HC Studio Roselle vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the HC Studio Roselle and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g stand out as two exceptional linear options that cater to distinct preferences. The Roselle is celebrated for its luxuriously smooth keystrokes, where the blend of materials provides an almost ethereal feeling, coupled with a subtle low-pitched sound that adds a unique character to every tap. This makes it an excellent choice for typists seeking a balance of tactile enjoyment and quiet operation without the need for additional lubrication. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g excels in delivering a whisper-quiet experience akin to gentle raindrops, perfect for those who prioritize stealth in their typing environment but still desire a satisfying keystroke with its well-balanced 53g bottom-out force. While both switches are designed for a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, their distinct sound profiles and actuation forces may appeal to different types of 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
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
The HC Studio Roselle features a POM top housing, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a nylon top housing. Both materials are known for their ability to produce a deeper sound profile, albeit through slightly different mechanisms. The POM housing of the Roselle is noted for generating a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards a muted quality. Similarly, the nylon material used in the Silent Sakura's top housing absorbs sound better than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. While the specific sound characteristics may differ slightly due to the inherent properties of the materials, users of both switches can expect to enjoy a rich, deep sound profile.
On the bottom housing front, the Roselle maintains a POM composition, while the Silent Sakura employs polycarbonate, contributing to distinct sound experiences. The POM bottom housing provides a muted and pleasing sound, ideal for those seeking a subtler auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Sakura is designed to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiff plastic composition, which enhances clarity and resonance. This divergence highlights how the combination of materials affects the overall sound profile; however, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences among users.
In terms of overall performance, while the HC Studio Roselle and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilize different materials for both their top and bottom housings, the results can be similar enough to satisfy users of either switch. The POM and nylon top housings provide a deep and muted sound profile that encourages pleasant typing experiences, while the distinct sounds created by the POM and polycarbonate bottom housings contribute to a broader range of auditory effects. Therefore, users should appreciate that despite the different materials, the end product in each case can deliver a pleasing auditory feedback, making both switches appealing to various preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it is interesting to note their actuation forces. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that users will experience a similarly light touch required to register a keystroke on either switch, making them suitable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces diverge slightly, with the Roselle switch featuring a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Silent Sakura boasts a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that although the initial actuation requires the same force, the Silent Sakura will feel marginally more substantial when fully pressed down. Overall, the Roselle switch is the lighter of the two based on its bottom out force, while the Silent Sakura, with its slightly heavier bottom out, offers a firmer tactile experience for those who prefer a more substantial feel during use.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that the Silent Sakura switch offers a more traditional feel with a slightly deeper actuation, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience when typing. In contrast, the Roselle switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, making it potentially a better choice for gamers seeking quicker actuation. Ultimately, the Roselle is the shorter option, while the Silent Sakura is the longer one, allowing users to select based on their preferences for key travel in their 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 - 53g comes in at $3.50 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 comparing the sound profile of the HC Studio Roselle switch to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, the Roselle distinctly stands out with its subtle, low-pitched sound signature that is characterized as bassy and neutral. This deeper, mellower tone offers a rich auditory experience that many typists may find pleasing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura is engineered specifically for a whisper-quiet operation, providing an unobtrusive typing experience akin to soft raindrops. While the Sakura's sound details are less defined than the Roselle's, it is clear that both switches cater to different preferences, with the Roselle offering depth and richness, and the Silent Sakura focusing on silence.
In terms of feel, the Roselle linear switch excels in providing a frictionless and smooth typing experience, allowing for fluid keystrokes that require minimal effort. The gentle, mild characteristics of the switch make it accessible to typists of all skill levels. This smooth and pleasant tactile experience can lead to prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g lacks a defined description for its feel attribute. However, its emphasis on a balanced bottom-out force suggests a satisfying yet light keystroke, which may offer a refined typing sensation similar to the Roselle in terms of comfort while maintaining its unique softness.
In conclusion, both the HC Studio Roselle and HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences aimed at different user preferences. The Roselle provides a rich and deep sound with an incredibly smooth feel, ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. The Silent Sakura, with its whisper-quiet design, is perfect for users who enjoy a light keystroke without noticeable sound. While the Roselle shines in both sound and feel, the Silent Sakura brings its unique value through its silent operation. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize auditory richness or quiet typing, keeping in mind that the feel and sound experience can be influenced by your keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences for feel, sound, and typing environment. If you seek an incredibly smooth and airy typing experience with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, then the Roselle is the ideal choice for you. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a nuanced acoustic profile and favor a frictionless, gentle touch while typing. On the other hand, if you desire a meticulously engineered switch that prioritizes a whisper-quiet experience without sacrificing tactile satisfaction, the Silent Sakura - 53g will serve you well. Its slightly higher bottom out force can provide just enough resistance to enhance your typing control, all while maintaining a serene atmosphere that is particularly beneficial in shared spaces or during late-night sessions. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your unique typing style, sound preferences, and the environments in which you plan to use your keyboard.
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