty typing sensation with a sharp and invigorating clickiness that some users find satisfying. While choosing between these two switches may seem straightforward based on these general descriptions, diving deeper into their specific attributes and characteristics will help you make the best decision for your personal typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Kailh Sage differ significantly in terms of the top and bottom housings. While the Roselle utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile, the Sage features polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Sage creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile with a rounder tone.
In terms of sound profiles, the POM housings of the Roselle and the nylon bottom housing of the Sage both contribute to a deeper and more muted sound experience. However, the polycarbonate top housing of the Sage offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, contrasting with the POM top housing of the Roselle. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches with RGB lighting, highlighting its aesthetic appeal compared to the solid POM housing of the Roselle.
Ultimately, the choice between the HC Studio Roselle and the Kailh Sage housing materials comes down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. While both offer unique qualities in their housing materials, such as deeper tones with POM and sharper sounds with polycarbonate, they cater to different preferences in typing experience. Whether you prefer a more muted sound with POM or a crisper sound with polycarbonate, each switch offers a distinct typing experience based on its housing materials.
Weight
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Roselle has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sage, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Roselle has a heavier bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Sage has a higher bottom out force of 70 grams. The Roselle switch is more geared towards those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Sage switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push force. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
Both the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience a consistent distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness. Since both switches have identical travel distances, there is no difference in this aspect between the HC Studio Roselle and Kailh Sage switches.
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 Sage 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 HC Studio Roselle linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deeper and richer typing experience. The subtle, low-pitched sound signature adds a touch of elegance to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch provides a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The sharp clickiness of the Sage switch adds a level of auditory satisfaction that some users may find invigorating. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the HC Studio Roselle switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience. The frictionless nature of the switch makes typing effortless, while the mild characteristic offers a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp typing sensation. The sharp tactile bump on the Sage switch provides strong feedback with each keypress, creating a more pronounced and reactive feel for users seeking a tactile experience.
Overall, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and Kailh Sage clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Roselle switch provides a smoother and bassier typing sound with a frictionless feel, the Sage switch delivers a crisp and crunchy sound with an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, as both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for different users.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should consider your typing preferences. If you prefer a smooth and subtle typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the Roselle switch would be a great choice. The Roselle provides a unique sensation that is appreciated for its smoothness and low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Sage switch would be more suitable. The Sage switches are known for their distinct clicky sound and heavy weight, providing a crunchy and invigorating typing feel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and a lighter touch with the Roselle, or prefer a tactile and clicky experience with the Sage.
Mentioned in this article
