HC Studio Roselle vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that set them apart. The Roselle switch is renowned for its incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing sensation, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, all while maintaining a muted sound profile. While the Roselle switch excels in providing a frictionless and low-pitched typing experience, the Silent Brown switch stands out for its buttery and polished tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Partial box
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 TTC Silent Brown switches offer distinct characteristics that impact the sound profile and feel of the keys. The Roselle features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown uses a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The difference in materials leads to contrasting auditory experiences for users, with the Roselle providing a more subdued sound compared to the Silent Brown's more vibrant tones.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Roselle utilizes POM material, offering a similar deep and muted sound profile as its top housing. On the other hand, the Silent Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a fuller and deeper sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Roselle. These variations in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound quality of each switch, adding diversity to the user's preferences based on sound preferences.
While the Roselle and Silent Brown switches feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the impact of each material on the sound profile and feel of the keys is significant. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the keys, with POM providing a subdued sound on the Roselle and nylon offering a fuller sound on the Silent Brown. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, with POM creating a deeper sound on the Roselle and polycarbonate delivering a sharper tone on the Silent Brown. Despite their differences, both switches provide unique typing experiences based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Roselle has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent Brown. The Roselle has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light switch. On the other hand, the Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the Roselle will provide a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Brown will offer a more substantial push feel. Both switches have the same actuation force but differ in bottom out force, ultimately resulting in varying typing experiences for users.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Roselle has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Brown. If you prefer faster response times and a more responsive feel, the Roselle may be the better option for you due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel, the Silent Brown with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether you prioritize a quicker response or a more substantial keypress feel.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 has a low-pitched and bassy profile, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Roselle delivering a more bass-heavy tone and the Silent Brown providing a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, offering an incredibly smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is described as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and uniform typing sensation that is easy on the fingers. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience, with the Roselle emphasizing a frictionless travel and the Silent Brown emphasizing a polished and refined finish for smooth key travel.
Overall, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out for its unique smoothness and low-pitched sound signature, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a deep and rich typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable and muted typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, catering to those who prefer a quieter and more buttery typing sensation. Ultimately, both switches provide excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, with the Roselle focusing on smoothness and sound, and the Silent Brown focusing on comfort and quietness.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that provides an impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the HC Studio Roselle linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, then the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize smoothness and a unique sound profile (Roselle) or comfortable tactility and a quiet typing experience (Silent Brown). Consider your personal typing preferences and environment when choosing between these two switches.
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