HC Studio Roselle vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the nuances between different options can significantly impact your typing experience. The HC Studio Roselle and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are both linear switches known for their smooth keystrokes, but they offer distinct characteristics that cater to varying preferences. The Roselle is celebrated for its unique material blend that provides an incredibly smooth and ethereal feel, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more refined auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its medium weight and thocky sound profile, delivering not only impressive smoothness but also a satisfying keypress that offers a bit more tactile character without crossing into tactile switch territory. While the Roselle is ideal for users seeking an almost whisper-like typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to those who prefer a robust auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are both made from POM (polyoxymethylene), which is renowned for its excellent acoustic properties and durability. Both switches utilize POM for their top and bottom housings, creating a consistent sound profile that is pleasing and unique to the user. With both models exhibiting a sound profile characterized as deeper and more muted, the POM material ensures that users experience a satisfying auditory feedback upon key presses. This similarity in material choice suggests that both switches will result in comparable auditory experiences when used in a keyboard, providing a cohesive sound atmosphere whether typing or gaming.
Despite the shared materiality of the POM housings, the Roselle and Sea Salt Smoothie switches may have variations in feel and performance based on their design specifics, such as stem shape, spring tension, and overall construction nuances. While the sound profile and material would fundamentally contribute to the quality of the auditory feedback, the interaction with the housing and other factors could influence how the user perceives each switch. Notably, the impact of the bottom housing has more significance during the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing shapes the sound upon release. Consequently, even with the same material, users may notice subtle differences in the tactile experience when using either switch.
In conclusion, while the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie share the same POM housing material, leading to consistent sound characteristics, the overall sensory experience may still diverge due to other design elements. Users can expect a similar depth and muted quality in sound from both switches, making them potentially interchangeable in applications where sound is a critical factor. However, the distinct construction details will ultimately dictate the tactile feedback and overall satisfaction, underscoring the importance of considering not just material but also the unique attributes each switch offers.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Roselle switch features a medium-light actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to press, while the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This difference implies that typists or gamers seeking a lighter feel might favor the Roselle for extended use, reducing fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier actuation of the Sea Salt Smoothie could provide a more substantial typing experience, which some users prefer. Regarding their bottom out forces, the Roselle has a measurable bottom out force of 52 grams, but the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom out force remains unknown. This uncertainty leaves users curious about the Sea Salt Smoothie's overall feel when bottoming out. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch, the HC Studio Roselle is your best bet, whereas the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a heavier option, catering to those who appreciate a firmer push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the Roselle measures 3.6 mm while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This 0.1 mm difference means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Roselle would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate this quicker actuation for enhanced performance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper press, as it provides a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the intended use, whether for gaming or typing.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 presents a subtle and low-pitched audio profile that can be characterized as bassy and neutral. This attribute contributes to a deeper and richer sound that tends to produce a more mellow tone during typing, making it suitable for various environments without being overly disruptive. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is labeled as having a thocky sound profile, which typically implies a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. While the exact description of its sound profile is lacking, the thocky nature suggests a firmer sound that may stand out compared to the Roselle's more subtle acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Roselle switch boasts an incredibly frictionless typing experience, which offers a smooth and effortless action when typing. This allows for a fluid travel that minimizes any sensation of resistance and enhances the overall typing experience. The mild character of the switch further makes it approachable for various users, maintaining a balance that doesn’t overwhelm with pronounced characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie lacks specific descriptors for its feel, leaving some uncertainty around its tactile feedback and overall typing experience. However, any inherent smoothness associated with its POM construction may provide a nice typing experience that could be comparable to the Roselle.
In summary, while both the HC Studio Roselle and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches are designed to deliver smooth typing experiences, they offer distinct sound signatures and subjective qualities. The Roselle excels with its subtle, low-pitched, and bassy tones, alongside a frictionless feel, making it a versatile choice. Conversely, the Smoothie’s thocky sound profile may appeal to those who prefer more pronounced auditory feedback, while its tactile qualities remain uncertain. Users looking for a smooth typing experience will be satisfied with both options, but their distinct sound profiles and feel characteristics can guide newcomers in choosing a switch that best suits their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you're looking for a switch that offers an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound, the Roselle's medium-light 52-gram bottom-out force makes it an appealing option. Its unique material blend ensures frictionless key presses, resulting in a fluid travel that many users find satisfying for both casual and professional use. On the other hand, if you value a medium-weight switch that delivers a more thocky sound profile while still maintaining high-quality smoothness at a competitive price, the Sea Salt Smoothie may suit you better. While its bottom-out force is less defined, the Smoothie is celebrated for its balance of sound and feel, making it excellent for typists who enjoy a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback without sacrificing smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your personal typing style, whether you prioritize the airy, quiet response of the Roselles or the rich, tactile experience offered by the Sea Salt Smoothies.
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