HC Studio Roselle vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Roselle is praised for its exceptionally smooth feel and subtle, low-pitched sound when typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its affordable price point without sacrificing quality, providing a thocky sound and remarkable smoothness. While the Roselle leans towards a more neutral and frictionless experience, the Smoothie offers a buttery and creamy typing sensation. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted. This similarity suggests that users can expect similar acoustic experiences when typing on either switch. The POM material used in both switches is known for its smooth and durable qualities, contributing to a satisfying typing experience for users seeking a premium feel.
However, despite their shared POM housing material, the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie may still offer subtle differences in terms of overall sound and feel. The distribution of the housing materials between the top and bottom components of the switches can impact the typing experience. For instance, the bottom housing of a switch tends to influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing may have more influence on the sound when a key is released. These nuanced differences could be a consideration for users who prioritize specific typing characteristics in their mechanical keyboards.
In conclusion, while the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie share the same POM housing material, the distribution of this material within the switches may lead to slight variations in the overall typing experience. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that leans towards deeper tones and muted sounds, appealing to users looking for a more refined typing experience. Whether choosing the Roselle or the Smoothie, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with smooth, durable POM housings that contribute to a premium feel and sound quality.
Weight
In comparing the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Roselle is the heavier option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Smoothie is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Roselle provides a medium-light typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel, whereas the Smoothie offers a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to press the key all the way down. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches as they both offer a consistent typing experience with identical travel distances. Users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and travel distance when using either the HC Studio Roselle or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 is known for its subtle, low-pitched sound signature that delivers a bassy and neutral tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and subdued sound profile that produces a deep, rich, and satisfying thud when pressed. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience, with the Roselle offering a more mellow sound compared to the Smoothie's thocky texture.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is praised for its frictionless and mild typing experience, providing an effortless and smooth keystroke without any resistance or friction. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offers a buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation, giving a seamless and uniform typing experience that feels like gliding fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Roselle being more gentle and approachable while the Smoothie provides a luxurious and silky feel.
Overall, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch each bring their own unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Roselle provides a mellow and mild typing experience with a low-pitched and bassy sound signature, the Smoothie offers a rich thocky sound and buttery, creamy, and silky typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer exceptional performance that will elevate your typing experience to new heights.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smoother and lighter typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force and enjoy a subtle, low-pitched sound signature, the HC Studio Roselle switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a thocky sound profile, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch without compromising on quality, the Gateron Smoothie switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, whether you value a frictionless and mild feel or a buttery, creamy, and silky typing experience, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your overall mechanical keyboard usage. Make your decision based on what qualities align best with your typing preferences and enjoy the tactile experience each switch has to offer.
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