HC Studio Roselle vs. Jerrzi Salt Ice
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Jerrzi Salt Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, there are distinct qualities to consider. The Roselle is praised for its incredibly smooth and silky feel, attributed to its unique material blend that sets it apart. Additionally, users appreciate the subtle low-pitched sound that accompanies typing on Roselle switches. On the other hand, the Salt Ice switches are favored for their bright and clacky characteristics, providing a lively and responsive typing experience with a light touch. While the Roselle is known for its bassy and frictionless qualities, the Salt Ice offers a vibrant feedback during typing. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Jerrzi Salt Ice, we can see that they both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The Roselle features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Salt Ice uses a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials contributes to distinct auditory experiences when typing on each keyboard.
Despite having different housing materials for the top and bottom, both the Roselle and the Salt Ice share similarities in their sound profiles when it comes to their respective top housings. The POM top housing of the Roselle and the polycarbonate top housing of the Salt Ice both contribute to a unique sound signature that is influenced by the stiffness and resonance of the materials. Additionally, the use of clear polycarbonate in the top housing of the Salt Ice allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard.
In terms of tactile feedback, the choice of housing material for the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch is more pronounced, highlighting the importance of material selection for this component. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, emphasizing the role of material composition in creating a well-rounded typing experience. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Roselle and the Salt Ice contribute to unique sound profiles and tactile responses that cater to the preferences of different keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Roselle requires 52 grams while the Salt Ice force is unavailable. In terms of weight, the Roselle is considered medium-light, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, since the Salt Ice's bottom out force is unknown, it may not provide the same level of feedback for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quick response times. The Roselle offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the feel of the keystrokes.
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 Jerrzi Salt Ice has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Salt Ice for $2.30.
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 linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched experience, providing a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This gives a more mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches, creating a neutral sound suitable for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch is known for its bright and clacky characteristics, which provide a more vibrant feedback and a livelier typing experience. The sound produced by the Salt Ice switches is not explicitly described, but it is likely to be more high-pitched and energetic compared to the Roselles.
Moving on to the feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience. The switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless travel, minimizing any resistance or friction while pressing the keys. This results in a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Conversely, there is no specific information available about the tactile feel of the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch. However, based on the description of being bright and clacky, it can be assumed that the Salt Ice switches may offer a more crisp and responsive feedback compared to the Roselle switches.
Overall, both the HC Studio Roselle and Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Roselle switches are praised for their impossibly smooth and ethereal typing experience with a subtle low-pitched sound, while the Salt Ice switches stand out for their bright and clacky characteristics that offer a vibrant and responsive typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother, bassy typing experience or a brighter, more energetic one, you can choose between the Roselle and Salt Ice switches to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Jerrzi Salt Ice linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value an impossibly smooth and low-pitched sound profile with a medium-light bottom out force, then the Roselle switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a vibrant and clacky typing experience with bright feedback and no bottom out force, then the Salt Ice switch is the better choice for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences carefully to make the right decision for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal taste and typing style.
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