HC Studio Roselle vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Roselle stands out for its unmatched smoothness that comes from the material blend, creating a sensation that feels impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy. Additionally, the subtle, low-pitched sound signature adds a touch of sophistication to typing on these switches. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon impresses with its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to the progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. While both switches share characteristics such as being low-pitched and offering a mild and neutral typing feel, they each have their own distinct qualities that may appeal to different users. 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
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle housing materials offer a unique sound profile with the POM top and bottom housings creating a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches feature a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon switches, on the other hand, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Roselle's POM bottom housing. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, with the Roselle prioritizing a deeper tone while the Sea Salt Lemon focuses on a crisper and sharper sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the Sea Salt Lemon's top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, creating a visually appealing experience. The clear housing of polycarbonate is a defining feature of the Sea Salt Lemon switches, making them stand out in terms of appearance. In contrast, the Roselle's POM top housing may not offer the same level of translucency or light transmission, but still provides a unique and pleasing sound profile. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon switches absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Roselle's POM bottom housing.
Overall, the choice between the HC Studio Roselle and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and aesthetics. The Roselle switches excel in providing a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a sharper and crisper tone with the use of polycarbonate in the top housing. Both switches demonstrate the impact that housing materials can have on the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Whether seeking a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, more resonant tone, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making it easy to get similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Roselle has a lighter force of 52 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams, making the Roselle slightly easier to fully press down. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Roselle may be the preferred choice, while the Sea Salt Lemon may be better suited for those who prefer a slightly stronger push for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user's typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Roselle. The Roselle's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits, so selecting the one that best fits your typing style and needs will result in a satisfying typing 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
When it comes to sound, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy characteristics, offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch also exhibits a low-pitched sound profile, which is mellow and bass-heavy. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of users and settings. However, the Roselle may have a slightly more pronounced low-pitched sound compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless typing experience, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance or friction. This results in a fluid and seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is also described as providing a mild typing experience, which is gentle and approachable to most users. Both switches fall within the middle-ground zone in terms of feel, ensuring a comfortable and non-fatiguing typing experience.
Overall, both the HC Studio Roselle and KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches offer high-quality typing experiences with smooth and gentle key presses. While the Roselle may have a slightly more pronounced low-pitched sound and an extremely frictionless feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a mild feel. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch would be a great choice for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, if you enjoy one, you may find similar enjoyment with the other due to their comparable qualities in the linear switch category.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force and a unique, impossibly smooth typing experience with a subtle low-pitched sound signature, the HC Studio Roselle would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design, along with a medium-light bottom out force and a mellow low-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be the perfect fit for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct characteristics, so it really comes down to your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a keyboard switch.
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