HC Studio Roselle vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the HC Studio Roselle and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer a unique typing experience worth considering. The Roselle is praised for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy sensation, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, the Sea Glass stands out with its captivating pastel colors and distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness during typing. While the Roselle is described as 'Bassy' and 'Frictionless', the Sea Glass is characterized by its 'Feathery' and 'Easy-to-press' feel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but each has its own unique qualities that may appeal to different preferences. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Durock Sea Glass offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The POM top housing of the Roselle creates a deeper and muted sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing produces a brighter and more pleasant sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the POM bottom housing of the Roselle shares similar qualities with its top housing, while the Sea Glass's blend offers a unique sound profile that is also on the brighter side.
While both the Roselle and Sea Glass switches have unique top and bottom housing materials, the impact of these materials on the switch's sound and feel depends on which part of the switch is being engaged. The qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent when pressing down on the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This means that the combination of top and bottom housing materials in each switch contributes to a dynamic typing experience with varying sound profiles throughout each keystroke.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Roselle and Sea Glass switches result in contrasting sound profiles and tactile feedback. The POM material in the Roselle creates a deeper and more muted sound overall, while the Sea Glass's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a brighter and more pleasant sound. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with unique characteristics attributed to their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Roselle and Sea Glass switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that there are differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium switch. This means that the Roselle requires less force to actuate but more force to bottom out compared to the Sea Glass. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Roselle may be the better choice. In contrast, those looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may lean towards the Sea Glass. Regardless of the differences in force, both switches offer a similar actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see that the Roselle has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Sea Glass which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored for quicker response times, especially by gamers. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant in terms of feel, but it could affect the overall typing experience subtly. Generally, if you prefer a slightly deeper key press, you may lean towards the Sea Glass with its longer travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more responsive and shallower key press, the Roselle may be the better option for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results from either one.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 low-pitched and bassy sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch provides a uniquely hollow sound signature, emanating a distinct dryness and airiness. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Roselle focusing on a deeper tone and the Sea Glass showcasing a more hollow and airy sound.
In terms of feel, both the Roselle and Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless and mild, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. Additionally, the Sea Glass switch is also described as feathery and easy-to-press, making it exceptionally light to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Roselle switch, however, is known for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance and smoothness, catering to users who prefer a light and effortless feel.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch each offer unique subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Roselle focuses on delivering a low-pitched and bassy sound profile with an extremely smooth and mild typing experience, the Sea Glass provides a hollow and airy sound signature with a feather-light and easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preference for sound and typing experience, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and wispy typing experience with a subtle sound signature, then the HC Studio Roselle linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a weightless feel that defies expectations and a distinct dryness and airiness in typing, then the Durock Sea Glass linear switch would be the better option. Both switches offer a frictionless and mild typing experience, but they vary in terms of bottom-out force, sound signature, and overall feel. Consider your preferences in bottom-out force, sound, and feel to determine which switch aligns better with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Roselle and Sea Glass switches will depend on what specific qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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