HC Studio Roselle vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, typing style, and the desired auditory experience. The HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out for its incredibly smooth actuation and subtle low-pitched sound signature, creating a typing feel that is not only frictionless but also sonically pleasing. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a tactile yet serene typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offers an ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle touch while typing. With its whisper-quiet operation, it provides an almost ethereal typing ambiance, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night sessions. While both switches showcase their unique strengths—whether it's the Roselle's exquisite smoothness and mild audio or the Silent Sakura's tranquil feel and quiet performance—each caters to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, there are notable differences between their respective components. The Roselle features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top and bottom housing, which contributes to a unique sound profile characterized as deeper and more muted. This quality can make for a softer typing experience, as POM is known to absorb sound waves effectively, thus minimizing the sharpness associated with harder materials. In contrast, the Silent Sakura-43g employs nylon for its top housing, which is known as a classic choice that similarly yields a deeper and fuller sound. While both switches offer a muted sound profile, the nuance lies in the softness of nylon compared to POM, which creates a distinct typing experience despite their similarities.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges significantly. The Roselle maintains POM for its bottom housing, which complements its deep and unique sound character, allowing for a consistently muted feel at the bottom-out stage of the keystroke. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 43g opts for polycarbonate in the bottom housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer material that provides a sharper, crisper sound profile. This innate resonance alters the overall tactile experience because it creates a more pronounced feedback when bottoming out. Consequently, when pressed, the Silent Sakura may deliver a more lively response compared to the Roselle's subdued delivery—a divergence that directly stems from the choice of bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, while both switches can produce deeper sound profiles, the distinctions in housing materials between the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer unique results tailored to different preferences. If one were to pair the POM top of the Roselle with the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Sakura or vice versa, they could achieve a hybrid experience that combines the qualities of each material, thus yielding an enveloping typing sound that marries the muted tones of POM with the sharper, crisper traits of polycarbonate. The interaction between the two switches showcases the importance of housing material in the overall acoustics and tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards, catering to users with varying sound preferences.
Weight
The actuation and bottom out forces of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch showcase notable differences that cater to various typing preferences. The Roselle switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, making it a medium-light option that provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users may favor for tactile feedback. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g boasts a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. With these specifications, the Roselle is the heavier switch, while the Silent Sakura is the lighter choice. Consequently, users seeking more pronounced feedback and a stronger push may lean towards the Roselle, whereas those looking for comfort and ease may opt for the Silent Sakura, resulting in a distinctly different typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Roselle features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura - 43g has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Roselle offers a shorter travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive feel for quick key presses, often favored by gamers. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance of 4 mm provides a more traditional and hearty key press experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Overall, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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
In terms of sound, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch produces a subtle, low-pitched tone that can be described as bassy, contributing to a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. This sound signature, characterized by its mellow tones, makes it enjoyable for users who appreciate a more rounded acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 43g was designed to deliver a whisper-quiet operation, akin to the lightly soothing sound of raindrops. This quieter experience is particularly suited for typists seeking a serene environment without the distraction commonly associated with louder key presses.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Roselle stands out for its frictionless typing experience, allowing for a fluid travel that minimizes resistance and enhances overall typing comfort. It also provides a mild sensation, making it approachable for users of all skill levels. Meanwhile, while the feel of the Silent Sakura - 43g is not specifically defined, its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force suggests that it should provide a gentler typing experience as well, appealing to those who prefer less effort when pressing keys.
Overall, both the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g are tailored toward providing an enjoyable typing experience, albeit through slightly different auditory and tactile profiles. The Roselle excels in offering a rich and smooth sound combined with an effortless feel, while the Silent Sakura - 43g aims for an ultra-quiet and light touch that will appeal to gentle typists. Each switch has its unique strengths, making them appealing to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, and users may find similarities in the overall typing experience depending on their specific board and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you find joy in a smooth and slightly bassy typing experience, with a medium-light bottom-out force of 52 grams, the Roselle would likely suit you well. Its unique material blend offers an exceptionally frictionless feel, making it perfect for longer typing sessions, especially when you appreciate a subtle sound profile that doesn't disrupt your surroundings. On the other hand, if your priority leans toward a softer, quieter experience with minimal effort—thanks to the light 43g bottom-out force—the Silent Sakura might be your best choice. Its whisper-quiet operation and gentle key presses are ideal for shared workspaces or quiet environments where noise levels are a concern. In essence, your choice should hinge on whether you favor a more dynamic and tactile feedback from the Roselle or a serene and subtle touch from the Silent Sakura.
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