HC Studio Roselle vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the HC Studio Roselle and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HC Studio Roselle and SP-Star Duck offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Roselle is celebrated for its incredibly smooth and ethereally wispy typing feel, accompanied by a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. In contrast, the Duck provides a more understated tactile typing experience, with a clean and crispy sound profile. While the Roselle is characterized by its 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Low-pitched' attributes, the Duck is recognized for being 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Buttery'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother and bassy typing experience with the Roselle or a subtler and buttery tactile feel with the Duck. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
52g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Standard
Stem material
Y3
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The HC Studio Roselle and the SP-Star Duck both feature top and bottom housings made of different materials, with the Roselle utilizing POM for both and the Duck using polycarbonate. The POM top and bottom housings of the Roselle create a deep and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the Duck produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material results in a distinct sound experience for each switch, catering to different preferences in keyboard sound and feel.
While the Roselle and Duck switches may have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that are a result of the specific properties of POM and polycarbonate. The POM housings of the Roselle create a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side, while the polycarbonate housings of the Duck offer a clearer and more resonant sound due to the stiffness of the plastic. Despite the differences in sound, both switches provide a quality typing experience that can be tailored to individual preferences based on the housing material used.
Ultimately, the choice between the HC Studio Roselle and the SP-Star Duck comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The Roselle's POM housings offer a deeper and more muted sound experience, while the Duck's polycarbonate housings provide a sharper and crisper typing sound. Whether you prefer the softer tones of POM or the more resonant sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that can be customized to suit your individual preferences. By understanding the unique qualities of each housing material, you can make an informed decision on which switch is best suited for your typing needs.
Weight
The HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Duck switch is heavier with 58 grams required compared to the Roselle's 52 grams. This means that the Roselle switch may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the Duck switch is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences in switch weight.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Roselle has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Duck's 4 mm travel distance. The Roselle offers a quicker response time, making it a favorite among gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Duck's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feeling when typing, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. Both switches offer a distinct feel due to their travel distance, with the Roselle being the shorter option and the Duck being slightly longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 Roselle linear switch is best described as having a deep, bassy tone with a low-pitched sound profile. This creates a rich and mellow typing experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is clean and crispy, providing a more subtle and gentle typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant sound profile that is suitable for various preferences, but the Roselle offers a deeper and richer tone compared to the Duck.
In terms of feel, the Roselle linear switch is known for its frictionless and mild typing experience, providing an extremely smooth and effortless keypress with a gentle feel. This switch offers a fluid travel that minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when typing. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch also offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users, but it is characterized by a buttery and polished feel. This means that the Duck switch provides a smooth and polished typing sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, with the Roselle focusing on a frictionless feel and the Duck emphasizing a buttery and polished sensation.
Overall, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer different but equally satisfying typing experiences. The Roselle excels in providing a deep, bassy sound profile with a smooth, frictionless feel, ideal for those who enjoy a rich and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switch delivers a clean and crispy sound profile with a buttery and polished feel, catering to users who prefer a more subtle and gentle typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches will provide a high-quality typing experience that is sure to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the HC Studio Roselle linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, you should consider the characteristics that best suit your typing preferences. If you value an incredibly smooth and whisper-like typing experience with a subtle low-pitched sound, the Roselle may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactile feedback with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch would be more fitting. Additionally, if you appreciate a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, the Roselle is the better option, while the Duck offers a more neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a frictionless and mild typing feel like the Roselle or a mild, buttery, and polished typing feel like the Duck. Consider these factors to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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