HC Studio Roselle vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Roselle is praised for its unparalleled smoothness and ethereal feel, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature when typing. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its lightning-fast actuation due to its short travel distance, thocky sound, and feather-light touch. While the Roselle is characterized by being 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', the Smoothie Silver's specific categorization is not provided. These general descriptions provide a starting point for considering which switch might best suit your typing preferences; 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Silver both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile with a deeper tone and relatively muted sound. This similarity in housing materials means that both switches are likely to provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, if there are any differences in the manufacturing process or design of the housings, there may be slight variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, the bottom housing of a switch plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing the key. This means that the POM bottom housing of both the Roselle and Smoothie Silver switches will heavily influence the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound, whereas the POM top housing will contribute to the sound when the key is released. If there are any differences in the design or material composition of the top and bottom housings between the two switches, this could result in subtle variations in the typing experience.
Overall, the housing materials of the HC Studio Roselle and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are likely to provide a consistent typing experience with a focus on deep, muted sound profiles. The use of POM material for both the top and bottom housing ensures a unique sound and feel when typing on these switches. While differences in the manufacturing process or design may lead to slight variations in the typing experience, the overall qualities of the housing materials will contribute to a satisfying and consistent typing experience for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Roselle switch has a bottom out force of 52 grams indicating a slightly heavier feel, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Roselle switch falls into the medium-light category, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch's force is not specified, making it difficult to determine whether it is lighter or heavier. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces for a typing experience that is either lighter and more responsive or heavier and more substantial.
Travel distance
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Roselle has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Smoothie Silver. The Roselle's 3.6 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth when typing or gaming, which may be preferred by those who like a more substantial feel when pressing keys. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter, offering a quicker and more responsive typing experience that may be favored by gamers looking for faster response times. Overall, both switches offer similar performance, with the main difference lying in the slight variation in travel distance. Whether you prefer the shorter or longer travel distance will ultimately depend on your personal typing preferences and habits.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
When it comes to sound, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch is notably described as having a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not described in terms of sound characteristics. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Roselle is known for providing a frictionless and mild typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless sensation while typing. This switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction, providing a fluid key travel. As for the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch, there is no specific description available regarding its tactile feel. It is important to note that how a switch feels during typing is subjective and can vary based on personal preference.
In conclusion, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch stands out for its smoothness and low-pitched sound profile, which can provide a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, but specific details on its feel are not provided. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. It's worth considering how these switches will complement your overall keyboard setup to achieve the desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering the HC Studio Roselle linear switch versus the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you would want to choose the Roselle if you value a medium-light bottom out force, extremely smooth and ethereal typing sensation, and a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. The Roselle is ideal for those who prefer a frictionless and mild typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be the better choice if you prioritize a switch with no specified bottom out force, lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force when selecting between these two linear switches.
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